Guests say
Demonicus is a well-regarded cottage in the heart of Middleham, praised for its cleanliness, prime location, and comfort. Guests enjoy the proximity to local amenities, including pubs and shops, and appreciate the thoughtful welcome packs. The property is ideal for exploring the Dales, with many noting the charm of watching racehorses pass by. Some minor issues with facilities are mentioned, but overall, guests report a delightful stay.
The majority of guests found Demonicus to be immaculately clean, contributing to a pleasant stay. However, a few mentioned issues such as dog odours and cobwebs, slightly affecting the overall cleanliness score.
The location is highly praised for its convenience, with easy access to local pubs, shops, and scenic walks. The unique experience of watching racehorses adds to the appeal, making the location almost perfect.
Guests describe the cottage as comfortable, with cosy beds and a homely feel. Some concerns about steep stairs and drafts from the front door are noted, but overall comfort is rated highly.
Facilities are generally well-received, with a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable furnishings. However, comments about the lack of a washing machine, a small TV, and occasional maintenance issues like a leaky shower and TV signal problems lower the score.
Guests frequently mention and appreciate the generous welcome packs, indicating a high level of thoughtfulness. It is important to note that such gifts, while common, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
This cosy Grade II listed cottage combines gorgeous original features with modern furnishings and is the perfect retreat for those who want to enjoy all the Yorkshire Dales has to offer. Nestled between two rivers Middleham is widely regarded as one of Yorkshire’s loveliest towns and the cottage is situated on the charming cobbled market square with Georgian and Victorian tearooms, pubs , restaurant , independent shops and chocolate box cottages close by .
Step off the cobbles and into the cosy sitting room which has been tastefully furnished and where you can relax in front of the feature fire and smart TV and DVD player, read a book from the bookshelf , or play one of the many board games available.
Beyond the sitting room you will find the light and airy kitchen diner fitted with a good range of appliances, the perfect place to prepare a meal after a day exploring the beauty of Wensleydale and the Yorkshire Dales . A selection of cookbooks allows you to try something different for the holidays.
Step outside the stable door to an enclosed and peaceful courtyard patio area and garden where you will find a table and chairs to enjoy a morning coffee or evening drink in the sunshine. This area is fully enclosed and safe for dogs and there is an outhouse for bicycle storage.
Upstairs the layout is perfect for a family or small group of friends with a king-sized bedroom and bathroom on the first floor and a twin room on the floor above. Both bedrooms are decorated in soft natural tones that reflect the period of the cottage and feature the original stunning beams and sash windows from which you can enjoy lovely views of the market square and far reaching views beyond.
The modern bathroom features a separate shower, underfloor heating and a larger than average bath, perfect for a long soak after a days walking or cycling .
Middleham is famous for it’s castle, steps away from the cottage, and which was once home to Richard III . It is also known for it’s racehorse training and you will see horses being led through the village up to the gallops every day. There are several beautiful walks right from the front door and there are a wealth of stunning natural sights and beauty spots all within close range including Aysgarth Falls and Bolton castle. Just up the road you will find the fascinating Forbidden Corner which is regularly voted the best family attraction in Yorkshire. It’s labyrinth of tunnels and chambers will excite children and adults alike.
A little further afield, 1.5 miles away, you will find the market town of Leyburn which offers a range of traditional shops, pubs and cafes gathered around a handsome town square which hosts an excellent market every Friday. The town is also home to the biggest auction centre outside London.
If walking is your passion, then the Yorkshire dales are a walkers paradise with plenty of options for cycling too. In addition the several great walks directly from the front door, a drive further into the dales reveals several great walking opportunities and the option to visit an abundance of chocolate box villages and other villages such as Kettlewell and Grassington . There are numerous well known Gastropubs nearby to include The Blue Lion at East Witton and The Wensleydale Heiffer in West Witton to name a few but not forgetting our own excellent restaurant in Middleham at the Wensleydale Hotel , just across the market square .
Middleham is a market town resting on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is famous for its race horses. The town is filled with history with its Norman castle, which dates from 1190 and has a castle keep second in size only to the Tower of London. Around the market square you will find a number of shops, pubs and places to eat to suit all ages and tastes.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
Two bedrooms: 1 x first floor king-size, 1 x second-floor twin.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with electric fire.
Electric fire.
Electric oven, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, TV and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair, travel cot and stairgate available.
Roadside parking.
Rear patio area with furniture.
Safe secure bike storage.
Two well behaved pet welcome at £20.00 per pet.
Sorry, no smoking.
Free public parking outside property.
Pub and shop within 0.1 miles.
Note: Check in is 4pm and check out is 10am.
Note: Please keep pets on the ground floor and off all furniture.
Reviews (32)
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Rachael
We would normally stay somewhere quiet and remote so this was a real change. The cottage was lovely and central with safe bike storage. A washing machine would have made a real difference and it would have been helpful to know there was an iron and board at the property. I did ask Sykes to confirm and was told there wasnât an iron so we ended up buying one on the journey up. I also found the communication with Sykes a bit of a nightmare so I would be wary of booking through them again. They also charged us wrongly and trying to get hold of someone was far from easy. We loved the village square although noise could probably be a problem for some but it didnât detract from our stay. Bed really comfy and bathroom nice and clean. However it didnât look as though the cottage had been hoovered. The stair carpet was dirty and the kitchen and living room floor. Maybe a bit more attention to those things. However there was a Hoover so we gave it a quick spin over. Thanks for a lovely stay.
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Julia
Really comfortable house to come home to after our daily walks. Comfy bed, gorgeous shower and huge towels. The courtyard is a shared courtyard and also a public right of way so if you have a reactive dog, just be aware people may walk through. It is secure though with gates, was fine for us. 3 pubs nearby. Our favourite was the Dante Arms, good food and lovely staff. Enjoyed seeing the racehorses strolling through the village at various times through the day. We had gorgeous dog walks from Middleham, from the castle through the fields to East Witton was lovely. Also around Reeth and Richmond.
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Katharine
A few minor details attended to would make it five star. The shower leaks badly - the whole unit would benefit from an upgrade though the shower itself is fine. There was no hot water on our last morning. A stool or small chair in the bathroom would be a positive addition - there is plenty of space. A used cleaning cloth had been left by the kettle, the j-cloth provided was unusable putting white slime on everything, and some of the crockery needed re-washing. The welcome pack of tea bags, a pint of milk and a pack of biscuits is the bare minimum experienced these days: many places provide much more. The property is well-located on the main square in Middleham, is very quiet and a great base for a holiday in the Dales. We loved seeing and hearing the horses!