Living room view with a fresh take on Mid Century design, using a palette of blues, mustard yellows and reds, showcasing the original 1861 fireplace and a range of artwork from local artists.

A close-up shot of the mini four poster bed in the master suite, Mouse Retreat. The bed is layered in white Egyptian linens, and a range of cushions and bedspreads with a neutral palette. Two Ikat lamps sit atop of the bedside tables with a range of

A view of the navy blue and glass wall cabinet, with gold writing reading, "FRY'S CHOCOLATE" in capital letters. Inside there are large jars of cereal and crockery. Atop the cabinet are baskets and pots of plants, whilst either side there are pictur

View of Fox Den, twin bedroom, with blue dhurrie rugs, mid century furniture and a "fox cub" perched on the skirting board. The orange fireplace has dried flowers and artworks sitting upon it.

A view of the dining room from the kitchen, showing an abundance of plates and butterflies adorning the back wall

A close-up shot of the courtyard, with directors chairs and small table with a box of Bettys cakes and glasses of rose wine, flowers and garden mirror peeking out from behind

A view of the living room looking directly on. The black sash windows sit directly opposite white walls adorned with two large artworks in primary tone. Underneath sits a navy velvet sofa opposite a mustard sofa and Mid Century glass coffee table i

A close-up shot of the Mid Century inspired Fox Den; a twin room which has layers of blues and reds and atmospheric lighting provided by the beautiful retro wall lights which sit either side of the beds.

A view of the main family bathroom, which has a traditional roll top bath, vintage style radiator, vintage rug, pictures and plant and range of complimentary toiletries for guest use during their stay

A shot of the living room, showing two vintage typewriters on the wall, a mid century inspired mobile, bloc print dhurrie and Smart TV flanked by two lamps, the shade of which are covered in red Cambridge Imprint designs

View of hallway from staircase. The staircase is painted back, leading down to a monochrome tiled floor, chandelier and series of wall plates with different portraits from the National Gallery

A close-up shot of the espresso coffee machine, supplied with ground coffee for complimentary use for guests during their stay

View of The Aviary, a double bedroom, with an Indian bloc print rug and a large vintage print of York Minster over the mantle piece.

A view of the galley kitchen, with white marbled quartz counters, tiled floor with rug, black vintage style fridge freezer, black cupboards and brushed brass handles and taps. There are a wide range of artworks on the wall, including a life-size fau

Vintage shop glass cabinet, hanging in the dining room

View into Fox Den and The Aviary from the first floor landing

A view of the living room, showing colourful artworks and soft furnings, and atmospheric soft lighting from a range of lamps, and a 42 inch smart TV, on top of a Mind Century sideboard credenza

A view of Mouse Retreat from the doorway. The door has "Mouse Retreat" painted in fluid black lettering against a white door

A vignette from Mouse Retreat of a 1930s oak and velvet recliner chair next to a table and lamp and basket with mouse lamp atop

A view of the twin bedroom, Fox Den, showcasing a large artwork hanging above the beds

A view of the Aviary, showing white linen bedsheets and Indian bloc prink bedspread, and fireplace with quirky duck lamp and dried flowers.

Close-up shot of dining table with hydrangeas

Vintage drinks cabinet with a wide selection of glassware

Close-up shot in kitchen of rustic bread

A close-up shot of the living room, with a basket and blanket spilling out. Fresh flowers sit on the coffee table whilst a crave lamp sits to the right of the fireplace. Hardback books and plants flank each end of the mantel piece

A close-up shot taken from Mouse Retreat (master en suite) of freshly baked biscuits, on vintage plates on top of a tray perched on a lidded wicker basket

A close up shot of breakfast provisions, including croissants, cereal, cafetière and orange juice provided as part of your stay at Menagerie House

A close up shot of coffee table books and fresh flowers on the living room's glass coffee table.

A view from the wetroom into the master suite, Mouse Retreat, showing the stripped wooden beam and mini four poster bed and quirky bathmat which reads, "Get Naked"

A view of the yellow cuckoo and two large dragonflies adorning the wall of the dining room

A close up shot of the vintage bathroom cabinet from the main family bathroom, reflecting the traditional overhead shower from its mirror

Mouse Retreat has an en suite wetroom, with shower, toilet and sink

A tea chest, filled with a wide selection of teas for the complimentary use of guests during their stay

A shot of one of the Seletti mouse lamps found in Mouse Retreat.

A close-up shot of a vintage camera and York guidebook showcasing the best of York's independent scene.

A close up shot of the Fox Den, showing a bedside table with a glass bottle of water and pretty glasses underneath a colourful striped lamp

A view of the WC situated on the ground floor. Small but packed with personality and colour with its elegant and fun animal wallpaper

A snapshot from inside the writing bureau in the sitting room, which is filled with a range of books and card games to keep adults and children entertained

The living room has plenty of seating for six on the two velvet sofas and lots to keep the eyes entertained with an abundance of art produced by local artists

A close-up view of Mouse Retreat, with tray serving tea and cakes

A view of an adjustable retro, UFO shaped pendant light hanging above the dining room table, whilst a vintage glass cabinet with a range of cereals wits behind it, plants sitting above it.

