Belle Vue house (UKC4502) has been the family home since the 1890’s and has been lovingly restored in 2020 to a very good standard to include a spacious shaker style kitchen with Neff appliances and a dining area set around a Dimplex electric log-effect fire. The lounge is cosy and overlooks the beautiful cottage style garden, to further relax and enjoy the garden there is a south facing conservatory with garden furniture. The house has three spacious bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room. There is a family bathroom with shower over the bath and a downstairs toilet. Belle Vue (UKC778) is a two bedroomed cottage with a lovely garden so you can sit and relax with a nice glass of something cold on those lovely warm sunny days.
Guests can choose to be as energetic as they feel as there are plenty of places to explore within a short distance on foot or by car. Within walking distance Eggleston has a Gourmet Café in the beautiful grounds of Eggleston Hall with a secret garden and the ruins of a Norman Church. The nearby North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers an abundance of trails for walking, cycling and hiking through the picturesque woodland. There are two pubs in the village which serve good food, and the area is one of the remotest parts of England and a walkers paradise.
The nearby Market Town of Barnard Castle is home to the unusual Bowes Museum, set within stunning grounds and resembling a French Chateau, it’s home to some beautiful artwork and antiques and is often referred to as the Victoria and Albert of the North. Just 4 miles away you can visit the highest Waterfall in England (High Force), rising above Middleton in Teesdale, with alaso offeres some lovely riverside walks. Hamsterley Forest is a short drive away, and offers a full day out for the whole family and provides a wide variety of mountain biking for all skill levels. Within a short drive is the City of Durham with its iconic cathedral, cobbled streets and independent shops and restaurants. Newcastle on Tyne with the Sage Concert Hall and Baltic Arts Centre are within an hour away. Bishop Auckland is home to the Railway Museum and Auckland Castle and Darlington (with Railway links) is only a half an hour’s drive. For a day out to the coast, drive to Saltburn with its beautiful coastline, beach and a Victorian vernacular lift. Shop 4 mile, pub and restaurant ½ mile.
Belle Bue House (UKC4502) and Belle Vue (UKC778) these properties can be booked together to accommodate 8 guests.

The Cart Shed has been built to the very highest of standards and is a super detached holiday home in an excellent location and adjacent to the owner’s home. All on one level with large windows, excellent standard furnishing and top quality fixtures and fittings, guests will find that The Cart Shed is the perfect location for a quiet, luxury, well-earned family holiday or a super celebration spot for friends and family to enjoy spending quality time together. Absolutely ideal too for guests with limited walking abilities, all of the rooms are spacious, accessible and really well laid out. The open plan living area boasts a solid wood floor, beautiful wood burner and sliding doors that open the room out into the private garden area. The kitchen area is very well finished with excellent quality fixtures and fittings and ample modern appliances including a dishwasher, fridge, freezer, electric hob, electric oven and washing machine. With high ceilings and quirky wooden beam feature this room is a delight to sit in and would make a great place for family meals and celebrations. Further along the hallway, guests will find two double bedrooms each with a zip and link bed and views across the garden and beyond. The master bedroom offers equally spacious accommodation and a super kingsize bed as well as a very useful en suite shower room with shower cubicle, heated towel rail and underfloor heating. The family bathroom is once again finished to a high standard and offers a free standing bath, separate shower cubicle, heated towel rail and his and hers wash basins – luxury indeed.
