This exceptionally stylish farmhouse in Teesdale has been luxuriously refurbished and decorated by interior designer Rita Konig and recently featured in Elle Decor magazine. Every turn you take in this large property is breathtaking, from the designer-inspired furniture to Rita’s own eclectic taste shown in the individually styled rooms.
Surrounded by rolling farmland belonging to her husband’s family, this detached house sleeps up to fourteen guests in seven individually styled bedrooms. For those of you with children there is a playroom with a games console and Smart TV. This room also has a very comfortable day bed, so it can double as an additional ground-floor bedroom if needed, with a shower room next door. The individual bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs are alive with fabulous prints and items sourced by Rita to show off the rooms to their full potential. The property benefits from a large very well-equipped entertaining kitchen and dining area with ample seating for all fourteen guests. A recent addition is the stone barn which has been refurbished to house a games room complete with a table tennis table and pool table.
Being only fifteen minutes from Darlington train station, North Farm makes a perfect base for exploring the beautiful scenery of Teesdale and the wilder expanses of the Durham and Yorkshire Dales. Nearby are the pretty market towns of Richmond and Barnard Castle, the latter home to the remarkable Bowes Museum. The historic cities of Durham and York, boasting two of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe, can be visited in the same day trip (by train). Closer still is Raby Castle, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval castles, and Auckland Castle (scheduled to reopen in 2019 after extensive restoration), the former hunting lodge of Durham’s prince-bishops and home to a majestic cycle of twelve paintings by the Spanish master Francisco de Zurbaran. The seaside town of Saltburn, famous for its fine Victorian architecture, beach, pier and funicular, is 45 minutes away. The dramatic coastal walk south from here to Staithes (9 miles, 3-4 hours) takes you over the highest cliffs in the east of England. The Lake District is a scenic hour’s drive away in the other direction, and energetic guests can head for Ullswater after breakfast, climb Helvellyn (3,117ft) by its most exhilarating route, and be back at North Farm in time for cocktails.
A perfectly sensible alternative option would be to stay put and relax at North Farm, with three comfortable sitting rooms on the ground floor (each with either an open fire or wood-burning stove - firewood supplied). Five minutes away to the south, the small Roman village of Piercebridge on the River Tees has an excellent farm shop and equally good gastropub, the Fox Hole. The same distance away to the west, more serious foodies can sample the region’s only two-starred Michelin restaurant, the Raby Hunt. A little further on is the country-house hotel Headlam Hall, with a spa, golf course and tennis court.
GROUND FLOOR:
Entrance Hall: A spacious room full of understated style, with a grandfather clock, 19th-century Swedish bench, beautiful 18th-century English oak chest, and an array of interesting artwork for you to admire as you enter this very special house.
Green Room: Double doors lead through to this stunning south-facing drawing room, with two comfortable sofas, two armchairs upholstered in beautiful fabrics, all with soft cushions to complement the relaxed style, and plenty of side tables with lamps. Filled with florals, stripes and eclectic furnishings, fabrics and textures, this is a room to sit and enjoy a quiet read by the open fire and to gather for drinks before dinner - served from the tray behind the sofa.
TV room: This cosy corner sitting room has an open fire with traditional slate surround, an antique bureau, wonderfully comfortable handmade sofa, three occasional chairs, and windows looking south and west over the walled front garden. There is a 50 inch smart TV with Sky and two bookcases full of books for you to enjoy during your stay. Filled with individually sourced objects and pieces of furniture, this room is ideal as a quiet spot in which to work or read during the day. In the evening, the lamps cast a warm glow making it a great place for a drink or settle in with a box set. This is a very well designed room, something that is consistent throughout the house.
Playroom: At the opposite corner is another double-aspect sitting room which serves as a delightful children’s playroom with a 50 inch Smart TV, study desk, day bed (can be used as a sofa or a bed), large pouffe, woodburning stove with feature limestone surround (fireguard provided).
Kitchen/Dining-Room: With a dazzling long dresser designed and built by Plain English, this meticulously thought-out room has everything you could possibly ask for. The Aga has an additional electric module should extra hobs and ovens be needed. There is a wonderful vintage stone trough sink mounted on the Douglas fir counter, and a rustic table that comfortably seats fourteen. Three large windows command great views over the surrounding grass fields.
Pantry: Between the hall and kitchen, this has two integrated fridges and a freezer, all in beautiful bespoke cupboards built by Plain English.
Scullery/larder: A sizeable washing-up room off the kitchen with a microwave, dishwasher, large Belfast sink and solid wooden worktop. There is ample shelf storage over a cool marble worktop - again by Plain English - and the northern aspect makes this a perfect larder as well.
Shower Room: Large walk-in shower, washbasin, WC.
Bootroom/Laundry: Serving as the back entrance to the house, this is the place to dump muddy boots and wet gear after a long walk in the surrounding countryside. A bright panelled room with underfloor heating beneath the stone tiles, it has a washing machine, separate tumble dryer, Belfast sink, drying rails, and numerous hooks to hang all your coats.
There is also an outbuilding with a table tennis table.
FIRST FLOOR: 15 steps up.
Tyringham: Double bed, writing table, wardrobe, sofa and armchair. A luxurious bedroom with fabric lined walls, matching curtains, and south- and west-facing windows.
Uppington: Twin beds that convert with a zip and link mattress to a kingsize bedroom, chest of drawers, dressing table, fitted wardrobe, double aspect views. A wonderful pink bedroom for those of you with little girls.
Harrison: Twin beds, hanging space for clothes. The blue room with lights on the wall.
Aylmer: Twin beds that convert with zip and link mattresses to a kingsize bed, chest of drawers, hanging space, fireplace (not in use). This south-facing room has pale blue walls and beautiful Jean Monro chintz on the beds and curtains.
Seacroft: This is a large bedroom with a King-size bed, fitted wardrobe, writing desk, console table, Victorian fireplace with feature surround (not in use), dual aspect windows with lovely views over the garden and countryside beyond.
Ropley: A stunning King-size four-poster bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers and comfortable chair. A delightful mix of fabrics and linens complement each other in this calming bedroom with dual aspect windows.
Astley: Double bed with a beautifully upholstered headboard, window seat, chair, chest of drawers, bookcase, views over the countryside.
Silverhill bathroom: Bath with hand held shower, views over the surrounding countryside from the bath. Washbasin, WC. A stunning bathroom with amazing green wallpaper.
Red bathroom: This is a super bathroom, a good size and traditional in style, complemented by stylish designer wallpaper and blind. Bath, separate shower, washbasin, toilet, antique chair.
West bathroom (top of stairs): Bath, washbasin, WC, again a most beautifully decorated room.
Shower Room: Large walk-in shower, washbasin, WC - a very stylishly designed room.
Pets: Sorry no pets
No Smoking in the property
Parking: Ample Parking for all guests.
Heating: Oil central heating, Multi fuel stove in children’s playroom, open fire in both lounges.
Garden/Patio: Large gardens surrounding the property. Patio with table and chairs and barbecue. Newly planted orchards. Views over the fields and beyond to the Richmond Hills and Durham Dales.
Games Room: A stone barn with a table tennis table and pool table
Notes: Towels and bed linen are provided. Unlimited WiFi is available free of charge. No smoking at this property. Mobile phone signal is variable.