Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8)
Awards to date: 1. 5 star gold award by Visit England. 2. Nothing less than 5 star reviews on Tripadvisor. 3. Selected by Sawday's as a 'Special Place'.
It is suitable for families and mixed groups of friends. Kindly be aware that Precentor's Court is in a sacred and quiet part of the city, and out of respect for the Church and our neighbours, we do not accept bookings from single sex parties. Thank you.
The property is a 4 bedroom townhouse, with a courtyard garden; it can accommodate up to 6 guests. The rental comprises of the entire house, thereby offering privacy and space, and is arguably the best located holiday property in York.
A comprehensive refurbishment of the entire house has just been completed, and care was taken to retain the original features, many of which date back nearly 300 years. This sympathetic restoration, when coupled with an eclectic mix of high quality antique and contemporary furnishings, has resulted in an elegant yet relaxed and comfortable residence, featured (July 2014) in '25 Beautiful Homes' magazine.
Location, location, location: Placed at the entrance to Precentor's Court, this hidden gem occupies a unique and enviable position in the heart of York, just yards from the 800 year old Gothic cathedral that is York Minster. Not only is the property ideally placed for exploring and enjoying the wonderful city of York, together with the beautiful county of Yorkshire*, but it is also a superb base for exploring the rest of Britain. York’s famously curved Victorian railway station is just a few minutes walk away with connections all over the country including London and Edinburgh in just under two hours.
Accommodation: Living accommodation is arranged over 3 floors. The house is centrally heated with fully adjustable cast iron column radiators in every room. At the back is a courtyard garden offering private outdoor space in the heart of the city, whilst to the front it is just a few steps to the Dean's garden - a great place for a picnic. WiFi broadband is available throughout the house.
Ground Floor: Lounge - plenty of comfortable seating and a high definition TV with Netflix. Kitchen / Pantry / Diner - modern kitchen meets vintage dining area. Tiled Hallway - a tiled hallway with an array of coat hooks and a tourist information cupboard.
The Knowledge: On a lectern in the dining area is a large red book entitled 'The Knowledge'. Compiled by the owners, to ensure that their guests have the best experience, it is a constantly updated distillation of the best in and around York - including restaurants, pubs, shopping, sights, entertainment and excursions. Invaluable!
The Bedrooms: All bedrooms have wonderful views of the Minster and adjacent Dean's garden. All are equipped with - hairdryers, towels, mirrors, luggage racks, and bed-side tables and lights. All bedding and linen is high quality cotton.
Middle floor: Bedroom (1) - original fireplace, large king-sized double bed and walk-in wardrobe, furnishings include antique secretaire, antique George III chairs , gilded trumpet candelabra. House Bathroom - bath, shower, hand-basin, toilet, and heated towel rail. Bedroom (2) - very similar to bedroom 1. but with a free-standing wardrobe and dresser.
Top Floor: Bedroom (3) - in the eaves of the house, original fireplace, a double bed, rare walnut knee-hole dresser with shield mirror. Second Bathroom - small but perfectly formed wet-room with an electric shower, toilet and hand-basin. Bedroom (4) - single wooden sleigh bed, folding single bed (will be made up on those occasions when there is a full compliment of 8 guests), walk in wardrobe with cupboard to stow luggage.
Boring but important. Safety: The safety of all our guests is of paramount importance to us and whilst we ensure that the house is a safe as is reasonably possible, it is not 'toddler-proof', and we caution parents against bringing very young children (below the age of 4) who would need constant supervision on the stairs and in the kitchen. The Elderly: There are 2 sets of winding wooden stairs to reach the upper floors which might prove difficult for the elderly and infirm (and hazardous for the very young).
Parking: For those guests arriving by car there is a free car-parking space for one vehicle, 5 minutes walk from the house. Additional spaces are available in the York City Council car parks which are also close by. Further information on parking and directions will be given in our 'Welcome Package'. It is possible to load and unload directly outside the house before parking up.
