The Story Behind Westergate House
A House of many Lives
1932 – The house is built as a private home for a local farmer and named Flers House, in memory of a brother lost at the Battle of Flers - Courcelette during the First World War.
1968 – The property becomes a home for children with disabilities, supporting families in the local community and called Grimston House
1970s – The house becomes Escrick and Deighton Surgery, with the doctors living and working from what locals knew as the The Surgery or Rutland House
1986 – A new surgery opens in Escrick and the house is sold and begins a new chapter as a Bed and Breakfast reverting to Grimston House.
2017 – Hilary and Paul buy Grimston House and begin welcoming guests.
2020 – Grimston House is carefully renovated, retaining its character while adding modern comforts, and the name changed to Westergate House after an adjoining field shown on a 1618 map.
Bespoke Bedrooms
Our guest rooms are designed to help you relax after a day exploring York and the surrounding area. Guests can choose from double rooms with king-size beds, a single room with a double bed, or a ground-floor twin room. Most bedrooms also include comfortable sitting areas, and you’ll also find mini fridges with fresh milk and water, along with a selection of hot drinks and snacks, so you can enjoy a cup of tea whenever you like.
Each room includes walk-in showers, some with power rain heads, along with Noble Isle luxury British made toiletries, ours being inspired by the scent of fresh Yorkshire rhubarb. Our Night Owl duvets, made from recycled plastic bottles, provide the comfort of down while supporting a more sustainable approach.
Around the house there is also a comfortable guest lounge and a landing sitting area, where guests can relax, read, or enjoy tea and homemade cake while looking out across the gardens towards the Yorkshire Wolds.
Your Hosts
Westergate House is run by Hilary and Paul, who each bring their own skills and experience to the house.
Hilary trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London and has spent a lifetime working in hospitality and teaching cookery. She loves good, home-cooked food and enjoys sharing it with our guests. From hearty breakfasts and homemade cakes to private dining for special occasions, food is a big part of life at Westergate House.
Hilary also enjoys sharing the recipes she cooks at home. Her 'Simply Cooking' Recipes blog is here, with simple, tasty dishes for you to try at home.
Paul spent his career in engineering, so he’s the practical one! His skills have been a big help in refurbishing and looking after the house. He takes care of repairs, improvements and many of the eco-friendly projects around the property.
When he’s not busy at Westergate House, Paul enjoys his motorsport and restoring classic cars.
Our Promise to Guests
We aim to offer comfortable rooms, good home-cooked food and the small touches that help every guest feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
A Message From Your Hosts
Hilary and Paul
