Guests say
Church Cottage in Barnard Castle is praised for its excellent location, being central yet peaceful, with easy access to local amenities and attractions. Guests appreciate the property's cleanliness, comfort, and well-equipped kitchen. The charm of the church bells and the welcoming owners add to the positive experience, although light sleepers may notice the bells at night.
Most guests find the cottage exceptionally clean, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, a few guests noted areas that could benefit from deeper cleaning, such as dust on fire surrounds and kitchen cupboards needing a scrub.
The cottage's location is highly praised for being central and within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Bowes Museum. The proximity to the church adds charm, though the bells may be noticed by some at night.
Guests generally find the cottage comfortable, with good-sized rooms and a cosy atmosphere. Some guests suggest improvements to the mattresses and seating for enhanced comfort.
The cottage is well-equipped, particularly the kitchen, and guests appreciate the availability of appliances. However, some guests reported minor maintenance issues such as a non-working hot plate and the need for clearer instructions for appliances.
While guests mention the owners' friendliness and helpfulness, there are no specific references to gifts or special touches that would indicate thoughtfulness. Therefore, this category cannot be scored.
About this property
A delightful Grade II listed semi-detached cottage located in a tranquil conservation area of the popular market town of Barnard Castle. In an enviable location, a stone’s throw from the town's bustling high street, this beautiful cottage has been lovingly restored to a high standard and is full of charm and character throughout. It benefits from a quiet and peaceful setting, opening onto a picturesque churchyard. There are two bedrooms, both boasting beautiful original fireplaces, the main bedroom is particularly spacious and includes a king-size bed and there’s also a stylish family bathroom. Downstairs you will find an inviting and relaxing sitting room complete with a woodburning stove, perfect for nights in with family or friends in the chillier months. You will also find a well-equipped and spacious kitchen/diner, ideal for family meals or preparing a picnic for a day out exploring the wonderful Yorkshire Dales. Barnard Castle's high street is a real gem, offering fantastic independent shops, pubs and cafes, as well as a weekly market. A short walk from the cottage is the impressive Bowes Museum, with its colourful collection of European art. Nearby attractions include the breathtaking High Force, England's highest waterfall, the historic Raby Castle, stunning Witham Hall, Egglestone Hall and its walled gardens and Egglestone Abbey, an abandoned monastery on the banks of the River Tees. Why not visit the historic market towns of Richmond and Ripon, not to mention the northern Dales towns of Reeth and Hawes. Less than an hour’s drive away is the beautiful city of Durham and its magnificent cathedral which is well worth a visit. With the Yorkshire Dales National Park within an hour’s drive, this cottage makes for a fantastic base to explore the stunning County Durham countryside.
The market town of Barnard Castle is situated in the unspoilt countryside of Teesdale in County Durham. It stands on the site of an ancient Roman ford which crosses the river.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen with dining area.
Sitting room with woodburning stove.
Gas central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, radio, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Fuel, power and starter pack for stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair on request.
Roadside parking on first come, first served basis close by or in nearby public car park at £1.50 per day.
Outdoor table and chairs on public footpath to front of property.
One well-behaved pet welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shops and pubs 1 min walk.
Reviews (69)
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Wilf
Ideally located in town with many good eating establishments and lots of lovely shops. Surrounding area has glorious scenery with plenty of attractions to visit. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would like to return again.
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Zoe
Great location, really close to the centre of Barnard Castle yet felt really tucked away & quiet. (Though do bring ear buds if youâre a light sleeper as the church bells ring every 30 mins through the night). The cottage kitchen is really well equipped - it has everything you could possibly need. Comfortable beds & sofas & the cottage feels really spacious yet cosy. However, when we stayed in September, it obviously hadnât had a good deep clean for a very long time. The kitchen table felt sticky & the kitchen cupboards doors & radiators really needed a good scrub to remove tea stains & general kitchen grease & grime. There was thick dust on the fire surrounds & on top of the dressing table mirrors in both bedrooms & on the plug sockets & skirting boards behind the beds & sofas. In the bathroom, around the taps, bath & shower screen was absolutely filthy & I had to clean this before we could use it. There are lots of fake flowers & plants throughout the cottage which were also thick with dust. I did message the owners on departure & offered to send them pictures but they said they would go round & organise the cleaners to come in to do a deep clean. I really do hope so as this really spoilt it for us & itâs a real shame as the cottage itself is beautiful.
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John
Would visit again