The small village of Witton Gilbert has a thriving community and boasts a local farm shop and a couple of great pubs that sell good food all year round. A great spot too for walkers and cyclists, there are many established public footpaths from the village leading into the city and beyond into the scenic countryside of County Durham. Durham itself has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is packed full of historic and interesting sites to visit. The cathedral and castle dominate the market place and must be visited at any time of year as there are often popular exhibitions being presented. Also great for a spot of lunch, dinner or afternoon tea, there are many quirky tea shops, restaurants, bistros and the smallest gin bar in the county. The River Wear runs through the city and guests will be able to take a river cruise along it or enjoy a row in a rowing boat. The Lumiere Festival takes place every couple of years in November and brings the city to life with live art, music and light shows in the open air theatre that the city becomes. A little further afield but still within an easy 30 minute drive, guests will be able to take a day trip out to the very popular Beamish Living Museum of the North, see the famous Angel of the North statue in Gateshead, enjoy a day’s shopping at the MetroCentre and explore the vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Beach 17½ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Perfectly located in the small, unspoilt village of Bolam, this beautiful single-storey holiday property, attached to the owner’s home, is in the ideal location for guests wishing to really explore the local area and surrounding counties. This quaint village is small and welcoming, and occupies a crest of high ground on the edge of the Tees basin with panoramic views into the Tees Vale. Guests will often see horses being ridden through the main street at any time of day and will be far away from any of the hustle and bustle of daily life. Ideal for guests wanting to enjoy a quiet romantic break, Bolam is peaceful and pretty, and is home to a village pub that serves food and drink, situated just a few hundred yards away from the cottage. There is also a Michelin starred restaurant that is located just 3 miles away too, making this the perfect excuse to enjoy a fabulous three course meal in top quality surroundings.
Perfect for walkers, cyclists and ramblers, with plenty of walks, cycle paths, bridleways and established footpaths that pass through the village and beyond into some of the most picturesque countryside that County Durham has to offer. Taking guests through unspoilt woodland, open fields and fabulous countryside, guests will be able to wander far and wide through some of the many small villages and towns that lie in the surrounding areas including Staindrop, Heighington, Cockfield, Evenwood, Little Newsham and Ingleton.
For guests who enjoy a round of golf on their holiday, there is the perfect opportunity to visit one of the many surrounding golf courses, including Headlam Hall Country Hotel and Spa, and Bishop Auckland Golf Club. The pretty village of Staindrop is only a little over 8 miles away and is an ideal destination for a day trip. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and peppered with cafés, tea shops, pubs and a butchers, this is a great spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch and then a wander around Raby Castle, where visitors will have the pleasure of being able to catch a glimpse of over two hundred deers, comfortable in their natural habitat within the grounds of the estate and castle. Only 14 miles away, the thriving and historic town of Barnard Castle is also a must see. There is a popular weekly farmers market offering local produce, as well as many various pubs, restaurants, shops and places of interest, including the ruins of the castle itself, along with a visit to the world famous Bowes Museum.
Visit the cathedral city of Durham, which is only a 35-minute drive away, with an abundance of historic and popular attractions, including Durham Castle, Durham Cathedral and the River Wear. Durham is a city that is thriving all year round and is an ideal location for all ages, with many popular activities and shows to see and enjoy including the Lumiere Festival, jazz festival, book week, arts week and the theatre, as well as many designer boutiques and shops.

Beach 25 miles. Shop 5 miles, pub and restaurant 100 yards.

Situated in the pretty village of Hawthorn just two miles from the Durham Heritage Coast and a short walk from the stunning Hawthorn Dene, the second largest dene in the county. Set within impressive grounds, Laburnum house has a unique style providing a high level of comfort throughout, with Egyptian cotton bedding and towels provided as an extra indulgent touch. From the grand entrance, the attractive hallway opens into the living room, a decadent space with leather Chesterfields, a blend of antique furnishings and a beautiful inglenook fireplace and wood burner to gather round. A formal dining room will seat the whole family and provides a wonderful space perfect for that special occasion. The kitchen area is spacious and well equipped with all modern appliances, with additional seating here ideal for breakfast. On the first floor are the bedrooms, all decadent in style and offering a high level of comfort. Two en-suite bedrooms with four poster beds, one has an additional single bed and louvre doors leading to a further sleeping area with a single bed, which makes this a great family room. There is also a separate toilet on this level. On the second floor a fabulous master suite runs the entire length of the property, with vaulted ceilings and double bed. A separate landing area with leather sofa making a gorgeous reading nook and a luxurious bathroom with deep bathtub to enjoy an indulgent soak. Walkway to outdoor spa area with wood fired hot tub (at cost) seating 4 people.
When the weather turns cool enjoy the quirky shelter with seating and dressing area, the perfect place to relax and unwind. Enjoy the cool water foot spas with complimentary bottled water and bamboo foot towels, while you chat with your friends, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet with some mindfulness and relaxation.
