We woke to a bright but frosty morning, full of wide eyed enthusiasm for our road trip. We’re still learning to travel with our littlest Inspiration and so the gargantuan task of loading the car started early to ensure we remembered everything. I’m figuring, at some point, we’ll get it down to a fine art but, until then, we take everything and the kitchen sink, just to be on the safe side.
Pickering isn’t a million miles from where we live but you can just feel the difference within 15 minutes of leaving our village. The undulating countryside of North Yorkshire is breath taking and the roads start to wind, twist and climb high. The tree line gets more dense and the fluffy white sheep multiply.
We arrived at Noelle’s Cottages with a mind to dumping the stuff and getting out to explore but we were greeted by a property that wouldn’t look out of place on Grand Designs. The Barn was all mezzanine floors, vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and underfloor heating.
We set to work on taking in every nook and cranny, from our large bedroom suite in the eaves, with the most enormous bed. To the private wing at the other end of the house that can be closed off from the large open plan space, complete with its own cosy log burner. The bottle of red wine left in the kitchen was a nice welcoming touch.
We were told it was one of three very different properties set within a couple of acres of stunning gardens. Curiosity got the better of us, as usual, and off we went to find The Applestore and The Coach House.
The former being the archetypal country stone cottage. 
Boasting a gorgeous bathroom on stilts, it had picture windows looking into the tree canopy. Unlike our very contemporary lodgings, it was more traditional country casual decoration, with rustic wood everywhere and cosy plaid blankets strewn over armchairs. It felt like just the place to while away several hours with a good book and a cosy fire.
The Coach House oozed country charm as well and being more private than the rest had a dining room with French doors that opened onto a private garden. I couldn’t help but think it would be a lovely spot to gather the family for a Sunday roast on a cold day. It would be perfect at Christmas, as the full clan could hire all three cottages and take turns hosting. Absolute bliss!
After our nosiness had been satisfied (who doesn’t love snooping around properties?), we made our way back to The Barn to freshen up before dinner.
All three of Noelle’s Cottages were a country dream and who knows, we may return one day to stay in one of the others. I know lots of people do.
Low season prices are still in effect until the 23rd of March, so think of us for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway or a last minute Half Term break with the kids!
Noelle’s Cottages.
Middleton Hall,
Pickering,
North Yorkshire,
YO18 8NX
T: 01751 472 283
For more details visit the website here.
Visit The Inspiration Highway Blog here
