ian@highdalbyhouse.com


01751 460001

 

About High Dalby House

High Dalby House had humble origins as a single roomed 17th century farmhouse. The Boddy family farmed the land for over 250 years during which time the house was periodically extended. In the 1930’s the property was first used to offer holidays and at that time there was a tennis court created in the area that later became a horse ménage and is now the wild flower and observation area.In the 1940s the Forestry Commission bought the house and used it to accommodate their senior officers, before selling it on to newspaper magnate Sir Meredith Whittaker in 1956.He and his wife undertook major works,including the installation of electricity, to create a country house.

The owners previous to us bought it in 2010 making alterations and improvements to welcome guests. We bought the property in March 2018 and have continued to further improve the property and the site undertaking new landscaping and conversion of semi-derelict buildings into new facilities.

Whilst we continue to offer holidays, our vision is to refine the direction of our home to exploit its private location, luxurious ambience and restful welcoming atmosphere to offer retreats, Holidays and Holydays.

Offering an extremely warm welcome in an unrivalled location High Dalby House is the perfect get away and the special welcome and atmosphere of peace and tranquillity as you step through the gates makes this is a place for guests to press the pause button, reflect, re-calibrate and recreate themselves.

As well as the truly awesome opportunities to explore the surroundings, our Quiet Garden provides a true retreat, however you may wish to define or experience it. We can offer bespoke retreat experiences, guided, reflective, spiritual, practical or creative; just contact us to tailor your break to your needs

All guests are at liberty to roam the grounds, take woodland walks and enjoy the outdoor space. Stretch out on our south facing patio, engage in wildlife observationand at night, gaze at the stars. You may find inspiration to write, meditate, paint, weave willow, take photographs, or simply sit by the lake or stream where you may catch a glimpse of kingfisher or otter.

High Dalby House and cottages also present a magnificent venue for your exclusive use, prayer group,family celebration, house party, business meeting, symposium, for parties of up to 15 guests.

What we’ve done

Since arriving here at High Dalby, and taking responsibility for stewardship of its inspiring grounds and buildings we have not rested on our laurels but have sought, as those before us have done, to further enhance the facilities and setting.

We started by creating separate space for us to relax in thereby making a second very special lounge with log burning stove and large screen TV available to guests. During 2020/21 lockdown we were able to repaint throughout the house and cottages, to refit the cottages and to carry out extensive works in the grounds.

We have converted an existing building creating the Hermitage with its chapel, leisure facilities, decked area and outdoor kitchen, utility/drying room and bike store.

The overgrown ménage has been drained and built up creating the wildflower are with dark skies observatory, summer house/reading room and the standing sculptural tree.

Decked walkways have been introduced along with many handrails, a decked seating created alongside the beck, other new seating areas created for quiet reflection and observation, new bridges have been built over various springs and streams.

The tennis court has been converted into a purpose designed labyrinth for prayer and mindful walking and a fire pit built for gatherings.

Amongst all of this you’ll find commissioned pieces of art work that seek to tell something of the story of our life and faith

High Dalby House & Cottages Dalby Forest Drive, Dalby Forest, Thornton-le-Dale, Pickering. North Yorkshire. YO18 7LP. Tel: 01751 460001 Email: ian@highdalbyhouse.com
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