Externally is a courtyard garden, a raised decked area with table and wrap round seating makes a gorgeous social space to sit and enjoy al fresco meals and a glass of wine. For the outdoor enthusiast, the property is perfectly situated in an area which offers outstanding walking and sightseeing, within a short walk to the stunning area of Hawthorn Dene, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is a plethora of things to do locally, including fishing, indoor skiing, a retail park, cycle tracks and a seaglass beach, and within a mile there is even a community centre offering activities, and nearby, the National Trust coastal footpath offers 11 miles of beautiful landscape and impressive coastal scenery. For the children there is an alpaca farm nearby, a play park, and a lovely picnic area to sit and enjoy an ice cream. For the adults, a village pub serving wholesome food a two-minute stroll. Nearby at Seaham, enjoy a day at the seaside, with lovely marina, promenade, cafés, shops and restaurants. All the family will enjoy the community centre activities within a mile. The beach at Seaham is an excellent place to collect sea glass, and visitors come from far and wide for this very reason. Visit Durham, a World Heritage Site, with its famous castle, cathedral and riverside walks, and good selection of eateries. Nearby there are alpacas and National Trust walks and in Dalton Park is a fabulous retail outlet, with shops restaurants and cinema. A pub can be found within 1 mile of Laburnum House.

Harrison House is conveniently located in the village of Low Pittington, with nearby road links to the A1 and A19, and guests can use this as a great base to explore the north of England. The property has been refurbished in 2022, furnished for your comfort and relaxation. The living room is inviting and spacious, comfortably accommodating guests with a Smart TV for your entertainment. The separate kitchen/dining area is a great social space, whether you are gathering for a hearty breakfast or celebratory supper, the modern shaker-style kitchen is well-equipped to cater for all your needs. Outside is an enclosed lawned garden and patio, set with table and chairs for summer dining.
Upstairs are two bedrooms and a family bathroom. A further loft-style bedroom can be found on the second floor, with vaulted ceilings, a Velux window and an en-suite shower room, and is a lovely cosy space away from it all.
Guests can simply park up and relax, or enjoy countryside walks from the door. There is a farm shop within a short walk, here you will find butchery, coffee shop, delicatessen and retail shop. A little further you can enjoy a walk across the golf links to Ramside Hall Golf and Spa, where golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on the championship courses.
Visit the City of Durham and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Castle and Cathedral. The Gala Theatre is located in the centre of the city, making the cottage a perfect location for guests wanting to enjoy a theatre trip as part of their break. Packed with top quality restaurants, bistros, cafés and bars, Durham is a thriving city. The Lumiere Festival takes place every second November, or enjoy the jazz festival, arts festival, miners gala and many more free attractions, as well as the weekly farmers’ market.
The university colleges and campuses can be found nearby, and this is the ideal base to get to know the university and visit friends and family who might be attending one of the graduation ceremonies. The top class cricket ground of Durham County Cricket Club is also only a 20-minute drive away, great for enjoying a test match or concert.
The popular Beamish Living Museum is a 30-minute drive away and makes a good day out for families of all ages. The Angel of the North sculpture is just a 20-minute drive away, while Newcastle and the Metro Centre are 30 minutes by car. The Heritage Coast is just 8 miles away, and the city of Sunderland and its coastal resorts of Roker, Seaburn and Whitburn are all within 15 miles. This lovely cottage provides a superb base from which to enjoy the beautiful county of Durham. Beach 8 miles. Pub and restaurant 1¾ miles

Meadow View is a lovely cottage situated in a perfect location to enjoy all amenities in the popular market town of Stanhope, often referred to as ’The Gateway to the Dales’. The North Pennines, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the perfect setting for a rural retreat or for guests who enjoy walking or cycling, For cyclists, it is a handy location for cycling and mountain biking trails at Hamsterley Forest, and is close to the C2C route.
