PREVIEW

Picture Shows Bedroom

Holiday home inspired by Harry PotterÕs HagridÕs Hut
opens on the North York Moors


Harry Potter fans can now rent a holiday cottage inspired by the fictional home of one of the booksÕ main characters, Rubeus Hagrid.

The GroundkeeperÕs Cottage has just opened at North Shire near Saltburn on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, inspired by the film portrayal of HagridÕs Hut in the Harry Potter novels. The opening comes just ahead of International Harry Potter Day (2 May).

The cottage comprises three interlocking circular slate-roofed buildings, two with turrets, and all with stained glass windows.

Guests approach the lantern-lit wooden door before stepping into the spacious open plan living space comprising galley kitchen, dining area, seating in front of a feature fireplace and wood beams festooned with Hagrid-style paraphernalia such as old baskets, ropes, leather bags and lanterns.

From the living room one door leads to the circular bedroom complete with double bed and a rustic wooden bunk bed, while a second door opens onto a large bathroom where the star feature is a huge freestanding copper bath.

The owner Carol Cavendish, who has been a Harry Potter fan since her early 20s, has also incorporated small touches such as an ink bottle and quill and bespoke copper basin in the bathroom.

However whereas Hagrid would have lived relatively frugally, guests staying in GroundkeeperÕs cottage wonÕt have to skimp on lifeÕs luxuries as two comfy sofas in the living room together with sleigh bed and high quality mattresses on the bunk bed make it more of a cosy, comfortable retreat.


The cottage, which is available for rent from £195 per night, sleeps up to six (four in the bedroom and two on a sofabed). For those who want to bring their own Fang, one well-behaved dog is also allowed at a small extra cost.

This is the next stage in North ShireÕs vision to create a storybook fantasy world for guests. Back in 2015 the site opened the Hobbit-hole inspired cottage, Potts Corner designed with a turf roof, round door and stained glass windows which has since attracted Lord of the Rings devotees worldwide.

According to Carol these have included an American basketball player who travelled from London purely to be photographed outside Potts Corner, a New Zealander who stayed in the cottage and had worked on the Harry Potter films, and a couple from the Midlands who donated a Hobbit outfit to North Shire after a weekÕs stay.

Last year North Shire opened the yurt-style Green Dragon cafŽ inspired by the inn favoured by hobbits in the films, and an Enchanted Barn has been opened for functions. A Storybook Cottage, ShepherdsÕ huts, gypsy caravans and camping are also available on the quiet six-acre site which is just seven miles from the coastal fishing village of Staithes.

Carol explains: ÒBooks have always been an important part of my life even after being diagnosed with dyslexia when I taught myself to read. TheyÕve also helped me through challenging times when I would turn to the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books for pure escapism.

ÒThatÕs why it is so fantastic to create an environment where others can also leave behind everyday life and step into their favourite storybook. WeÕve seen how Potts Corner has proven to be a hit among adults and children alike and so weÕre sure that would-be Hagrids will be heading our way.Ó

For more information and bookings go to www.northshire.co.uk

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Notes to editors:
The GroundkeeperÕs Cottage was built by Billy Cessford, a stage and screen prop maker and set designer from Redcar who has worked with the BBC and various theatre productions.

The GroundkeeperÕs Cottage cost £195,000 to build, partly funded through a grant from the Rural Development Programme for England which was awarded to North Shire to develop the on-site facilities.

For further information, images or to arrange an interview please contact:
Amanda Brown Ð mobile:07876 452580 or email: amanda@a2bpr.co.uk
Or Carol Cavendish at North Shire Ð mobile: 07714 301010 or Tel: 01287 642228