Middlehope Cottage

About this property

Middlehope Cottage is a characterful historic 17th century dwelling situated in the North Pennines which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, second largest in England and Wales and is a truly wild and un-spoilt place. This pretty white washed cottage provides the ideal place to take a break, slow down and relax for small families, three adults, couples or the single traveller. It is a pet friendly cottage and welcomes up to 2 well behaved dogs. Child friendly and includes travel cot, chair bed, safety fire guard, stair safety gate, high chair, changing mat etc. Setback from a quiet lane in a small enclave of similar picturesque properties in Westgate, at the heart of the Wear Valley, it is within 2 minutes walking distance of the local pub with it’s own real ale brewery and serves amazing food.

You will quickly feel the peace enfold you as you park off road in the private parking space attached to the cottage side garden. Pass through the gardens and you will enter the welcoming and comfortable accommodation. Ample space to store boots and outdoor coats before finding tasteful contemporary appliances in the kitchen leading straight through to the dining area and living room. The focal point to this room is a warming log burning fuel stove under exposed original beams. Sit and enjoy a glass of wine with a meal next to the stove and snuggle up on the soft furnishings to enjoy a good book or film.

When it’s time to turn in head up the stairs to the beautiful spacious double bedroom that easily accommodates a king size bed with adjoining en-suit shower room. If there is a third adult or child staying there is a chair bed that can be made up in the bedroom. A duvalay compact high density memory foam topper is available for the chair bed to add an extra lay of comfort. In the morning, you will find yourself in a light and airy room which enjoys views from three different aspects, one of which looks out over the far reaching hills of the North Pennines.The cottage is heated by modern, electric, wall mounted ceramic radiators as well as the log burning stove in the sitting room for those cosy evenings in and a starter pack of fuel is provided.There is a garden to the front with a bench to enjoy that early morning cuppa and through a separate gate there is a larger garden with lawned area with room to spread out and eat alfresco and enjoy the sunsets with a glass of something chilled.

The surrounding area provides plenty of opportunity to explore either on foot or bike. The long distance paths of the Weardale Way and the Pennine Journey both passing just 50 metres from the front door. The cottage is also situated next to the Middlehope Burn and amazing water-falls and incorporates a truly magical 3 mile walk taking in Slitt Wood and the West Rigg Geotrail, designated a Site Of Scientific Interest. Just a two minute drive away heading west the neighbouring village of St John’s Chapel has a café, co-op and two pubs. Heading east the larger villages of Stanhope and Wolsingham are a short drive.

Heading further out just up over the moors the views are spectacular and one route will take you to the unspoilt and picturesque village of Blanchland which has provided the period backdrop for many film and TV dramas. The pub and restaurant, The Lord Crewe, is recommended in many food and drink guides having won numerous awards. Built in 1165 it was originally the Abbot’s guest house for Blanchland Abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries. It boasts impressive historic features and a stunning large walled garden, formerly the abbeys cloisters, where alfresco drinks and dinning can be enjoyed. There is a good variety of information left in the lounge detailing walks, a map and things to do in the area.Middlehope really is the romantic ‘roses round the door’ country cottage, literally and figuratively, and provides all you could need for a special break or longer holiday.

This charming County Durham community is located in Weardale, the centre of the North Pennines aonb, which is well-known for its superb cycling and walking trails. St. John's Chapel has two welcoming village pubs, one of which serves food, as well as a post office, a shop, and a few cafés. On the outskirts of the aonb, the neighbouring market town of Stanhope has a greater range of services and an outdoor pool. While Durham, a lovely city with amazing architecture and plenty to see and do, is a little further away, it is well worth the trip.

Accommodation

One bedroom with a kingsize bed and a chair bed available on request - with en-suite corner shower, basin and WC.

Open-plan living space with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburning stove

Electric central heating.

Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine.

TV and WiFi.

Starter pack of fuel for stove included in rent.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

1 designated off-road parking space.

Front and side enclosed gardens, lawn and gravel areas with furniture.

This property accepts infants up to 2 years of age - it has a travel cot, highchair, safety fire guard, stair safety gate and changing mat - which are available on request.

This property can accept either two small/medium or one large dog.

Sorry, no smoking.

Shop 1.6 miles, pub 0.2 miles.