About Us

Broadgate Farm Cottages – Holiday Cottages in East Yorkshire

Broadgate Farm has been our home since 2006, when we—Elaine Robinson and Stephen Holtby—took on the challenge of turning a working farm into a place where others could come to relax and enjoy the countryside. From the very beginning, our aim was simple: to create somewhere welcoming, peaceful, and full of character.

After gaining planning permission in 2008, we began carefully renovating the farm’s original buildings, transforming them into holiday cottages while preserving the charm and history that first drew us here. Every decision was made with respect for the farm’s past, and with our future guests in mind.

Today, our daughter Lauren is very much part of the farm, helping out in the office, around the cottages, and with the sheep. It’s a real family effort, and we think that shows in the way the farm feels.

The site itself has changed a great deal over the years. Removing a large grain dryer and an old pole barn opened up the space between the cottages and the surrounding fields, allowing the landscape to breathe again. The result is a calmer, more open setting that reflects what Broadgate Farm is all about—simple countryside living, beautifully restored, and shared with guests looking for a quiet escape.

The transformation involved significant changes to the site. We removed a massive 2½-story grain dryer and a large pole barn that once dominated the space, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere between the cottages and the surrounding fields. These changes not only enhanced the farm’s natural beauty but also made it an ideal setting for guests seeking a peaceful countryside escape.

Developing the holiday cottages

Steve’s background as the owner of a building company for more than 40 years played a huge part in shaping the cottages you see today. His experience in restoring older buildings meant we could strike the right balance between modern comfort and the original character of the farm.

Being so hands-on throughout the build allowed us to focus on the details that really matter. Having a skilled builder on site wasn’t just invaluable during the early stages—it continues to make a real difference when it comes to looking after the cottages and keeping everything to the standard we expect.

Our first two cottages, The Forge and The Stables, welcomed guests in September 2009. The Barn House and The Granary followed in May 2010, with Foldyard Cottage opening in September 2011. After a short pause, we added The Cart House in the summer of 2015.

Over time, Broadgate Farm has grown into a destination that can comfortably host more than 40 guests, whether they’re visiting as couples, families, or larger groups.

What was once a busy working farm has been carefully transformed into the peaceful holiday cottages in East Yorkshire you see today.

Our Philosophy

As an independent, family-run business, everything we do at Broadgate Farm is centred around our guests. From the start, we’ve poured our time, energy, and savings into turning the farm into the holiday retreat it is today. With no outside investors involved, we’ve been free to focus entirely on what matters most, continually improving the cottages and offering the best possible experience for those who stay with us.

Elaine’s background in marketing played a key role in the early days. Rather than using an agency, we chose to build our own website to promote the cottages, and it proved far more successful than we ever expected. Today, we manage all bookings directly, which allows us to offer better value and keep the booking process personal and straightforward from start to finish.

Steve looks after the ongoing development and maintenance of the cottages, as well as the outdoor spaces and our ever-growing collection of farm animals. Elaine manages the day-to-day running of the business, including bookings, housekeeping, marketing, and guest relations. We’re also supported by a brilliant housekeeping and gardening team who help keep everything running smoothly.

Because we live on the farm, we’re always close by if guests need anything, and over the years we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some truly lovely people. Our daughter Lauren has now joined the business too, an invaluable addition she will be taking on a larger role as the farm continues to grow.

Eco-friendly development

Sustainability has always been an important part of how we’ve developed Broadgate Farm. To heat the cottages, we installed ground source heat pumps that draw natural warmth from the surrounding fields through an underground network of pipes. Powered by electricity, these systems are highly efficient, producing up to three times the heat energy for every unit of electricity used.

During the warmer months, solar thermal panels provide hot water, while solar PV panels generate electricity to further reduce our environmental impact. Together, these systems help keep the cottages warm and comfortable throughout the year, while allowing us to care for the land we live and work on.

A True Yorkshire Haven

Broadgate Farm Cottages sit in the heart of East Yorkshire, surrounded by open countryside and big skies. It’s a peaceful setting that’s perfect for enjoying nature, spotting wildlife, or simply slowing down and taking in the views.

We’re incredibly proud of what the farm has become since we first purchased it. The transformation has been a real labour of love, and we enjoy sharing this special place with guests who appreciate the quiet, space, and simplicity of rural life.

Whether you’re planning a romantic break, a family holiday, or a get-together with friends, our cottages offer a comfortable and relaxed base for exploring the area. With a focus on quality, comfort, and sustainability, we look forward to welcoming you to Broadgate Farm.

All of our cottages are located on, and run directly from our working farm in East Yorkshire, UK.