Crakesmire House, County Durham

Nestled in the quaint village of Headlam, near Gainford, is this superb barn conversion, Crakesmire House. This welcoming cottage is an ideal choice for families or a group of friends looking to discover this rural area, sleeping up to six guests with contemporary furnishings within a traditional farm building. Step into the entrance hallway and pop off walking boots and hang jackets before following the original slate flooring to the spacious kitchen/diner. Here you can sit at an armchair and keep the chef company whilst they get to terms with the appliances, including a range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher, along with a whole host of crockery, utensils and ample working space to prepare hearty meals. Gather in the dining room to enjoy a sumptuous supper, toasting to a wonderful getaway as you share laughs and memories with your loved ones. The sitting room has been designed with a woodburning stove fitted within the fireplace, a Smart TV and ample seating, while just above rests an inviting mezzanine snug area where you can enjoy a quiet read away from the group. Retire to one of the three bedrooms for some rest, choosing from either the master double with en-suite shower, standard double or a twin, all featuring plenty of storage for your things and more carefully chosen decorations. Kick start your morning with a refreshing shower in the bathroom, before popping on your walking gear to tackle the surrounding countryside․ When returning use the handy shower in the Utility room to clean up any mud from yourself and your pets. The village of Gainford is less than two miles away and is where all the self-catering essentials can be found, including a local shop, a pub and a fish and chip shop, so whether you’re sourcing the ingredients for a home-cooked meal or searching for a quick and easy takeaway, all bases are covered. Treat yourself to an afternoon at the magnificent Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa, where an excellent spa offers a wide selection of treatments to replenish you, fresh ingredients are locally sourced to create delicious meals in the restaurant and a breath-taking golf course amidst the Durham dales is a welcome challenge for those avid golfers. For those looking to brush up on local history, head to the historic market town of Barnard Castle to see the famous Bowe Museum and High Force Waterfall or why not visit some of your high street favourites in the bustling town of Darlington. Further afield rests the walled city of York, the Lake District, North Yorkshire Dales and at the east coast, Saltburn. At the end of the day, return to Crakesmire House and recharge your batteries for the next adventure.