Grays Court is a family-owned boutique hotel and historic heritage property in York's city centre that boasts over 900 years of colourful history.
Grays Court York is possibly the oldest continuously occupied house in the United Kingdom. Dating back in part to 1080 and commissioned by the first Norman Archbishop of York to provide the official residence for the Treasurers of York Minster, the house has an unrivalled history.
The house was surrendered to the Crown on 26 May 1547 and the last of the mediaeval Treasurers, William Clyff, resigned. The first post-Reformation owner was Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset. He was given the house in 1547 by King Edward VI, the son of King Henry VIII.
In 2005 the Dean & Chapter of York Minster decided to sell Grays Court. The building had become somewhat neglected and had an institutional feel. John & Helen immediately recognised the potential to breathe new life into the house as an exclusive retreat for discerning visitors.
The Sterne Room was built above the original Medieval Magnesian Limestone wall (which can still be seen) by Jaques Sterne, Precentor and Canon Residentiary of the Minster and uncle of Laurence Sterne, author of First Tristram Shandy, when he owned the house.
The marble plaque on the fireplace is of Augusta, wife of Frederick Prince of Wales, and mother of George III.
The 300m stretch of City Walls which bounds Grays Court was donated to the City in 1878 by Edwin Gray the Lord Mayor of York. This is why Grays Court retains the only private access to York’s City walls.
Nestled in the shadow of York Minster and the City Walls, Grays court is now a true one-off - a country house in the heart of the city - just waiting to be discovered.
Along with the charming bedrooms, the hotel offer fine food, exquisite gardens and the warmest welcome to everyone.
Unlike so many other city centre hotels, the guests are more likely to hear the resident owl rather than traffic and will awaken to the sound of birdsong and the Minster bells, chiming from eight o’clock in the morning.
The guests have to note that, as an historic building, there is no a lift. All the rooms are located on the second floor.
Featuring a luxurious free-standing bathtub and double walk-in monsoon shower, this is the perfect suite for a romantic getaway.
This is a beautiful suite with bay windows overlooking the garden and city walls.
Split over two levels, it offers a spacious bedroom with soft seating in a bay window and a striking bathroom with copper bath.
And separate shower on the upper floor accessed via a winding Georgian staircase.
With possibly the best views of the Minster in all of York this room is named for Edmund de Mortimer, who was Treasurer to York Minster between 1265-1282. Aside from the spectacular views this is a peaceful room, tastefully furnished and designed to ensure a comfortable stay.
The well appointed bathroom has a bath with a monsoon shower overhead.
Somerset is the newest room, boasting spectacular views over the rear of York Minster and the surrounding Minster gardens.
The spacious bedroom features a superking bed with seating area and 42-inch flatscreen television. The bathroom features a comfortable bath with monsoon shower overhead.
The room is named after the first post-Reformation owner - Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset.
He was given the house in 1547 by King Edward VI, son of King Henry VIII.
A deluxe double for two people. An elegant en-suite room with a marble fireplace overlooking the gardens towards the city walls, furnished with antiques.
The bathroom features a statement bath with handheld shower.
Luxury suite boasting a magnificent bedroom with wonderful east-facing views over Grays Court garden to the City Walls.
Furnished with antiques, including a William IV four poster bed, and bathroom with separate bath and shower.
A double room furnished in antique furniture including a Louis XIV inlaid bed, and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The room is named after this unfortunate gentleman and enjoys views towards his final resting place, York Minster.
It features a large walk-in-shower and further views over the historic cobbled courtyard.
With a west-facing view to York's surrounding city walls and gardens, Aske can be used as either a twin or 6ft double. The rooms also features a en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.
The guests should notify the hotel in advance if would like the bed to be made into a double.
Clyff is one of the newer double rooms. With views over neighbouring gardens towards the City Walls, the room itself is beautifully decorated with soft greys and plush fabrics.
The bathroom is of the highest quality with a large rain shower over the bath and feature tiling.
Fairfax is a delightful en-suite double room with a walk-in-shower.
Luxurious roll-top bath, with views over the historic courtyard.
Overlooking the historic tree-lined cobbled courtyard to the front of the property.
Charming individually furnished double bedroom with en-suite walk-in shower.
Great food and drinks are celebrated here at Grays Court. With such a fantastic array of ingredients here on doorstep, it only seems right to offer delectable dishes made with local and seasonal produce.
Serving light lunches and afternoon tea from 12.00h to 17.00h and dinner from 18.00h to 21.00h daily.
12.00h - 17.00h
18.00h - 21.00h
By hosting wedding here at Grays Court, the clients are not simply using the historic property as a backdrop for the event; they are making it their own for the day.
Grays Court York is a unique and individual business venue in York. It has a number of rooms available for private hire, all with their own character and charm.
If the client looking to impress the clients with quirkiness and charm, Grays Court is the perfect fit.
Grays Court is the go to venue for local business groups looking for something special.
Grays Court offers a number of rooms available for private hire, all with their own character and charm.
Grays Court is the perfect fit to impress the clients with quirkiness and charm by holding business meeting or conferences in such a marvellous place.
Grays Court is fully licensed for civil ceremonies, and are one of the few venues in York licensed for outside ceremonies. It also offers an array of rooms - Jacobean oak-panelled Long Gallery, silk wall-papered Sterne Room, cosy Library with fireplace.
GRAYS COURT
Chapter House StreetYork YO1 7JHEngland