What were grotty bedsits are now one of York's most luxurious holiday lets

Converting a townhouse of bedsits into a gorgeous York holiday let earned Beth Thornton Airbnb superhost status
The ground floor dining areaThe ground floor dining area
The ground floor dining area

Quaint medieval streets flanked by the mighty Ouse, a magnificent Minster and museums, along with great independent shops and places to eat, have made York a tourist magnet. It is one of the jewels in Yorkshire’s crown and its ability to attract visitors is staggering. Visit York’s latest figures show that in 2018, there were 8.4 million visits to York, along with a rise in those who stayed overnight.

Its hotspot status has seen the number of Airbnb properties proliferate, which makes standing out from the crowd difficult. That’s why Beth Thornton took a strategic approach to renovating and letting a four-bedroom town house she bought as an investment.

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Her efforts to turn the five-bedroom Victorian property into the City Escape, a luxury holiday rental, have earned her Airbnb Superhost status. The secrets of her success include the property’s location, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. Its size also appeals to families and groups of friends, as it sleeps eight.

The cosy sitting areaThe cosy sitting area
The cosy sitting area

A clever decision to create a ground-floor bedroom with ensuite for those with mobility issues has also paid off as it broadens the appeal to multi-generational families. Technology including a smart TV, wi-fi, Bluetooth speaker and an Xbox have also helped win bookings, as has a parking spot, a garden and professional photography.

Last but not least is the decor, which Beth designed herself. “I tried, where possible, to furnish the house using as many local suppliers, artisans and trades people as possible. I wanted to showcase all things Yorkshire,” she says.

Beth, a chartered surveyor, bought the house 18 months ago. When she first saw it, it was a damp-riddled HMO with bedsits. “I understand buildings so I could see the potential but I had to gut the place. It needed everything from demolishing walls to new electrics and plumbing,” she says.

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She used her trusted builder Dan Robson, of DKR Developments in York, to do the work, which included turning two bedsits into a large open-plan dining area and sitting room on the ground floor.

This outdoor seating area has proved popular with guestsThis outdoor seating area has proved popular with guests
This outdoor seating area has proved popular with guests

The walls are painted in Stone from the Paper & Paint Library and most of the furniture is from Coach House. The dresser is vintage and was painted by Paul Farrant and the rugs are from Ikea. “I didn’t want to spend a fortune on rugs in case of spillages so I had to be practical,” says Beth.

The new kitchen looks fresh with sleek grey units and the standout feature in the ground floor bedroom is Celia Birtwell’s Beasties wallpaper. On the first floor, there is a room with a sofa bed, which can be either used as a bedroom or as a second sitting room, There’s also a separate loo, two further bedrooms and a house bathroom.

The bespoke headboards in all the bedrooms were made by Beth, who also commissioned local people to make curtains, blinds and cushions from fabrics by Clarke & Clarke, Charlotte Gaisford, Harlequin and Zoffany.

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“I enjoy interior design and that’s one of the reasons why I love this new career,” says Beth, who also has another town house in York and a cottage in Robin Hood’s Bay on Airbnb. “I did conventional buy-to-lets for years but after I turned two annexes in my garden into Airbnb properties in 2016, I realised there was a lot of potential in letting property for short breaks and holidays.

Fresh flowersFresh flowers
Fresh flowers

“What I really like is that this is more interesting and hands-on than a shorthold tenancy. I do everything from marketing to checking guests in personally to putting the bins out every Thursday.”

To win Superhost status, she believes the personal touch is important, as is going the extra mile with the decor and facilities. “Attention to detail is very important. Everything is immaculate and I also offer a concierge service as well as chefs and housekeeping if that’s what people want,” says Beth.

Visitors have come from far and wide, including from America, France, China and Italy, along with a considerable number of travellers driving from London to Scotland, who use York as a halfway break.

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“I have loved meeting everyone,” says Beth. “My plan is to buy more properties in York so I create my own mini luxury holiday let brand.”

The chest of drawers was handpaimted by a local craftsmanThe chest of drawers was handpaimted by a local craftsman
The chest of drawers was handpaimted by a local craftsman

Beth's Useful Contacts: The City Escape, York, is on Airbnb or email Beth at [email protected]

DKR Developments, www.Dkrdevelopments.co.uk

Charlotte Gaisford fabrics and wallpaper, Charlottegaisford.co.uk

Nikki Hardy, handpainted furniture to commission, tel: 07432 411795.

Mark Harrison Blinds, www.blindsbymarkharrison.co.uk#

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Attention to detailAttention to detail
Attention to detail

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