Esk House

Built in 1855 in Whitby’s beating heart, this lovely four-storey town house is the perfect base for your North Yorkshire coastal and moorland adventures. Explore Whitby’s winding lanes, the famous 199 steps leading up to St Mary’s Church and the dramatic ruined Abbey that inspired a classic novel. Savour Whitby’s famous kippers, buy a jet keepsake and revel in the many independent pubs, shops and eateries of this little Eden. Run wild on West Cliff’s wide sandy beach (1 mile) or walk dogs on the sheltered sands at Tate Hill (0.5 miles), over the Swing Bridge. Jump on a steam train to Pickering (21 miles) to explore its medieval castle and Saxon church, and gorgeous Goathland (9 miles), set amidst the sublime North Yorkshire Moors. Discover the hilltop ruins of Scarborough Castle (20 miles), and the mazy lanes of Robin Hood’s Bay (6 miles). Book a whale-watching boat trip from Whitby and find rare wildlife at Ellerburn Bank Nature Reserve (19 miles).

Through the private, walled front garden, climb six steps to the front gate, and three to the front door. Inside you’ll find the spacious hallway with its original tiles and umbrella stand, coat hangers and shoe rack. Enter the welcoming ground-floor lounge and gather on leather sofas round the flickering wood burner for a relaxing evening in front of the TV. The bay window is a great place for sunny breakfasts and afternoon tea too, gazing out over the garden, marina and river. Prepare great meals in the well-equipped kitchen/diner with its central oak-topped island. Two steps up and you’ll find the utility/drying room. Take a soak in the ground floor bathroom’s steaming tub or use the over-bath shower. There are stairs to a half-landing with a grandfather clock and easy chair. On the first-floor you’ll find the first double bedroom, with original feature fireplace and en-suite bathroom, with a power shower over the bath, ornate mirror and WC; there’s also a lounge with its 3-4 seater sofa, foot stool and pouffe and chairs in which to enjoy the wall-mounted 4K TV with Netflix around the grand marble fireplace and its large, glowing wood burner; its bay window has spectacular views over the marina to Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s church. There are stairs to a half-landing, with its monk’s bench. The second floor has two more bedrooms; one zip and link king-size bed, and an en-suite with a large power shower and WC; plus one king-size bedroom with super views over the marina and an en suite with shower and WC. The soothing attic room is the house’s crowning glory, with its double bed, single bed and en suite with shower and WC.

In the front, spill out onto the private, walled garden with a southeast-facing sun-terrace, boasting river and marina views; find the rear, hedge-enclosed patio for sunny snacks and soirees, or a drink before bed; unwind on the garden seating amidst hanging baskets and planters of flowers and culinary herbs. There are also the facilities here for covered clothes drying, cleaning boots and bikes, and bike and kayak storage.