Fully renovated in 2021, Meadow View Cottage has a warm and welcoming feel, with lots of special touches throughout. The modern, rustic-style living room has relaxing sofas, an oak dining table, flagged floors and an inglenook fireplace with cosy wood burner. Adjoining this is the well-equipped kitchen and handy utility room with indoor storage space for cycles. Outside is an enclosed courtyard area with table and chairs, a lovely spot for a morning coffee or evening meal. There are also hot and cold taps to wash down your furry friends after their riverside walks! Upstairs are two beautifully appointed bedrooms to catch your sleep. The family bathroom has a modern style with a shower attachment over the bath.
Along the High Street you will find pubs, tea shops and cafés, a local butchers, bakers and takeaway food options, as well as interesting gift shops. At the nearby Durham Dales Centre you will find a great selection of walking maps and information, as well as a variety of craft shops and a small café. There are many established walks, cycle paths and routes running directly from the town and out towards some of the traditional villages including Eastgate, Cowshill, Rookhope, Killhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham.
Ideal for children is the Weardale Railway that stops in Stanhope and covers an 18-mile heritage line that runs through parts of County Durham and has different events all year round. In the warmer weather, enjoy the river or local open-air swimming pool, which is the only heated open-air pool in the county. Throughout the year, Stanhope hosts a variety of popular outdoor events ranging from music festivals to the annual Stanhope Show.
In nearby Bishop Auckland visit Kynren – An Epic Tale of England, a spectacular live action show that takes place every summer. Hamsterley Forest, Raby Castle, or a little further visit Barnard Castle with its lovely riverside walks, High Force and Low Force Waterfalls, and the famous Bowes Museum. Within an easy 40-minute drive, guests will be able to visit the city of Durham with its historic cathedral, castle and university. Beamish Living Museum, Gateshead Metrocentre, Newcastle upon Tyne, Hexham, Corbridge and Hadrian’s Wall can all be reached in an hour’s drive and offer a great day out for guests of all ages. With so much locally to see and do, Meadow View Cottage makes an excellent base to stay. Pub and restaurant 528 yards.

Elms Cottage nestles in the picturesque village of Sadberge near Darlington. With convenient road networks nearby to both the A1 and A66, it provides the perfect location to explore this wonderful area in the North of England. The village itself has a wonderful community feel. Set around the pretty village green are two excellent pubs, one a gastro pub if you’re looking for something a little special, the other offering a warm welcome for a relaxing drink and some wholesome food. Take a stroll around the village and visit the community outdoor library, just a stone’s throw from the cottage. You may also like to pop into the Village Community Hall, with a warm welcome and selling local produce as well as a coffee shop serving breakfasts and a wide range of snacks and food throughout the day Monday to Friday, as well as food to take away.
Out and about, there are some lovely rural walks to explore right from the doorstep. Travel a little further and a 10-minute drive takes you to large retail park in Darlington with a huge variety of shops including a large supermarket. The thriving town centre has a weekly market, high street shops and a variety of excellent pubs and restaurants covering all tastes. There is also a theatre and cinema.
Within a 30-minute drive you have so much choice. Visit the historic market town of Richmond, gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. With a magnificent castle and riverside walks, Georgian Theatre and an eclectic range of shops, galleries and eateries set around the cobbled market square.
Visit Barnard Castle, walk round the castle ruins, lovely park, river walks, shops and restaurants, and the famous Bowes Museum. If you are a lover of the coast, this area has some of the best beaches! Head across to Saltburn-by-the-Sea and take a ride on the funicular railway, amble the quirky shops or take a beach walk and enjoy the fresh air. A little further is the seaside town of Whitby, famed by Bram Stoker’s ’Dracula’, with beautiful coastline, local history, quirky shops, harbour and boat rides, and of course not leaving without a feast of their famous fish and chips! There is so much more to enjoy – one visit is simply not enough!

Nestling in the peaceful village of Butterknowle in the heart of the Durham Dales, Little Glencrest is packed full of features. The décor is simple and classic with a wonderful cosy feel. The living room, with sofa and Smart TV, has large French doors leading on to the terrace and garden. In the wintertime, the modern wood burner will keep you as warm as toast. The bedroom with a king size bed leads off with en-suite wet room with walk-in shower.
