The Back House is a charming Grade II Listed stone cottage set peacefully off the main street in Staindrop, a short drive away from the bright and bustling market town of Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle has been featured heavily in the press and social media since Dominic Cummings made his infamous visit during Lockdown 1. It was described in the press as a ‘beauty spot’ – come and see for yourself and admire the new English heritage blue plate that has been erected for Mr Cummings. 

The property is part of a historic coaching inn, adjacent to the owner’s home; the accommodation is very spacious and features a large sitting room which offers warmth and comfort with plush sofas and a delightful woodburning stove resting in the original 18th century inglenook, backed by a beautiful stone wall.

Rooms all overlook the south-facing courtyard with a lovely raised planted area. The courtyard is surrounded on sides by 12’ high stone walls that are typical of the old part of the village.

Socialise in the splendid kitchen with quality fittings together with ample room for 6 to cook and eat together at the beautifully restored table. The kitchen is kitted out with all the pots, pans and utensils required to cook a feast for your group!

The cottage is very well finished with Karndean floors, Voyage fabrics and Farrow and Ball paintwork, and is simply a haven for couples and friends seeking a high-quality retreat.

Step upstairs to the three bedrooms; all featuring superking beds, perfectly polished and tastefully decorated with coordinating high TC linens, cushions and upholstery. Should you wish for alternative sleeping arrangements, the zip/link beds can be twins upon request at time of booking. The smallest traveller is provided for with a cot. (NB please supply cot linen)

The bathroom is large, very fresh, and airy whilst the ground floor cloakroom benefits from a WC and basin.

Step out of the cottage via a lovely courtyard area with raised pretty flower beds, this in turn leads you to your charming enclosed and private gravelled pergola area, featuring cultivated plants and flowers varying in height, texture and colour. This area is for the use of cottage guests only and the gates can be closed for privacy while relaxing. The luxury 6 person hot tub is also found here. Laze in the hot tub, enjoying spotting shooting stars in our dark skies. We also provide outdoor dining facilities for 6 people adjacent to the hot tub. Cosy and welcoming cashmere throws and cushions provide warmth on chilly days, together with the added benefit of a stunning Planika Faro propane gas fire. A Weber gas BBQ and pizza oven are available as a change of cooking styles! Further luxury sofa seating for 6 allows guests to enjoy the fire pit. 

Staindrop is a pretty village with a large conservation area and one of the long greens typical of County Durham. The oldest parts of the Church of England parish church of St Mary are Anglo-Saxon, built in the 10th or 11th century. The church contains monuments including effigies of members of the Neville family.

The village is situated near to the historic market towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond both with many independent shops and multiple restaurant and tea shop options. The village has a convenience store open 7 days a week, a highly rated Teashop and a super friendly local pub. A busy Italian restaurant in the next village (2miles) offer the cook a night off!

The magnificent Raby Castle is 1 mile from the front door of the house. The Castle is open to the public and boasts a top-rated tearoom as well as a small gift shop. The walled gardens are magnificent, whilst dogs on leads can be walked in the stunning deer park for a small charge. Plotters Forest adventure playground offers fun and challenges for the younger guests and is rated 10/10 by visitors. (Tickets to be bought in advance)

The renowned Bowes Museum is close by together with its famous Silver Swan automaton and stunning collections of art.

Durham city with the twin attraction of world heritage sites Durham Castle and the cathedral, is 15 miles away. The cathedral is recognised as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe.

Also to the north is the unique Beamish Museum, which offers access to a preserved example of everyday life in urban and rural Northeast England at the time of industrialization in the early 19th Century, highly popular with all guests who have visited and rated 5* for all the family!

The amazing buzzy city of York is 25 minutes by train from Darlington, the station together with the well-known National Railway Museum is in the centre with only minutes walking to many of its key attractions. York also offers a huge range of shops and eateries at all price points.

This property is a great choice for those who love the outdoors, with ample walking, birdwatching and cycling opportunities nearby including the National Cycle Route 715. The house is on the public footpath system with many circular routes to choose from.

This unique base offers a memorable holiday break for the whole family looking to explore the area and make memories

” The Back House was absolutely fantastic, Judith & Richard have provided a beautiful cottage with everything that you could think of included.”

– Mrs Wright

 

“Absolutely wonderful cottage, with all the facilities you could wish for.”

– Mr Hotchkiss

 

“This cottage was lovely, so well furnished and everything was a very high quality, including the delicious welcome pack.”

– Mrs Hare