‘Sailing By’ is a delightful Grade 2 listed Cottage situated in the very heart of old Whitby on the East side of the town, crowned by the ruins of the 13th Century Abbey and St Mary’s Church. It has 2 bedrooms, a double and a single suitable for 3 people. The cottage is just off the cobbled street of Church Street in an area steeped in history. Hidden in a narrow ginnel (or passageway) called Borough Place, it is opposite the original marketplace that houses the Clock Tower. On entering the ginnel, away from the hustle and bustle of Church Street, it is a haven of tranquility as you are transported back in time to the Middle Ages. Dating from the late 1700's, 'Sailing By' is in an elevated position up 2 flights of steps which are quite steep. Many cottages in the old part of the town are like this, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Outside to the front of the cottage is a small patio area with a wrought iron bench, ideal for relaxing after the day’s exertions, or simply chilling out with a glass of wine. The cottage possesses a quirky olde world charm with many original features, including cast iron fire grates (no longer in use), wood panelled doors and floorboards and a curved wooden staircase. It is beautifully presented throughout over 3 floors. You enter the cottage into the kitchen/diner. The dining table has 4 chairs. There are also 2 tub chairs in the dining area and a wall mounted tv. The kitchen is compact but adequately equipped for your stay, including a fossil embedded into the worktop! Of course, there is a varied choice of restaurants, cafes and Inns on Church Street and beyond if you enjoy eating out. The quarry tiled floor is a nice feature and dog friendly from the perspective of keeping it clean. On the first floor, the lounge is at the front of the cottage and benefits from plenty of light through the sash window. There is a double sofa bed and a tub chair. The lounge has sanded oak
floorboards. The fireplace is ornamental only. The option is available for a person to sleep on this bed if they prefer being on the 1st floor. There is a selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s together with a CD and DVD player. The stylish bathroom contains a roll top bath and is to the left of the living room. At the top of the house is the double bedroom overlooking the front and bathed in natural light through the sash window. The fitted wardrobe has plenty of space for an extended stay and it also contains a travel cot. A single bedroom to the left of the double has a pleasing aspect with a dormer window overlooking the rearm the trunk contains various games. Wander into enchanting Whitby to experience or struggle up the 199 Church steps (at the end of Church Street) to the Abbey. Or try the Donkey Road which is easier. The history of this fishing Port with the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is palpable. There is always something or someone to watch in the town! For most of the year the town hosts varied festivals and events. For some, the Goth weekends or Steam Punk are not to be missed, but Dracula always draws blood. Others prefer the 60’s weekends, Blues festival, Soul weekender or folk, if music is your passion. There are some fabulous walks or cycle rides along the coast, the North Yorkshire Moors or following the cinder trail (the old railway line) to Scarborough. We welcome well behaved dogs (and owners), though ask that your pampered pet remains on the ground floor. Please note that the approach to and the layout of our quirky cottage is not suited to those with mobility issues or very young children. As the cottage is so old, the walls are lime plaster and uneven. They are solid but it is different from a modern house. It is afterall a characterful
fisherman's cottage.The cobbled part of Church Street leading to the cottage has no car park.
It is possible to park temporarily for drop offs. The continuation of
Church Street alongside the river does have a public (paying) car park and is 5 minutes' walk to the cottage. We do provide at our expense prepaid parking by using permits (scratchcards). This is in *Disc Zone W* only - as allocated by the Council. This is street parking situated across the Swing bridge in the Westcliffe area. It is about 10 minutes from the cottage.