Outside there is a beautiful, flagged terrace, festooned with lights, where you’ll find the KIRAMI wood-fired hot tub. The lawned garden is completely private and secure for dogs. With dark skies in the evening, imagine relaxing in the steaming hot tub with a glass of fizz whilst stargazing. You might hear the local owls and curlews. The terrace is set with a bistro table and chairs to enjoy an al fresco supper.
Butterknowle is a quiet rural village surrounded by farming communities and natural open spaces, with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty only a few minutes’ drive away. There is an abundance of places to explore, with established public footpaths and cycle routes all within walking distance. Visit the nearby award winning Teesdale Cheese Cafe and shop where you can enjoy brunch, lunch or cake and coffee. The pretty village of Staindrop is just 6 miles away and offers tea shops and cafés. Raby Castle is within easy reach and is a must for guests who wish to catch a glimpse of over 200 deer which wander the grounds. Follow on to the bustling market town of Barnard Castle with a weekly farmers’ market, and some super local pubs, restaurants, independent shops, galleries, and historic buildings. Bishop Auckland, the traditional home of the Bishop of Durham is just a 15-minute drive. Visit the recently renovated Auckland Castle, the Spanish Art Gallery or see the fabulous Kynren Eleven Arches spectacle during the summer months. Here you’ll also find a variety of supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. Hamsterley Forest, a delightful 2000-hectare site of popular walking trails, cycle trails, orienteering and picnic spots, is just a 10-minute drive away.
Grassholme Observatory offers visitors a chance to enjoy the wonders of the universe at workshops and events led by top astronomers throughout the year and is less than half an hour away. The city of Durham can be reached within a 40-minute drive, with its magnificent cathedral and castle and beautiful riverside walks.

There are several historic sites nearby pertaining to Hartlepool’s rich history, including the nearby beautiful 12th century St Hilda’s church. A tour of Hartlepool Headland takes in a selection of World War I and World War II historic sites including Heugh Battery which is the only battlefield of WW1 in England. Or celebrate the proud maritime history at the National Museum of the Royal Navy which includes the HMS Trincomalee – the oldest warship afloat in Europe. Making this a great place to explore.
This historical fisherman’s cottage has beautiful original features and is sure to charm you. On the doorstep you have views of the sea, which is only a stone’s throw away, at low tide a sandy golden beach is revealed for you to enjoy. Between the jetty’s this is a sheltered cove, making this a good spot for wild swimming. Stepping inside the cottage you are welcomed into the lounge, which has comfortable seating in front of the TV and the electric stove which sits in the original fireplace. Glass double doors open into the kitchen/diner, with a dining table where you can enjoy meals together. The kitchen opens out into an enclosed patioed garden with outdoor seating. Upstairs on the first floor you have two well-presented bedrooms, from the windows in the master bedroom you have side views of the sea and the jetty with the small lighthouse. The master bedroom has a double bed, and is a generous size, with plenty of storage for your belongings. In the second bedroom you have twin beds. Going up to the second floor you get a sense of the properties age and heritage, with exposed beams and a high vaulted ceiling. This large room has been transformed into a games room, with a Smart TV as well as lots of board games, so no matter the weather you can have fun nights in, bonding as a family or as a couple.
The local area boasts so much to see and do; from the cottage take a stroll along the 1½ mile promenade and follow the signposted history trail or make your way to the marina which is surrounded by a cosmopolitan mix of bistros, bars, cafes and restaurants. A splendid promenade connects the marina with Seaton Carew with miles of golden sands. There are many wonderful attractions just a short distance away, including Saltholme RSPB Reserve where rich bird life and even seals can be spotted, the National Glass Centre at Sunderland for a day out with a difference where you can try your hand at glass making, as well as Summerhill nature reserve and outdoor play centre, just to name a few.
For the more active, the National Cycle Network Route 14 can be found in the local town and takes you all the way to Seaham, while the North York Moors National Park is well-worth venturing too for its spectacular scenery, enticing heritage and beautiful nature. You are within easy reach of the historic city of Durham, which is gorgeous for a day out with its magnificent cathedral and winding cobbled roads lined with independent shops and quirky bars and cafes. Seascape is a fantastic choice for your coastal escape, with history and scenery to soak up during your stay. Beach 160 yards. Pub and restaurant 110 yards.