Station View

Reviews (25)

• Mark Williams

  Station View, PickeringI’ll get the negatives out of the way first.On first look the property is lovely, but go beyond a cursory glance, the accommodation (especially the kitchen) needs much better attention. We have low immune systems, so we always take cleaning products to ensure the cleanliness of a property before we unpack but my wife spent about an hour and a half cleaning. If the owner is relying on cleaners, I’m not sure if he is even aware as we didn’t advise him of the state of the kitchen and perhaps other guests haven’t either. If I had realised how bad it was, we would have taken pictures before she began.The cutlery drawer was full of crumbs as was behind the knife block. The back of the fridge was covered in splashes of an unknown nature. The freezer had someone’s leftovers filling most of the drawers, we left them there as we had sufficient room in the remaining space and didn’t want defrosting food in the bin.My wife wiped the mug marks off the coffee table, but we only noticed it was a nest of tables in the evening. The lower table was covered in sticky cup marks – by the time we had noticed, neither of us could be bothered cleaning so just tucked it back under and left it.His cleaners need to look up every now and then too, there are some quite spectacular cobwebs in the double bedroom and a few flies caught in the ones in the kitchen too. Again, we left them. We just cleaned enough to make sure we didn’t get ill.On to some positives. There is short stay parking (FOC for up to 1 hour) outside on the opposite side of the property, which makes unloading simple enough and the apartment owner has made some agreement with the railway for parking in their carpark for the duration of the stay – it’s only a short walk from the apartment.The kitchen had lots of different size plastic glasses to use in the tub. There were plenty of utensils, crockery and cutlery (just short on teaspoons, there were only 4). There was a t-towel provided, a small amount of washing up liquid and some dishwasher tablets. Out from the kitchen, the ‘garden’ area has been well thought out, with a large gas BBQ (we ran out of gas but there was a spare and a fire extinguisher too!). Unlike most hot tubs we have used in the past (over 30 hot tub UK hols over the years), this one didn’t have a temperature control; at least not one that we had access to. We noticed that the water was cooling too quickly, so we messaged the owner and he increased the temperature for us the next day.The tub is undercover (something we specifically look for) so we were still able to enjoy the tub when the rain started to fall, but we could still see the stars when the clouds cleared. The fencing around the tub has been well worked out too as it makes the area completely private from the neighbouring garden.It wasn’t really sunbathing weather (end of February) but the rattan seating area was large and the cushions kept in a plastic box, with a couple of deck chairs too.We were short on handtowels (only 1 for 2 people in a 2-bathroom accommodation) but this must just have been an oversight, and we were pointed in the direction of extra.The town of Pickering itself has so much to offer. We sampled a few of the pubs and couldn’t believe how busy they all seemed to be; even early doors midweek. There is a market in the main street on a Monday, but the street itself has a jeweller, watch-smith, pet shop, ironmonger, grocer, fishmonger, butcher (we saw 3 butchers), florist, pharmacy amongst other independent shops and a Lidl, Co-op and a Boots.There were plenty of places to eat; which is especially significant when you realise that these places can offer Gluten Free food. To just name a few, this included Capplemans chip shop. Didn’t just offer GF on a certain day either, it was an option all day, every day; you can even get a drink while you wait. We had a wonderful meal at Figaro’s Italian, portions big enough to take the leftovers home. As with everywhere else in the town, it was really busy so we were glad we booked.We didn’t eat at the Bay Inn (we intended to but ran out of days in the end) but the owner there said that if we contacted her via FB to let us know when we were going, she would be able to cater for me).The White Swan also said they could offer GF, but we were only after light lunch that day and the menu didn’t have lite bites.There is a beautiful church open to wander in, with very willing staff happy to tell you about it should you want a commentary. There are some fantastic old gravestones in the cemetery if you like that sort of thing. There’s a castle which is looked after by English Heritage (closed for the season when we visited – as was the steam railway which was directly outside the property). We had thought of going to York on the train until we realised it was closed, so we got a bus instead (the stop is only a short walk and it took about 70 minutes). There is a museum to Pickering too which is (I believe) a social history, but it was also closed while we were there.Sadly, we had to leave the accommodation early, my wife has a condition in her spine and the settee was just too uncomfortable for her (spending all week on a dining chair to watch films in the evening isn’t ideal). It was very soft and even I didn’t think it was the best. TipsIf you suffer with your back, I suggest you take a firm cushion or back support.You may want to take a towelling robe or spare towels to use after the tub as the property only provides 1 bath towel each. You may also want some flip flops to walk out to the tub in.If you want to attend specific sites, check the dates they are open, as many places seem to open seasonally.If you are coeliac and unfamiliar with the area, we ate at a pub called the Ham & Cheese which was only about 15 mins outside Pickering and I was able to get a huge GF roast dinner.

• Confirmed Guest

  We knew parking was off site but the advert on the website could be more specific. It was occasionally difficult to park even to drop off, as quite a busy spot. I have a mobility scooter and it was quite difficult to store it on the ground floor hall - nothing you can do about that though! We did enjoy our break there and would consider again.

• Rebecca Copley

  Stayed for our second time last week. Absolutely love this place. It is decorated so tastefully and everything is excellent quality. The roof terrace and hot tub are lovey. The accommodation is central to Pickering and looks out over the steam train station. The host is excellent and is available to contact on WhatsApp if you have any questions. We will definitely be back!