Single sex stag/hen parties: Standing in the precincts of York Minster, Precentor's Court is in a quiet and residential part of the city. Out of respect to both the Church, and our other neighbours (many of whom have young children), we will not accept bookings from stag/hen parties. Sorry.
*Yorkshire came third in Lonely Planet's 2014 top ten world destinations!
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
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CONDITION AND USE OF PROPERTY\nThe Property is provided in \u201Cas is\u201D condition. The Rental Agent shall use its best efforts to ensure the op
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
Frequently asked questions
Is Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8) pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8)?
As of 31 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8) on 12 October 2025 start from NZ$772, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8)?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8)?
Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.
What time is check-out at Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8)?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Outstanding historic townhouse in city centre next to York Minster (sleeps 2-8) located?
Located in the heart of York, this family-friendly holiday home is steps away from Dean's Park and York Minster. Exhibition Square and Bootham Bar are just steps away. York Station is 10 minutes by foot and York (QQY-York Train Station) is 10 minutes.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Absolutely perfect place for our family, 6 adults and 2 kids stayed comfortably. We could walk everywhere we needed and there is so much to do in York. Cant wait to come back!
Jenna G.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 October 2025
Lovely to hear the house was perfect. Thank you for visiting and we look forward to you returning. Best wishes, Jane & Steve
We stayed at Precentor's Court for a family event. The house was perfect. Everything was just right. Spacious, clean, and well-located. The hosts were quite attentive and helpful.
Matthew H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2025
Thank you for your review and visiting- much appreciated. Delighted to hear that the house was 'perfect'.
This wonderful townhouse was the third place that we stayed on our trip to the UK. I guess we saved the best for last because the location, the townhouse and York could not have been better. Jane made us feel welcome and was very hospitable (even though we never actually meet her). She (and Granny) thought of everything, down to the tissues in the bedrooms. Hopefully I can come back and bring more family members with me!
Dorothy A.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 September 2025
Thank you for your lovely review. Delighted to read that you enjoyed Precentors Court best on your trip around the UK. Hopefully you will return with other members of your family. Kind regards, Jane
Everything about this stay was wonderful. The host was helpful and gave so much invaluable information about what to see and do. The house was comfortable and clean. It had everything we needed. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to others.
Kathy M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 26 June 2023
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for your lovely review - it is much appreciated. Delighted you enjoyed your stay.
Amazing house beautifully decorated in the perfect position.
There are so many lovely places to eat right on your doorstep.
Perfect place for a short break.
Can't praise it highly enough.
Allison W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 June 2023
Dear Allison, thank you for your lovely review. It is much appreciated. I am delighted you enjoyed your stay and hope you will return.
This is the second time we've stayed at 2 Precentor's Court, it has one of the best locations in York, right next to the Minster. I'm sure we will be back!
Andrew G.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Dear Andrew, lovely to have you stay again. I hope you will be back.
The location of this house is amazing. So close to city centre.
The house itself if well equipped, comfortable and easily big enough for 8 adults. With lots of character but still modern where it needs to be - especially bathrooms.
Sue P.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Dear Sue, I am delighted you enjoyed your stay at Precentors Court. Thank you for the review - it is much appreciated. Best wishes, Jane
This was a very interesting property in which to stay, offering both historic features and modern conveniences. We appreciated the effective heating given the cold weather when we were visiting. The property is well-located for sight-seeing in York. We found it to be a perfect family base since we could easily pop back in if someone needed a rest break. The owners have made the property very welcoming, and have curated an invaluable guide to the plethora of things to do and places to eat.
Ibrahim R.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 February 2025
Thank you for your lovely review - delighted to read you enjoyed your stay. It sounds as if the house was perfect for you all - especially when accommodating several generations. Thank you also for visiting.
Beautiful Georgian townhouse everything you could want is within easy walking distance. The Minster is on your doorstep literally. For a stay in York, you couldn’t want for more.
Tony M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2023
Thank you for your kind review. Much appreciated. I am pleased you enjoyed your stay.
Best wishes, Jane
This property, and its owners, are sublime. From start to finish, whether communication, instructions, cleanliness, location, space, decor, or really anything else, this property is top notch. Our entire experience was hugely positive, and we not only await a return visit, but would recommend it unreservedly. Thank you for everything.
