About Low Costa Mill: Our Story
Welcome to our North Yorkshire Retreat
We are Dave and Tracy Goodfellow, and along with our two children, we are delighted to welcome you to Low Costa Mill. Nestled on the outskirts of the historic market town of Pickering, our holiday cottages sit right on the edge of the breathtaking North York Moors National Park.
In 2013, we traded life 250 miles south for the peace of North Yorkshire, falling in love with this unique site and its potential. As resident owners living in the original farmhouse, we are always on hand to offer a local's tip on the best walking trails or a friendly chat to ensure you make the most of your stay in this stunning area.
Restoring a Piece of History
Since arriving over a decade ago, we’ve poured our hearts (and a fair few litres of paint!) into refurbishing our seven self-catering cottages. We’ve updated everything from bathrooms and kitchens to cosy soft furnishings, ensuring our guests enjoy modern comforts within a historic setting.
It’s not just the indoors that has seen a transformation. We’ve invested heavily in our 10-acre grounds, adding:
- Family-Friendly Fun: New play equipment and the arrival of our much-loved farm animals.
- Cyclist Facilities: Secure storage and tools for those exploring the Moors on two wheels.
- Nature First: Miles of new hedging and wildflower-friendly spaces to support local wildlife.
Green Stays: Hospitality with a Conscience
With a lifetime of experience in the energy industry, Dave has become our resident ‘Eco-Expert.’ We are committed to reducing the carbon footprint of Low Costa Mill without compromising on your comfort.
Our "Green Journey" includes:
- Renewable Energy: Our on-site 80-panel solar PV system generates roughly 20% of the site’s electricity.
- Innovative Heating: Our swimming pool is warmed by an air-source heat pump, while the main house is heated by a water-source heat pump—yes, we literally heat our home using the cold water of the river!
- Efficiency First: From 89 triple-glazed windows to over 300 LED bulbs and high-grade insulation, we’ve modernised these historic buildings to be as efficient as possible.
The Team Behind the Scenes
We couldn’t do this alone! We are supported by a fantastic local team. You’ll often spot our Gardener tending to the grass and animals, while our dedicated Housekeeping team ensures every cottage is sparkling for your arrival.
From 17th Century Mill to Holiday Haven
The history of Low Costa Mill stretches back over 800 years. Our site is defined by the ancient Costa Beck, a waterway dating back to the 1200s that even earned a prestigious mention in the Domesday Book.
By the 17th century, the site had become a vital part of the local community, serving as both a flour and cloth mill. While the heavy mill wheels have long since stopped turning, the beck remains the heart of our grounds, now providing a tranquil, relaxing backdrop for our seven holiday cottages.
Following its life as a mill, the site evolved into a busy working farm. It remained so until the late 1980s, when the original farm buildings were skilfully converted by a local builder into the charming stone cottages you see today.
If you look at historical photos from the late 70s, the original farm layout is still clearly visible. Most of our cottages are original farmstead buildings; only Leat Cottage and the Swimming Pool were purpose-built for guests. In fact, if you look at the gable end of the swimming pool (opposite Harvester and Thresher cottages), you’ll spot the date 1989—the year the pool was built to replace a large agricultural barn.
Discover Our History
We feel like the current custodians of this special piece of North Yorkshire heritage. We have a collection of historical photos and original documents in our office, and we love sharing the "then and now" stories of the Mill. If you’re interested in the history of the site during your stay, please do come and have a chat with us!
We hope you will enjoy your time here as much as we do!