This eco-friendly, cosy holiday cottage creates its own electricity by photo-voltaic roof tiles, and is adjacent to a cattle and sheep farm, a mile from Eggleston. The converted cattle byre with level access and wide doorways, provides a picturesque countryside retreat. Durham city, 25 miles, has a 12th century cathedral, boutiques in cobbled streets, the Victorian market, restaurants and galleries. Visit the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. Historic Barnard Castle on the River Tees is 6 miles. Shops 5 miles, pubs 1 mile.

Tucked away behind a Yorkshire stone wall and with the River Tees flowing across the back of the garden, Grace’s Retreat can only be described as a real gem of a cottage. Attached to the owners home, yet maintaining ample privacy for guests, this semi-detached, single-storey cottage offers excellent quality accommodation, in a super location. With brilliant transport links between Yorkshire, County Durham and the A1 not far away, guests will find plenty of places to visit and explore during their stay. Perfect for walkers and cyclists, Grace’s Retreat lies close to many established walking and cycling routes, including walks along the River Tees and not far from the famous Coast to Coast cycle route, which has become one of the most popular in the country. With three excellent local pubs and a Michelin starred restaurant all within a 10-minute walk, guests need not venture too far for a fabulous meal and a great night out. Perfect for romantic breaks, this could not be better situated for that special occasion or a treat with the spa at Rockcliffe Hall less than 2 miles away. Fishing and golf are also very popular in the area with a top class golf course within a 5-minute drive from the doorstep. For excellent shopping, cinema, leisure centre and railway station, the city of Darlington is just 3 miles away. Catterick Racecourse is only a 20-minute drive away for those guests wanting to enjoy a day at the races and York Races can be reached in around an hour. The historic market town of Richmond is a little under 30 minutes’ drive away and has a weekly farmers market as well as an abundance of attractions to explore including Richmond Castle, which stands high on the hill and looks out over the thriving market town below. The magnificent Yorkshire Dales National Park is an hour’s drive away and in the opposite direction, guests will find the cathedral city of Durham within an hour too. Many pretty Yorkshire towns and villages including Thirsk, Ripon, Yarm, Northallerton and Leyburn are all close by and offer all of the welcoming hospitality that the county is famous for. There is even the opportunity to visit one of the dazzling Yorkshire beaches and coastline with the seaside town of Whitby and glorious Robin Hood’s Bay, both can be reached within an easy one and a half hour’s drive.
Grace’s Retreat has been lovingly renovated to a good standard. With a large, open plan living area and kitchen, guests will find ample space to enjoy all of the features including original wood panelling, beams, wooden floor, 50" Freeview TV and a super wood burner that is perfect for those romantic evenings in. The bedroom is full of quality furnishings and boasts a kingsize bed and the bathroom is well finished throughout with a top quality shower cubicle and heated towel rail. Outside guests will find a small courtyard area with outdoor seating and also a private parking space. Warm and welcoming, Grace’s Retreat really is a great place to relax, unwind and enjoy a holiday or special occasion at any time of year. Beach 26 miles. Shop 1 mile, pub and restaurant 400 yards.

An outstanding property resting in the heart of the market town of Stanhope. Romantic bolthole. WiFi. Pet-friendly. Durham 19.8 miles.

This stone-built cottage is located in the village of Romaldkirk in County Durham. Woodburner. Exposed stonework. Barnard Castle 6 miles. Richmond 14 miles.

Situated on the grounds of the owner’s farm where purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle are raised, The Granary is one of two cottages in a superb location. The Granary is a converted detached granary. It has underfloor heating throughout and electricity is supplied by the farm’s own wind turbine. Overlooking the hills and dales of beautiful County Durham guests will be able to see over miles of open countryside right across to Durham Cathedral and beyond. Hidden away down a quiet country lane yet conveniently within easy distance of the county’s most historic and unspoiled scenery, The Granary has something to offer guests of all ages.
The property lies only 5 miles away from Bishop Auckland, where the incredibly popular Kynren Spectacular is performed between July and September every year. Barnard Castle, the Bowes Museum, and Raby Castle can all be reached within an easy 30-minute drive as well as the historic, cathedral city of Durham which has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Younger children and train enthusiasts will enjoy taking a trip to the National Railway Museum in Shildon which is only 15 minutes drive away or take a ride on The Train to Christmas Town which runs through nearby Weardale and leaves from Stanhope Station only 25 minutes away. Perfect for walkers and cyclists too, the property is surrounded by open countryside and fields, and guests will find many established walks, public footpaths, and cycle paths within the area leading out into smaller villages including Witton-le-Wear, Escomb, and Butterknowle. Hamsterley Forest is one of the north’s most popular destinations for cyclists too, and is only 4 miles away. This impressive 2000-hectare site covers some of the most beautiful countryside and offers various bike trails of different difficulties and plenty of walks for guests of all abilities including the very popular Gruffalo Trail for children. Beach 26½ miles. Shop, pub, and restaurant 1 mile.

A lovely ground-floor apartment resting in Tan Hills near Plawsworth, County Durham. Pet friendly. Durham 4.2 miles; Chester-Le-Street 3.2 miles.

Lovely, single-storey cottage in the grounds of the Grade I listed Walworth Casle Hotel, in the scattered village of Walworth, near Darlington. Open plan living. WiFi. Hot tub. Pet-friendly. Darlington 5 miles.

Overlooking the River Wear, this conversion of farm buildings is peacefully situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Adjoining another cottage, it makes a comfortable holiday base to explore the area. The Northern Dales is made up of waterfalls, rugged upland, fertile valleys and meadows. Market towns dot the area, the historic town of Barnard Castle with the Bowes Museum and Durham, with its cathedral and cobbled streets easily accessible. Shop 400 yards, pub 300 yards.

Set in a quiet courtyard, close to the village amenities of Staindrop and the village greens, this cosy, comfortably furnished and well-equipped holiday cottage is adjacent to the owner’s property. Raby Castle is within walking distance and Bowes Museum is a short drive. Visit Barnard Castle, Hadrian’s Wall or enjoy walks on the beautiful Teesdale fells and meadows or in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Visit High Force Waterfall, Beamish Open Air Museum or Eggleston Hall with its beautiful gardens. Many footpaths lead from the door, as well as a bus service from the village. Staindrop has a shop, post office, a pub, bistro and tea room. A lovely, tree-lined walk lies across the road from the cottage, with a river running alongside. North Yorkshire is a few minutes’ drive and Durham is half an hour away and The North East coast, The Lake District and York City all within 1 hours drive. Bishop Auckland is also just a 10-minute ride away with two huge shopping parks. Barnard Castle is an 8 minute drive away from the quaint local market, shops and castle. Shops and pub 500 yards.