Wendy Y.
Stayed 8 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 January 2022
Dear Wendy, so pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Precentors Court. Thank you also for your lovely review - it is much appreciated. Hopefully we will get to meet when you return! Wishing you a very happy 2022, Jane x
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Niki C.
22 May 2019
Fantastic place to stay in an amazing location
What a beautiful house with a lovely atmosphere, we had such a lovely weekend.
It was for a family celebration with people arriving from different parts of the country over the weekend and we could not have found anywhere better. York is such a lovely city and you are right in the heart of it here. Waking up to the Minster chimes at 8am was just wonderful.
Everything we needed or could have wanted was provided, including some lovely welcome treats. The house is roomy, very well furnished, beautifully decorated and the beds are so comfy. We felt very much at home from the moment we walked in the door.
Location wise it could not be better as it really is only a few steps from the Minster doors. Lots of lovely pubs, restaurants and shops within a few minutes walk but the kitchen is fantastic for cooking & eating in too which we did on a couple of occasions. Usual facilities of a big city with supermarket deliveries and Deliveroo being available if needed.
All in all could not have wanted for more and we have every intention of coming back in the future. I really could not recommend it highly enough.
Thank you Jane & Stephen for sharing your lovely house.
Niki C.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Dear Niki,
Thank you for your lovely and comprehensive review - it is much appreciated.
Hopefully we will see you again.
Jane & Steve
Verified
10/10 Excellent
William
29 June 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We really enjoyed our stay. The house was just lovely and had everything we needed. Amazing location.
Nigel T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 July 2021
I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that the house was everything you needed. Thank you for the kind review.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David C.
30 May 2019
Incredible Stay in York
This is a beautiful and quaint property located in the heart of York. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Our family had a fantastic time and we look forward to staying again in the future!
David C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 April 2020
Thank you for your kind review. Delighted you enjoyed your stay and hopefully we look forward to seeing you all again when you are back in York.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Sherry S.
3 August 2017
Beautiful home in an ideal location
My friends and I had an absolutely wonderful experience in this house. It is beautifully decorated and maintained. It is perfectly located with an easy walk to restaurants and shops. Everything about this house is delightful and we didn't want to leave!
Sherry S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Andrew G.
4 January 2017
Perfect Location
The house is in the perfect location, next to the Minster and within easy walking distance of all the shops. It's very well appointed, everything supplied is of excellent quality. Thank you Jane for a wonderful stay over Christmas.
Andrew G.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2016
About the host
Hosted by Jane and Steve (Boxing Hare Ltd.)
Boxing Hare Ltd. is a small family company based in North Yorkshire. It is owned by Stephen and Jane who have lived and worked in the very middle of York, for nearly 20 years. They have two young children and the family home is a small farm about 20 miles north of York, which means that they are nearby should any problems arise.
” Both Jane and I are enormous fans of York and its people. At No. 2 Precentor’s Court, our intention is to provide our guests with a unique and comfortable home from which to explore our wonderful City and its surroundings. We want them to have the very best of times, and leave with many happy memories that will linger long after the holiday has finished. It is what we would want for ourselves.” S & J
Why they chose this property
Why should you choose No. 2 Precentor’s Court, York? In a nutshell, it’s because…….
unbeatable location s p a c i o u s courtyard garden five star gold award (Visit England) stylish & comfortable historic listed building m o d e r n bathrooms the ‘Knowledge’ (insiders guide to York & Yorkshire) free parking 2000 years of history atmospheric high definition TV with Netflix laundry four double bedrooms fully equipped kitchen period features eclectic and quirky magnificent surroundings excellent base for exploring Yorkshire near mainline station - london/edinburgh 2 hours by train glorious c o u n t r y side dramatic coast inspirational Wi-Fi broadband beautifully furnished calm & relaxing ........... which is why it is a Sawday’s Special Place!
Nothing less than 5 star reviews on tripadvisor - so far!
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests