Home to the oldest complete Saxon church in England, the village of Escomb is the setting for this charming country residence. Close to the ancient landmark, the local inn offers an enticing range of meals and refreshments – fuel up before a walk around the nearby nature reserve. History-rich Bishop Auckland has supermarkets and independent stores where you can stock up on self-catering supplies – walk from the town centre straight into the grounds of the magnificent Auckland Palace where you can experience Kynren - An Epic Tale of England, or hop on board the Weardale Railway, an 18-mile heritage line that’s perfect for those wishing to explore the Durham Dales. Further afield, market town Barnard Castle (14.5 miles) has cafes, shops and scenic riverside walks while 13.5 miles west, Hamsterley Forest has walking and cycle trails, and picnic spots. A similar distance north, the city of Durham is famous for its magnificent cathedral and castle, and a busy calendar of annual events.
Park and admire the far-reaching field views before you unload your luggage. The cottage has a large social space with huge patio doors that frame further countryside views, allowing natural light to flood in as you enjoy companionable mealtimes at the dining suite. Behind, a pair of sofas are positioned by the wood burner, and a Smart TV provides home-from-home entertainment. A contemporary kitchen and utility room house all the must-haves for a hassle-free self-catering stay, while the ground-floor bathroom ensures convenience for all. A king-size bedroom completes the layout at this level; upstairs the loft-style twin bedroom has sloping ceilings and makes a really cosy space for sleepy children.
Set within its own grounds, the cottage looks out over fields where the farm’s impressive Highland cattle often graze. To the front of the property there’s a gravel garden area with outdoor furniture, while a separate decking area houses the fabulous hot tub – sit back in the bubbles to enjoy the views or, after dark, gaze at unspoilt starry skies. Bring your fishing licence – the River Wear flows nearby, offering salmon, sea trout and trout fishing in the summer.
Other wildlife spotted in the area include deer, foxes, rabbits, otters, egrets, barn owls, buzzards, curlews, oyster catchers, swans, ducks and water hens.