Hello from your host Helen ..... (and my Mum, Joan!)

Welcome to my website. I hope you enjoy it! 

Here's a little bit about me.....

I'm a local girl. I grew up approximately 10 miles away from Pateley Bridge, so I know Nidderdale very well.

It’s a fabulous area with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and plenty of places to walk and explore. There's always something to see and do and as a wildlife enthusiast, I love it!

Following school, I attended art college and then pursued
a career in design and print, for 20+ years.

Television programmes piqued my interest in property during this time and I've 'had a go' at a couple of renovations in the past. Hard work, but enjoyable when it all went well.
Hard work and very stressful, when it didn't! 

In recent times though I really wanted to own a cottage in the country and in 2021, Flax Mill Cottage became that property.
This is my first holiday let and I love it! I hope that you will too.

I manage the cottage myself, so everything is personally checked by me, but I also have an amazing ‘assistant’ (aka the ‘ironing lady’ on my Facebook page…MUM!), who helps me on changeover days, with bed making and ironing. 

Direct bookings with me.  What are the benefits?

Firstly, it's nice to communicate directly, rather than through a third party - don't you agree?
 
Booking directly with me, is a more personal experience. You get to know me a little, and I you. I want you to have the best stay possible, so even before you book, you can chat to me and ask me anything you wish about the cottage and the surrounding location, to confirm that your stay will be right for you.
 
Cost to you? It's cheaper! (See below!)
 
Questions? During your stay, I am here for you if you need any help with anything. 
 
Problems? I sincerely hope that you won’t encounter any issues, but if you do, you may be reassured that I will do my utmost to rectify them during your stay. You will not be left without help or resolution.

Supporting a local business. If you book with me, you are helping to support my business. In turn, I can support other local businesses, in my purchase of goods and services for the cottage. We help each other. 
 
 

Value and Trust

The large booking sites charge you and me for the privilege of using their websites, in the form of Fees. It’s a significant sum. 
I can price my direct bookings at a lower level, as I am not paying fees and neither are you. This creates a saving for us both and better value for you.
 
Booking with me is safe. Payments are secure. You can pay securely through my website using your credit card and Stripe.
All payments are encrypted. I don’t see your details. 
Alternatively, you may pay directly from your bank to mine.
Your money is safe, whichever way you pay. 
Upon payment, you will receive an emailed receipt, clearly stating the details and payments of your stay.
My Cancellation procedure and Terms and Conditions are all available under T’s & C’s at the foot of the website. 
 
I hope that you are comforted by the above information and can feel confident to book direct with me. 
I look forward to hosting you.