Dunsley | A romantic holiday cottage for couples in Staithes, North Yorkshire

Dunsley is a romantic cottage for couples, in the pretty fishing port of Staithes. Completely renovated in 2011, it is bright and spacious over three floors, with an open fire, free WiFi, original artwork and a private front yard. Featured on Channel4’s Homes by the Sea (series 2, episode 2), Dunsley has a visitors’ book and in-house diary that proclaims, page after page, “We love Dunsley and Staithes, and we will return!” Little surprise then that this cottage has over fifty 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor and has been awarded their Certificate of Excellence.

Key to Dunsley’s popularity is its location. Staithes is loved for its traffic-free streets, picturesque harbour and sandy beach, on North Yorkshire’s spectacular Jurassic Coast. Home to the young Captain James Cook and once famed as a smuggler’s paradise, Staithes now attracts artists, walkers, and couples keen to enjoy the peace, panoramas and coastal life. Welcoming village pubs, fishing trips, top-rated restaurants, the Cleveland Way long distance path, endless sandy beaches, the North York Moors national park, Whitby and more are within a stone’s throw. No wonder so many visitors to Dunsley return, often more than once in a year.

Like many houses in the village, Dunsley is a traditional fisherman’s cottage. Where it differs, is the detail. While it retains all the original character - open fire, wooden floors, ship’s mast beams - it has been beautifully renovated to include bespoke antique furniture and unique artwork. It is light, bright and spacious - perfect for a romantic week-long holiday or short break.

Dunsley is furnished with love and care – guests say, ‘with impeccable taste’ - and with romance in mind. Bedside cabinets, from Savoie, have the traditional French alpine heart carved into the doors. The ceramic heart above the bed was bought in New Zealand; a unique piece, it is textured to resemble a ‘kina’ sea urchin. On various shelves around the cottage and the mantlepiece above the fire, are small, polished-aluminium hearts, handmade for wedding anniversaries. Favourite is the ‘weather vane’ heart which swivels on a tiny ball bearing!

Dunsley is a cottage for all seasons. In winter, life is cosy, with an open fire, dual-control electric blankets and digitally controlled radiators in every room. A comfy sofa in the sitting room allows guests to cuddle up with a book from the well-equipped library, or simply settle back in front of the wide-screen TV. Downstairs, a two-seater sofa by the open fire is in prime position for enjoying romantic music on the hifi system.

In summer, light streams through the high windows, and the private front yard is perfect for al fresco dining. From the yard you can see the river, and it’s just 60 seconds’ walk to the beach and harbour.

This property is no longer available but please click on the link below for some very similar romantic cottages in Staithes.