Dog-friendly Durham

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