Throw a ball in the sunshine for Rover and watch him bound across the lawn at this single-storey, stone cottage at Lintz Green in County Durham. Situated 5 miles from Consett and 6.5 miles from the fringes of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the two-bedroom, Grade II-listed retreat, which sleeps four guests, is perfect for a small, dog-loving family or two couples wishing to stay with a happy hound.
Wander inside to find a light-filled dining room, with a glass roof and valley views, connected, by a step up, to an open-plan lounge/kitchen. Let your furry friend patter about while you start preparing supper. Dish up Rover’s dinner over here too, serve everyone else their meal up at the breakfast bar, then settle down to a good film on the Smart TV, while your contented canine enjoys a quiet doggy doze. Also in this part of the cottage are a utility space, with a safe, and a WC. As day turns to night, head off to one of the bedrooms, either a super-king-size, with an en-suite shower room, or a twin, with an en-suite bathroom. Take Rover out into the enclosed garden on warm days to race up and down the grass while you dine outside or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. There is parking for two cars at the cottage and secure storage for cycles.
Pull on your walking boots, pick up the dog lead and step straight out from the cottage to follow the 12-mile Derwent Walk. This runs between Consett and Swalwell and tracks the route of an old railway line. At the northern end of the trail, 6.5 miles from the cottage, is scenic Derwenthaugh Country Park, which is great for dog walking and is home to the impressive Nine Arches Viaduct.