The Cottage

DUNROAMIN

Built in 1820, Dunroamin, like many other cottages in Staithes, originally served as a fisherman's home. Situated in the heart of the old village, on a quiet cobbled alley which runs between the High Street and the Beck, it is less than a minute's walk to the local deli and a couple of minutes to the beach and harbour. Lovingly restored to provide a marriage of old and new: exposed sandstone walls and original early 19th century beams welcome the modernity of a multi-fuel burner and bijoux fitted kitchen/diner.

The middle cottage of a terrace of three Grade II listed buildings, built from local sandstone and with a traditional pan tile roof, ​Dunroamin is a home away from home, a hideout and a cosy base to enjoy after a day out exploring the Jurassic coast or trekking the North York moors. And when the sun shines, unwind in our south-facing enclosed front yard; an ideal sunny spot for breakfast, lunch or pre-dinner drinks. 

The Village

STAITHES

Named "one of Britain's 20 most beautiful seaside villages" (The Yorkshire Post, May 2019) and "the county's greatest hidden gem" (The Telegraph, July 2018), it is true to say that Staithes is one of Yorkshire's best kept secrets. Nestled between the headlands of Penny Nab and Cowbar Nab, a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and alleys wind their way steeply inland. 

Once a working village made up of fishermen and miners, fishing is still part of the livelihood of locals. Taste the catch of the day in one of the village pubs, enjoy a drink overlooking the bay at the Cod & Lobster or simply pass the time strolling around the picturesque lanes. One of the more recent additions to the High Street on the site of the original general store, is Betsy & Bo: a fantastic up-market deli selling fresh bread, cheeses and all kinds of luxury foods, and old-style sweetshop offering home-made chocolates and jars of sweets sold by weight. Food lovers should be sure to keep an eye out for gourmet pop-up restaurants at The Endeavour on the High Street.

For something a little more active, why not book a trip on the Three Sisters Charter in Staithes for fishing and wildlife sightseeing? For little ones, the harbour wall is the perfect spot for crabbing, and at low tide there are a plethora of rockpools teeming with winkles, limpets and crabs. 

By way of contrast Staithes is also known for its rich and thriving artistic scene. Once home to an art colony of 19th Century painters known as the "Staithes group" or "Northern Impressionists", the village today offers two well-regarded galleries on the High Street as well as a craft centre offering hand-made products from local makers. In addition, for one weekend every September the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage sees many cottages and other properties open their doors to the public as pop-up galleries, creating a trail through the village.

Explore

BEYOND THE VILLAGE

If you want to venture further afield but wish to avoid the well known tourist spots at Whitby or Scarborough, Staithes is perfectly situated in short driving distance from other beautiful sea-side resorts such as Saltburn-by-Sea, Sandsend and the hidden beach at Skinningrove where dogs can run free on unspoilt sands. If you're more of a walker, the Cleveland Way is an ever-popular route along the soaring cliffs and if you prefer something a little more challenging you can surf the waves in Saltburn, paddleboard at Scaling Dam, or sail the seas at Runswick Bay. Horseriding or llama trekking on the North York moors are also popular activities. For little explorers Port Mulgrave is the perfect place for a spot of fossil hunting: if they're lucky they'll find one of many ammonites there. And at Saltburn the pier has the best tuppeny slot machines, a funicular railway runs up the cliff from the seafront to the town, or there's crazy golf on the prom. 

For foodies, take a trip to the Bridge Cottage Bistro at Sandsend (make sure you book!) for a meal made with the freshest, sustainably sourced ingredients from local suppliers and producers. If you find yourself in need of a little bit of retail therapy, pop into boutique lifestyle store Lillian Daph in Saltburn or Berties of Bay in Robin Hood's Bay before returning to the cottage for a well-deserved soak in the bath and laze in front of the fire.