In the frame: Helmsley cottage on the tourist trail

Set in pretty gardens and bordered by a stream, this picture postcard cottage is one of the most photographed properties in Helmsley.

Its location is idyllic and away from the hustle and bustle of the market town centre, which is one of the reasons why visitors are entranced by it.

Helen Wilson chose the cottage for her late mother after an extensive search. “My mother had a farm and had farmed on her own for 12 years when she decided to retire at the age of 70. She wanted to live in Helmsley and she wanted a detached cottage with parking and a garden. That was a very tall order as there are only about four detached cottages in the whole of Helmsley. Fortunately this one came up for sale just at the right time.”

The generous size of the garden and the nearby stream proved to be big selling points.

“Mum was a very keen gardener and so the garden was a big part of her life. She spent a lot of time out there and planted a lot of herbaceous plants. She loved the sound of the stream and the interaction with passers-by. Helmsley is a very friendly place,” says Helen.

Believed to date from the early 18th century, the property was two cottages, which were later combined to create one larger house. Edward Stoyle, of Carter Jonas, York, says: “Beckside Cottage has been sympathetically reconfigured and extended to form this surprisingly well balanced character cottage. Recently re-roofed and re-pointed, the property is presented in remarkably good condition both inside and out. Each room has been thoughtfully modernised but they all retain a real sense of character and period charm.”

The cottage has a sitting room, a large kitchen/dining room, a utility room, cloakroom and a larder on the ground floor. Upstairs, there are two first floor bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside, there is a large garden and a stone outbuilding separated from the Main Street by the beck and a wooden bridge. The property also has a gravelled off-street parking area.

*For details contact Carter Jonas, York, tel: 01904 558200, www.carterjonas.co.uk

Helmsley is one of Yorkshire’s most popular small market towns. It is very well-served by shops and restaurants and has an arts centre, GP surgery, outdoor pool and a community library.