East Ayton Lodge 2

East Ayton Lodge and associated outbuildings is noted on the 1854 Ordnance Survey map and although it has been altered and extended, the historic form of the building is still evident.

Originally a private residence, it was given by Lady Nunburnholm to the Regional Health Authority in 1947 in memory of her son David Wilson, Pilot Officer, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. Who was killed in action, 22nd March 1941. His name appears with those of his brothers-in-arms, on the war memorial located at St John the Baptist church, East Ayton. He is buried at Exeter Higher Cemetery, Devon.

The lodge was opened as a convalescent annexe to Clifton Hospital (York). It had 20 beds and was used for women patients.

After the creation of the National Health Service (NHS) in 1948, it became part of York B Group, an organisational unit within the NHS. Thereafter it was used not only by Clifton Hospital but also by other mental hospitals in Leeds Region. In 1974 it was transferred to Scarborough Health District, and it closed in 1978.

The lodge was sold in 1980 and is presently a country house hotel. As with other hotels it currently closed due to Covid-19.