Review: The Coach House at Middleton Lodge, North Yorkshire, England

Relax at this stunning property in the heart of the countryside...

Nestled away on 200 acres of lush farmland in North Yorkshire, The Coach House at Middleton Lodge is the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the stresses and strains of city life. As you make your way up the long drive flanked by towering trees, you feel worlds away from any cares or worries.

The stylish and understated décor with its soothing muted palette and emphasis on raw materials that serve as the centrepiece of the design aesthetic, creates a restful haven for guests who want nothing more than to relax.  

Here, laziness isn’t guilt inducing, but one of life’s finest luxuries. In fact, the only gripe I have about the place is that it really throws all ambition out the window in favour of curling up for a snooze, enjoying a good book, or taking a leisurely walk. But, if like me, you could probably do with slowing down a notch every now and again, then there’s no better place to be.

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At The Coach House at Middleton Lodge and its equally fashionable restaurant, every detail of the impossibly chic decor has been considered, meaning I found myself making mental notes of which finishing touches I’d like to recreate in my own home. Apparently, I wasn’t the only one who was conspiring to steal their design ideas and pass them off as my own, as I overheard one inspired woman planning an ambitious re-furb of her bathroom, and saw another cooing over a large hand-blown green glass vase in the dining room.

From the rustic chic wooden beams in the bedrooms, to the claw-footed bath tubs and luxury toiletries from British company Noble Isle in the bathrooms, you’re aware of the love and attention to detail that the owners have bestowed on the estate during the 18-month restoration of the property.

Designed by John Carr of York for a local barrister, George Hartley, the building was completed in 1780.  A traditional Georgian estate, it’s comprised of a main house, coach house, walled garden, estate cottages, gatehouse, farm and farmhouse. Country types will love strolling the grounds and taking in the beautiful natural surroundings.  

Owners James and Rebecca moved into the lodge in 1980 and since 2005 started restoring the estate to bring it back to its former glory. The couple continue to update the property with the vision to one day restore the entire property.

The Coach House Restaurant

The restaurant's aesthetic, cuisine and the exemplary service of its staff, is all down to owners James’ and Rebecca’s attempt to bring a bit of London to Yorkshire. Inspired by the great dining experiences they’ve had at world-class restaurants in London, they sought to create a restaurant that was both stylish and inviting. 

Its urban industrial country chic look (think exposed brick, tongue and groove panelling and purposefully bare plaster combined with comfortably luxe furnishings with wool and velvet upholstery), certainly wouldn’t be out of place in Islington or Shoreditch.  

To the right of the restaurant and bar, visitors will find a seductive den with a sexy charcoal herringbone tweed banquet style sofa and mustard-coloured velvet armchairs, which provide the place to relax while sipping a glass of Cognac by the fire. Wile away the hours with a good book or simply settle in for a cosy tête-à-tête. Whatever your choice, you’ll find that it’s amazingly easy to lose track of time doing absolutely nothing. 

A.A. Miln

*During this trip I was hosted by the lovely team at The Coach House Restaurant and Middleton Lodge. All words and opinions are my own. ​