About Us
Broadgate Farm Cottages – East Yorkshire Holiday Retreats
Broadgate Farm, owned by Elaine Robinson and Stephen Holtby, has been lovingly transformed into a welcoming holiday destination since we purchased it in 2006. After securing planning permission in 2008, we set out to renovate the farm, turning its historic buildings into beautiful holiday cottages while carefully maintaining their character and charm.
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 extensive experience as the owner of a building company for over 40 years was instrumental in the development process. His expertise in restoring old buildings ensured that the cottages were completed to the highest standards, blending modern comforts with the rustic charm of the original farm structures.
Our hands-on approach allowed us to ensure every detail was perfect. Having a skilled builder on-site has been a tremendous advantage—not only during the initial development but also for ongoing maintenance.
The first cottages, The Forge and The Stables, opened their doors in September 2009. They were followed by The Barn House and The Granary in May 2010, with Foldyard Cottage added in September 2011. After taking a short break, we introduced The Cart House in the summer of 2015. Over the years, we have grown our offering to accommodate over 40 guests in total, making Broadgate Farm a versatile destination for families, couples, and groups alike.
We transformed the farm from the scenes you see below to the lovely holiday cottages you now see on the farm.
Our Philosophy
As an independent, family-run business, we have always prioritized the needs of our guests. Both of us have worked hard to transform Broadgate Farm into the thriving holiday retreat it is today, investing our time, energy, and savings into the project. Without external investors or financiers, we have the freedom to focus entirely on guest satisfaction, continually investing in improvements and maintaining the highest standards.
Elaine’s background in marketing has been invaluable in building the business. Initially, rather than use an agency to market the cottages we decided to create our own website to generate awareness. The website proved so successful that we now manage all bookings directly. This allows us to offer the best possible value to our guests while maintaining a personal touch throughout the booking process.
Steve oversees the property’s development and maintenance, as well as the outdoor spaces and our growing number of farm animals. Elaine manages the day-to-day running of the cottages, including housekeeping, bookings, marketing, and guest relations. We are also supported by a wonderful housekeeping and gardening team. Living on the farm means we are always available to assist our guests, and over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting some truly lovely people. Our daughter Lauren has also joined the business, an invaluable addition she will take on a larger role in the future.
Eco-friendly development
Sustainability has been at the core of Broadgate Farm’s development. To heat the cottages, we installed ground source heat pumps, which draw energy from the surrounding fields through an underground network of pipes. These pumps are powered by electricity and are highly efficient, producing up to three times the heat energy for every unit of electricity consumed.
In addition, solar thermal panels provide hot water during the summer months, and solar PV panels generate electricity to further reduce our environmental footprint. These measures ensure our cottages remain warm and cozy in the colder months while minimizing our impact on the environment.
A True Yorkshire Haven
Broadgate Farm Cottages is nestled in the heart of East Yorkshire, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and a tranquil setting for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved since purchasing the farm. It has been a labour of love, and we are delighted to share this beautiful space with our guests.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family holiday, or a group gathering, our cottages provide the perfect base for exploring all that East Yorkshire has to offer. With a commitment to comfort, quality, and sustainability, we look forward to welcoming you to Broadgate Farm.
We trade from and all cottages are located on our farm in East Yorkshire, UK.