I stayed for three nights in a beautifully renovated room overlooking the front lawn. The new owners were told that this room was stayed in by Neville Shute the author when the building was still a rectory and it was where he started his writing career. Whether this is true or not will require some research, but I could well imagine a budding writer enjoying the quiet atmosphere in this fine old building.

It is a building that has been brought back from the brink by a careful and sympathetic renovation carried out by craftsmen, in other words not done to a price. The decor is simple and refined, the food excellent and the furnishings comfortable. The rooms are spacious with the high ceilings typical of houses of this age. I especially appreciated the bed, being six foot three and suffering with a bad back I have a dread of hotel beds which are usually very uncomfortable - not this one!

The hotel stands in spacious and pleasant grounds, with lots of mature trees and you can sit outside for an evening drink, weather allowing! There is also recognition of the needs of the 21st century traveller with a flat screen TV in each room and easily accessed (and fast) wireless computer networking.

The hotel is near to Elvington airfield so it’s very handy if you are visiting the aviation museum or going there for one of the motoring events. The new hotel owners are ‘old car friendly’ so if you have an unusual or veteran car you will be sure of an extra special welcome. They have a large, safe parking area so there is no need to worry about your paintwork being keyed!

If you want a quiet stay in pleasant surroundings with good but unobtrusive service and near to York then I can highly recommend The Old Rectory.

Delightful hotel that has recently changed hands and been renovated. Quiet, near a great pub for food (book well beforehand as it gets busy). Near the Air museum and only a few miles from York. Highly recomended.

wonderfull, clean, friendly and oh the beds! would recomend to anyone!

Having used this Hotel (well, a B & B at the mo) for a number of years, I was impressed/amazed at the transformation underway. New owners are about half way through a restoration of this Georgion mansion to its former glory, with a big twist of modern chic! Nothing like it for miles around. I want a bathroom like that!