Cottage in County Durham

A charming, 200 year old converted barn nestled in the picturesque village of Hamsterley in the Durham Dales. The village hosts an old traditional pub serving tasty delights. Hamsterley lies between Teesdale and Weardale, on the edge of the North Pennines, just two miles from Hamsterley Forest. Located in an AONB covering 2000 hectares of mixed woodland, has an abundance of wildlife. For keen mountain bikers there is a downhill trail also miles of walking and horse riding routes. Visit Raby Castle and Deer Park (7.5 miles) and the delightful market town of Barnard Castle (12 miles) with its medieval castle ruins, Bowes Museum and weekly market. The ancient cathedral city of Durham is just over 16 miles. A trip to the area is not complete without a visit to the Kynren Project (8 miles), with mesmerising shows telling tales of life in the area from Roman times to the present day! A lovingly restored former barn is now home to a cosy cottage keeping much of its original character. The cottage retains an old world Dales feel but with current facilities and fast broadband for an easy and relaxing stay. Enter the cottage through the Victorian porch, into the hall with space for coats, hats, boots and bags. Ahead, the original staircase leads up to a spacious, light filled bedroom. An oak door opens into the south facing living/dining room with exposed beams, stone walls and a magnificent inglenook fireplace with a wood burner, cuddle up on the leather sofa at the end of the day and pick a film to watch on the Smart TV. There is a handy workspace with an office desk and a sideboard with a good selection of books and board games. Head through the hallway, passing the small library of vintage books and into the well equipped kitchen with a well stocked, antique pine cabinet and dresser complete with a mix of modern appliances to create a home cooked meal. Eat at the dining room table or outside in the garden when the weather is good . Completing the downstairs is the shower room. When it's time to sleep, make your way upstairs to the king size bedroom with natural plaster walls creating a calm environment for good night's rest, with dimmable overhead lighting and pretty views across to hills beyond the village. The lovely private garden is accessed from the kitchen. The garden is tiered over three levels, laid to shingle with well stocked shrub and flower borders and pot plants. A garden table and two benches make for easy outdoor dining.