Enjoying a peaceful working farm setting, and long distance views from its secure garden, this recently converted single storey stable block offers accommodation of an excellent standard. Visitors are welcome to roam across 120 acres of open farmland or join in with harvesting and haymaking. Children will delight in the play area and outside toys. Mainsforth is a small, picturesque village just 7 miles from Durham and its magnificent cathedral, fine amenities and riverside walks. Beamish Open Air Museum, the Lakes, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland’s sandy beaches are all easily accessible.

Nestling within 120 acres of peaceful farmland, four pretty and very comfortable cottages are ideally situated for exploring the unspoilt treasures of England’s northerly counties. Attractions as diverse as Northumberland’s glorious coastline, Beamish Open Air Museum and Newcastle’s Metro Centre shopping lie within easy reach and Durham city, with its castle and cathedral is just 9 miles. The city hosts an annual regatta – England’s oldest rowing competition – and the colourful Miners’ Gala, Christmas Festival and numerous folk events provide excellent entertainment. Visitors can experience the working conditions of Victorian miners in the original tunnel at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, or explore Raby Castle, one of the country’s most impressive medieval fortresses, at Staindrop. Quiet, roads pass through countryside and some of the finest scenery in England, whilst glorious walking starts from the door and the coast to coast cycle track is nearby, as are golf, coarse and fly fishing and riding. Shops 2 miles. Pub serving food ½ mile.

Enjoying an elevated setting and panoramic rural views, this very comfortable Georgian cottage makes an ideal holiday base. Adjoining the old farmhouse on a non working farm, it offers glorious walking from the door, and the Pennine Way and C2C cycle route pass close by. A country pub is 1½ miles and Stanhope (4 miles) boasts a visitor centre and selection of shops. Alston, Hadrian’s Wall, Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Barnard Castle, scenic Settle–Carlisle railway, and Durham are all within an easy drive.

A charming rural retreat yet only 5 miles from Gateshead’s Metro Centre and its huge variety of shops, eating places and cinema, this traditional converted granary certainly offers the best of town and country. Affording lovely walks and cycling through open countryside from the door, it adjoins the owners’ home, overlooking their riding school where lessons and treks can be arranged. Within 2 miles, the Beamish Open Air Museum offers a fascinating day out, Newcastle and the cathedral city of Durham are a short drive and the Northumbrian coast is within an hours drive away. Pub and shop under 2 miles.

Enjoying a village location in lovely Weardale, yet only 9 miles from historic Durham, Old Chapel Cottages make an ideal base for exploring the area’s varied attractions. Durham boasts good shops, an imposing cathedral and seasonal river boat trips; and quad biking at Hardwick Hall (12 miles), Diggerworld (16 miles), the Bowes Museum and Killhope Mining Centre offer great days out. Fell walking in stunning scenery, golf and riding are available nearby, whilst Hamsterley Forest’s walking and mountain bike trails are 8 miles, and the Lowbarns Nature Reserve’s visitor centre, bird watching and wildflower meadows are 3 miles. The village pub’s popular restaurant is yards away. Shop 1 mile.

In the heart of Weardale, an area of outstanding natural beauty and setting for the stunning High Force waterfall, these two delightful byre conversions sit just a 5 minute stroll from Stanhope’s village pubs and shops. Set adjoining the owners’ farmhouse home, the cottages offer wonderful fell walking from the doorstep and an ideal base from which to explore the area’s attractions. The Dales Centre is found in Stanhope itself, which also boasts a popular open air swimming pool, and cycling, golf and riding can all be enjoyed nearby. The fascinating Killhope lead mining centre is close by and the Lake District, historic city of Durham, Beamish Museum and Newcastle are all under an hour’s drive.

Commanding spectacular views over the Wear Valley from its peaceful location above Stanhope, this comfortable, stone built cottage enjoys lovely lawned and terraced gardens – an excellent vantage point for spotting the varied wildlife. Numerous fell and riverside walks can be followed from the doorstep, and the many delights of the Lakes, Dales and Borders are within easy reach. Barnard Castle is a short drive, and Hexham and Durham are under 35 miles. Riding and coarse fishing available locally. Shops and inns 300 yards.

In an area of outstanding natural beauty at the heart of Weardale, this cosy cottage lies surrounded by unspoilt countryside across the river from the village of St John’s Chapel. Inside, it boasts an open inglenook fireplace and beamed ceilings, whilst outside its private garden affords opportunities to spot deer and woodpeckers. This is wonderful walking country, and the Weardale Way passes just 40 yards away and river 100 yards away. Visitors will find a host of activities and places of interest within easy reach – the Lake District, the Dales and the Borders. Barnard Castle, Durham and Newcastle’s city delights are all within 30 miles, and fishing and riding are found locally. Shops and pubs serving food ½ mile.