WHO WE ARE
Our story and how we got here.
Tom and Agnes came to Helmsley in 2006 and quickly became part of the local community. Agnes started her journey working at a very popular local coffee shop, while Tom worked at Gepettos, a family-run Italian restaurant that was quite popular at the time. Gepettos was well-known for its warm atmosphere and delicious food, and it was here that Tom and Agnes first worked together, side by side.
In 2010,
they decided to take their passion for service a step further and launched their own business, Ryedale Cleaners, specializing in cleaning and maintaining holiday lets. Over the years, they built strong relationships with property owners, looking after homes that ranged from established holiday cottages to brand-new ventures just getting started. Their dedication to detail and care helped them grow a successful business that was well-known throughout the region.
In 2022,
they took things to the next level by founding Lookafter, a bespoke service for second-home owners. Their aim was to provide tailored support to people who owned holiday homes but needed help managing the details from afar, offering everything from cleaning to keyholding and guest care.
Then, in the summer of 2024,
an exciting new chapter began. Tom and Agnes had the opportunity to purchase their own holiday property —The Helmsley Retreat — and by the end of the year, they held the keys to their very own cottage in the heart of Helmsley.
With years of experience in the catering, hospitality, and property care industries, Tom and Agnes know exactly what it takes to make guests feel at home. They have seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t, and they are committed to ensuring that every guest who stays at The Helmsley Retreat experiences a truly wonderful and relaxing stay. For them, this isn’t just a business—it’s a chance to share their love for Helmsley and create a warm, welcoming space where people can unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of North Yorkshire.
OUR VISION
At The Helmsley Retreat, our goal is to create a cosy, welcoming space where our guests can truly relax and feel at home. Right now, we’re focused on giving our visitors a wonderful experience in this lovely cottage, but we’re always thinking about the future.
As the business grows, we plan to reinvest in the property, adding even more charm and character. Over time, we’d love to modernize certain aspects of the home, bringing in updated features while still preserving its warmth and unique charm. Our vision is to continuously improve, creating a space that evolves while still maintaining the heart and soul of what makes The Helmsley Retreat special — a perfect blend of comfort, style, and that unmistakable Helmsley charm.
We look forward to seeing how the cottage grows and transforms in the years to come, and we can’t wait to share this journey with our guests.
As the business grows, we plan to reinvest in the property, adding even more charm and character. Over time, we’d love to modernize certain aspects of the home, bringing in updated features while still preserving its warmth and unique charm. Our vision is to continuously improve, creating a space that evolves while still maintaining the heart and soul of what makes The Helmsley Retreat special — a perfect blend of comfort, style, and that unmistakable Helmsley charm.
We look forward to seeing how the cottage grows and transforms in the years to come, and we can’t wait to share this journey with our guests.