Etherley Dene Farmhouse

This beautiful, traditional stone-built farmhouse, dating back to the 18th century, stands in its own grounds boasting mature gardens and a stone-walled summer house. The buildings spread over 5000 sq feet with a unique layout built in stages over the 300 years. The combination of oak floors, wooden beams, panelled walls and a particularly beautiful dining room with a French marble fireplace and log fire gives the building an abundance of character and charm. It makes the perfect location for weekend celebrations or getaways for the whole family revelling in its size and warmth and activities including local river walks and cycle tracks surrounding the farm, golf, fishing, horse riding or simply exploring. Furthermore, after converting one of the stables into a small but well-stocked gym, the property offers the services of a resident personal trainer. From specialist advice for the keen amateur to a fun-filled, light-hearted introduction to wellbeing for the whole family, the trainer will also deliver a complimentary personal fitness profile. For the more serious, the trainer can be booked for the whole weekend, and the group will be treated to a fully personalised fitness and nutrition programme. Etherley Dene Farm is located in Bishop Auckland, the official residence of the bishops of Durham since the 12th century. The town provides many interesting attractions, including Auckland Castle with its splendid marble and limestone chapel and stained-glass windows that relate to stories of early Christian saints. Durham with its cathedral is just 12 miles and there is seasonal access to the steam railway and the glorious Durham Dales from the local station; rail enthusiasts can also visit Shildon ‘The cradle of the railways’ and its railway museum, 2 miles. The Dales and Hamsterley Forest are a short drive with cycling and walking routes (cycle hire by arrangement). In winter there may even be the chance to ski or board on fresh snow in Weardale only 25 minutes away. Quaint Barnard Castle with its impressive French-style chateau housing the Bowes Musuem is 12 miles and Beamish open-air Victorian museum is 30 minutes’ drive. Newcastle, with St. James’ Park, The Metro Arena, The Playhouse and The Sage, is within easy reach and Gateshead’s Metrocentre is less than 3 miles. Visit the spectacular World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, the majestic Northumbrian coast which stretches for miles passing Alnwick Castle, Craster, Alnmouth, Seahouses’ Bamburgh Castle and on to Holy Island (Lindisfarne). Supermarket home deliveries can be arranged but most supermarkets are within 1 mile. A garage shop is within ¼ mile. A family orientated pub serving meals is within ½ mile and a more traditional ‘drinking’ pub with TV sport is less than 100 yards.

Two steps to rear entrance. Spacious living room with gas coal-effect cast iron stove, oak floor, sandstone walls. Dining room with panelled walls, oak floors, open log fire in French marble fireplace, patio doors to garden. Spacious farmhouse-style kitchen with dining area, Aga hob and oven, electric induction hob, electric oven, slate floor, French doors to garden. Snug/reading room with oak panelled walls and electric woodburner. Utility with Belfast sink. Shower room with toilet off ground floor. First floor: Four double bedrooms, one with 6ft bed, one with additional single bed (for +1), one with 5ft bed and en-suite shower room with toilet, one with 5ft bed. Twin bedroom. Large bathroom with shower attachment, separate shower cubicle and toilet. Second floor: Two double bedrooms, one with additional double bed (for +2), one with additional single bed (for +1). Small single bedroom. Bathroom with over-bath shower, changing area and toilet.

• Open fire - initial fuel included, thereafter available locally
• Electric woodburner included
• Gas coal-effect stove included
• Electricity, full gas central heating, bed linen and towels included
• Cot
• High chair
• 50in HD plasma TV (sports package)
• 42in HD Smart TV/DVD (small library)
• DVD
• iPod dock
• Gas Aga included
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Additional fridge
• Two fridge/freezers
• Wi-fi
• Large enclosed garden with furniture, summer house, 2 barbecue’s and a further field
• Ample parking
• Cycle store
• Private hot tub £115 per booking by arrangement (payable 2 weeks before arrival by bank transfer)
• Complimentary personal fitness profile and use of gym with treadmill, multigym, rowing machine, elliptical trainer on request
• Personal trainer by arrangement at cost
• No smoking
• Please note: There is a brook in the garden (guarded by wall). This property has a security deposit of £200.