AN OUT OF THE ORDINARY COTTAGE IN THE HEART OF YORK

Menagerie House

At Menagerie House we have taken a fresh and original approach to luxury holiday accommodation. Our design philosophy is rooted in creating comfortable and beautifully curated, whimsical spaces with all the conveniences of luxury self-catering. Each room is filled with locally sourced antiques, art, and curios with a touch of the unexpected to ensure you smile and feel at home from the moment you arrive. As a luxury experiential homestay, we offer a range of additional concierge services and in-house experiences, including wellbeing treatments and privately catered dinners for all occasions to ensure each stay is special. Menagerie House is child and dog friendly too, so the whole family can come along and join in the celebrations!

Built in 1861, we have celebrated the cottage's original architecture and elevated it for modern and relaxed living. Its Victorian charm can be traced throughout, from its dramatically tall sash windows, fireplaces and stripped wooden floors. It has a privileged location set within Bishophill in York’s 'central historic core' conservation area, nestled inside the city’s famous Bar Walls, making it easy to forget you are in the centre of the city. All the major tourist attractions including York Minster and the Shambles and restaurants are a few minutes’ walk from its doorstep. The cottage has the additional benefit of a private festoon-lit courtyard and barbecue, providing an oasis for family and friends to come together to mark any celebration.

For guests looking to explore beyond the city during their stay, we have lots of fantastic suggestions from coast-to-countryside to ensure you see the best of “God’s Own County” whilst you are with us.

By booking direct, guests have a complimentary late check-out & use of the breakfast pantry throughout their stay, which consists of a range of cereals, jams, teas & barista quality coffee, allowing you to fully enjoy the comforts of self-catering accommodation from the moment you arrive.

If you intend to travel by car parking is available nearby from £5.50 a day.

To receive our best rates, complimentary breakfast provisions and extended 11am checkout time, book direct below.

Book Direct

〰️ "Exquisite cottage"

〰️ "Absolutely delightful"

〰️ "I would truly come back to York again just to stay in this house"

〰️ "Magical"

〰️ "A beautiful house, in a beautiful location"

〰️ "Exquisite cottage" 〰️ "Absolutely delightful" 〰️ "I would truly come back to York again just to stay in this house" 〰️ "Magical" 〰️ "A beautiful house, in a beautiful location"

THE DETAILS

400 thread count Egyptian cotton bed linen, deep individual pocket spring mattresses with mattress toppers, stripped wooden floors, handmade Indian block print rugs, original artworks, each bedroom unique, timelessly stylish & playful

MOUSE RETREAT

This is our master suite tucked up in the eaves of Menagerie House with a king size mini poster bed & wet room, combined with a large does of fun. There is ample room to set up a travel cot if required or simply lounge with a book.

THE AVIARY

The Aviary is our double bedroom, which gives a nod to the Victorian origins of the house. It is gloriously flooded with light & its pastel tones make it a tranquil and restful space.

FOX DEN

Our Fox Den draws inspiration from the mid century with a tad of Wes Anderson thrown in! It can be set up as either a twin or a king (please specify at the time of booking to ensure we can accommodate your request), giving you the best of both worlds. We hate that feeling of sleeping in a single bed & little duvet to cover us. So, we have added double duvets to each of the beds for added comfort.

THE LIVING ROOM

A beautiful blend of modern and original mid century pieces, tied together by a vibrant palette of blues, reds & yellows, alongside a collection of modern works from York artists. There is plenty of room for guests to relax on the velvet sofas & watch Netflix on the 42" Smart TV, listen to music on the bluetooth speaker or play a board game or two. Additionally, guests have access to Hi-Speed Broadband, USB charging points and a dedicated workspace.

DINING ROOM

Dining space for six, use of breakfast pantry for all guests, including a range of cereals, jams, teas & barista quality coffee, vintage linens & tableware, glassware for a wide range of alcoholic beverages & highchair (available on request).

THE BATHROOMS

Luxury toiletries, traditional bathroom suite with roll top bath & overhead shower, en suite wet room (Mouse Retreat), ground Floor WC.

THE KITCHEN

The kitchen is fully equipped to satisfy all your self catering needs, including a dishwasher, microwave & washer dryer, as well as a picnic hamper to allow you to dine al fresco in one of York's fabulous green spaces.

THE COURTYARD

Secluded, with private seating for six, BBQ facilities & festoon lighting for evening entertaining.

Hidden inside York's city walls in one of the most historic and desirable parts of the city, Bishophill.

Historic townhouse, built in 1861, renovated in 2022

Perfect for friends & family gatherings, to mark special occasions or attend the races

We are listed on a number of platforms, where you can read further our fantastic reviews but please check our availability to discover our best rates. If you have any questions, check out our FAQs section. You can email us at:

stay@menageriehouse.co.uk