Raithwaite Estate

The Raithwaite Estate is an upscale countryside retreat near the town of Whitby and close to the seaside. The hotel is situated on beautiful landscaped grounds with a dramatic garden set alongside a stream crisscrossed with bridges. Paths meander through meticulously manicured gardens and lawns and the hotel even has alpacas on its grounds. The property consists of four buildings: The Hall (the main hotel), The Keep (a red-bricked building with 28 rooms), The Fold (a collection of seven luxury holiday cottages), and The Lake House (a private six-bedroom house available for rent). The Hall houses the lobby and front desk, an elegant space with dark wooden panelling on the wall adorned with the hotel's insignia -- a large cursive teal letter "R" topped with a breaching fish and standing pheasant. There are many details throughout the hotel evoking a hunting theme, such as centerpieces and mantelpieces decked out with pheasant feathers, hunting hats, and cartridges in a nod to the aristocratic English pastime. Common rooms are stylish and modern, such as the elegant Brace Restaurant with beautiful hardwood floors and wooden furnishings, or the cozy Poachers Bar with its palette of cream and brown hues and geometric printed carpet.

The Raithwaite Estate is located off a main road that runs through the beautiful North Yorkshire Heritage Coast, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park and with easy access to Yorkshire's seaside cliffs. The hotel lies between the seaside village of Sandsend (a four-minute drive), and the historic maritime town of Whitby (a seven-minute drive), which is home to the clifftop ruins of the beautiful Whitby Abbey (and an inspiration of Bram Stoker's Dracula). There are several restaurants and bars in town as well as a few sights worth checking out, including the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, the Dracula Experience, and the Pannett Park Art Gallery and Whitby Museum. Travelers will need a car, as there is not much within walking distance, but there is a beautiful beach that is reachable on foot in about 10 minutes. The nearest bus stop is an eight-minute walk away.

There are a variety of rooms available throughout the four buildings of the Raithwaite Estate, all stylishly decorated in a minimalist neutral palette of white, tan, and mauve with dark wood accents. Light colored walls keep rooms bright, and many rooms have skylights set into sloped ceilings. All rooms have large flat-screen TVs, spacious wardrobes, iPod docks, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi, though lack minibars or mini-fridges. The bathrooms are tiled in tan hues and include tub/shower combos with rainfall showerheads, fluffy bathrobes, and high-end toiletries, though most lack storage or sink space for unpacking cosmetics. The seven cottages are more upscale, with crystal chandeliers, fur throws, and wood accent walls. Cottages have kitchens and stylish living rooms with large flat-screen TVs and comfy couches. A private Lake House is also available which features stunning lake views from all of its rooms. The spacious and luxurious two-story house has six bedrooms, a bright and modern kitchen, and a large living room.

The hotel has two restaurants, the fine dining Brace Restaurant, which serves English cuisine in an elegant setting, and the more casual Hunters Lounge that offers Yorkshire pub classics, though travelers should note that there have been some complaints about service. The cozy and stylish Poachers Bar has comfortable seating and a log fire and besides an extensive drinks menu, also serves sandwiches and afternoon tea. The hotel spa has four treatment rooms, a steam room, and sauna, as well as a lovely heated indoor pool with a hot tub, and offers a wide list of treatments. There's a small fitness center with modern machines and the hotel also has personal trainers available as well as classes including yoga and boot camp. A dog spa on the premises offers lodging and various treatments and grooming for four-legged friends. The hotel has several meeting rooms as well as conference and wedding facilities that can accommodate up to 150 people. Wi-Fi and parking are free, but guests should be aware that the majority of the parking is a fair walk from the main hotel.