Friends, families and furries will adore this exquisite stone house, set on a working farm on the eastern edge of the North Pennines, 15 miles west of Durham and 20 miles south-west of Newcastle. Consett (6 miles) has a theatre and cinema, superb independent shops, galleries, eateries and canine-cordial pubs. Bicycle wheels, feet and paws will adore exploring the surrounding landscape; follow the 10-mile Waskerley Way Railway Path from Consett to Stanhope, through urban fringe, upland sheep farms and heather moorland and passing the towering Hownsgill Viaduct; spot rare wildlife like merlins, adders and striking black grouse along the way.
Inside, happy humans and hounds will find a beautiful blend of original rural features and sweet contemporary comfort and style. From morning coffee and croissants on the sunny bench to al fresco feasts on the picnic table, surrounded by the joys of nature, your Pennine adventures will be blissfully bookended. Gather in the welcoming lounge and more intimate snug to reminisce and plan tomorrow’s thrills with wine, laughter and wagging tails. Prepare sumptuous local food in the elegant kitchen/diner, and melt mud and fatigue in a steaming tub, in the tranquil upstairs bathroom and en-suite. Drift to contented dreams in the three bedrooms, each with their own unique ambience, original artwork, delightful fabrics, bucolic views and loving touches.
Bask on fabulous fur-friendly beaches at Ryhope East and South (both 27.5 miles) and Whitley Bay (34 miles), and explore the sublime Northumberland Coast. Discover the cobbled streets and unique charms of Durham and Newcastle, including two magnificent cathedrals, a plethora of independent establishments, Hatton and Shipley Art Galleries, the Beamish and Great North Museums and two atmospheric and historic castles. Medieval Raby Castle (21 miles) is one of England’s finest and best-preserved.