Just when you think the narrow country lane is running out of track, Tees River Hideaway suddenly appears: solid, stone, hunkered beside the River Tees. Being a former barn, it looks nothing special from the outside - but wait until you step through its chunky wooden door. This is a deceptively large cottage with contemporary country-house credentials. The farmhouse-style kitchen and double-height sitting room (logs by the woodburner) segues into a light-filled conservatory overlooking a stone-flagged terrace. Upstairs? That’s occupied by a spacious bedroom sweeping the length of the building.
Rough-stone walls, roof beams and deep-set windows form the rustic backdrop to an understated style of linen-covered sofas, solid-wood tables, sleek floor lamps, and bolts of colour. Fluffy rugs add fun, a handsome wardrobe adds class, and thoughtful touches like decent fiction, hair straighteners and binoculars complete the homeliness. Then there’s the river. The rushing waters that run by this stunningly located cottage are the biggest draw. Frankly, you’ll be tempted to plonk yourself in the conservatory or on the terrace with a book and wine in hand, and not budge until the light fades.
Highs
- The feeling of rural seclusion and privacy, yet Barnard Castle is only a short stroll away
- The views (and sounds) of the River Tees, best enjoyed from the terrace or conservatory
- Spacious and light-filled rooms that still manage to feel cosy
- Fuss-free, contemporary country-house style mixed with the odd antique, and an old kitchen dresser filled with blue-and-white china
- Fantastic walking from your front door and along the nearby Pennine Way; there are OS maps and walking guides to borrow
Lows
- A 3-night minimum stay (7 nights preferred) and a compulsory end-of-stay cleaning fee
- Adults only (babes-in-arms are permitted) and a strict non-smoking policy (a high for most!)
- The bathroom is downstairs
- Located at the end of an unlit track across a small common, so mind your step if walking home at night!
- Light sleepers beware - the river sounds are ceaseless
Best time to go
Although summer generally has the warmest and driest months, the river can be at its most dramatic during rainier spells (typically spring). Crisp morning autumn walks among the falling leaves and burnished trees are undeniably romantic.
Our top tips
Pop into No 15 Coffee House in Barnard Castle, a quirky little establishment that specialises in vegetarian and vegan food. Coffee strength is made-to-order, the cakes are yummy, and they’ll even bake you a loaf to take away.
- Boutique Cottage
- 1 bedroom
- Self catering; restaurants nearby
- Babes-in-arms only
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
With skylights on one side, through which a cobweb of tree branches are your morning wake-up scene, and low-level windows on the other overlooking the river, the bedroom is decadently large. Thickly carpeted, it stretches languorously from a vast double bed through a circle of cosy sofa and armchairs around a wood-burning stove to a large writing table at the other end. Low-key country-house in style - creamy colours, thick cushions, polished-wood furniture, a smattering of antiques - it’s restful and inviting. Thoughtful touches - hair straighteners, books you actually want to read - make you feel cossetted.
The bathroom, down the open-balustraded staircase and sited off the entrance hall, is smartly contemporary with a double-headed shower, egg-shaped bath and floor-level lights. Only the arrow-slit window in the rough-stone wall reminds that you’re in a rustic building.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
The farmhouse-style kitchen, with its oak units, solid-wood table and blue-and-white china-filled dresser, is geared for serious cooking: you'll find everything you need from induction hob and electric mixers to scales, sieves and measuring spoons.
Barnard Castle has a couple of independent butchers and delis plus 2 supermarkets while, a 5-minute drive away, Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop is a mini-emporium of wholesomeness and esoteric delights from local cheeses and homemade sausages to fresh turmeric and organic Japanese brown rice miso. You'll be tempted by their freshly prepared ready-meals, too, such as pheasant lasagne and vegetarian moussaka.
We also bagged piping-hot (in both senses) main courses from Spice Island, the town’s fantastically efficient Indian restaurant-takeaway.
For eating out we’d suggest taxi-ing to The Rose and Crown at Romaldkirk (10km), while for special-treat dining, the 2-Michelin-starred Raby Hunt (16km) should fit the bill.
Features include:
- Basic ingredients provided
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
- Basic ingredients
Activities
- Stroll 10 minutes from the door to Bowes Museum, a French chateau look-a-like with sumptuous fine and decorative art as well as a fashion collection and startling silver swan automaton
- Barnard Castle is worth a half-day potter for its castle, independent shops (antiques, interiors, ironmongers), tearooms and friendly atmosphere. Nearby Flatts Wood has lovely walks and wild flowers in spring
- A short drive away, Egglestone Abbey is worth a visit: atmospheric 13th Century ruins
- Walk from your doorstep along parts of the Teesdale Way footpath; both Cotherstone and Whorlton villages are pleasant 11km round-trips, with pubs aplenty for re-fuelling
- Raby Castle (11km), a still lived-in medieval castle, has glittering state rooms, a splendid Downton Abbey-style kitchen and deer-filled parkland
- Drive into upper Teesdale or Weardale for bracing walking on the North Pennines (you're close to the famous Pennine Way); there are OS maps and walking guides to borrow
- Too ambitious? High Force waterfall (21km) in upper Teesdale has a spectacular drop, located 10mins from the car park
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Horse riding
- Mountain biking
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Wildlife
Kids
Only young babies are allowed, providing you bring everything you need - there are no baby facilities.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Tees River Hideaway is located just 2 minutes by car from Barnard Castle, a market town in Teesdale, County Durham. The cottage is down a narrow lane, right on the banks of the River Tees.
By Air:
Durham Tees Valley Airport is 35km by car, or Newcastle International is 80km away. You'll need a car if you plan to explore the area: Barnard Castle is about 21km from the A1 junction, driving west along the A66. If you want to hire a car, see our rental recommendations.
By Train:
The nearest station is Darlington, around 29km from the cottage, and served by regular trains from London's Kings Cross (journey time is around 2h 40m). There's a taxi rank at the station.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com.
Airports:
- Durham Tees Valley Airport 35.0 km MME
- Newcastle International Airport 80.0 km NCL
Other:
- Beach 55.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 7 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape