The Snuggery

About

Tucked away in the charming village of Staindrop within the Durham Dales, this quaint 17th-century cottage is perfect for escaping everyday life for a while, enjoying some serious down-time or exploring everything County Durham has to offer - from natural wonders, historic towns and villages to some of the darkest, starriest skies in the country for some truly spectacular stargazing.

The single-story accommodation comprises one double bedroom with king-size bed; a fully-equipped kitchen; a warm, welcoming living room complete with a gas wood-style burner for that all-round snug sensation; a shower room and an enclosed patio area that overlooks burbling Langley Beck and the ancient estate walls of Raby Castle.

It’s a very cute, end-of-terrace property which blends all the charm and character of its venerable age with a range of contemporary living facilities. The original stone floors and ceiling beams are complemented by simple, stylish furnishings with an emphasis on cosiness, comfort and convenience.

Cottage facilities at a glance include: unlimited superfast broadband · 40" TV with Freeview and Fire TV Stick · DVD player · DAB radio/Bluetooth speaker/Hifi system · electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine · gas central heating · bed linen and towels · welcome pack · on-road parking · no pets · no smoking · Dark Sky Friendly pack which includes binoculars, red-light torches, waterproof picnic rug, flasks, rucksack and a wealth of local stargazing information for guests' use and enjoyment · Walker-friendly pack which includes a comprehensive collection of maps and guides, picnic-ware, a waterproof map case, ordnance survey maps of the area, a basic first aid kit and muddy boot tray!

Staindrop itself is a pretty, busy, friendly village with a Spar grocery store and PO/newsagent for your convenience. For a greater range of local amenities, Barnard Castle is just a 10-minute drive away while, heading in the opposite direction (about seven miles northeast of Staindrop on the A688, at the Bishop Auckland Shopping Park in St Helen Auckland) there is a cluster of large supermarkets, including Sainsbury's, Tesco, M&S Simply Food and Lidl, for handy one-stop grocery shopping.

When it comes to eating out there is an abundance of tearooms, coffee shops and restaurants to choose from, starting in Staindrop with The Country Teashop, a fully-licensed eatery that serves up wholesome, home-cooked food, and even offers a takeaway and home-delivery service. Just down the road is The Yurt Cafe at Raby Castle while nearby Barnard Castle has a great range of cafeterias, bistros and restaurants, including The Artisan Corner Bistro, Bengal Merchant, Blagraves Interiors Shop & Restaurant, Capri Italian Pizzeria, Fish & Chips At 149, The Red Well Inn, The Three Horseshoes Hotel and Valentine’s. 

Around the villages you could consider The Bridge Inn in Whorlton, The Brownlow Arms in Caldwell, The Fox Hole in Piercebridge and The Rose and Crown in Romaldkirk, or for some authentic fresh-off-the-farm-fare, head to Ulnaby Farm Shop and Tearoom near High Coniscliffe (Darlington); Broom Mill Farm Shop, Bakery and Deli near West Auckland; Cross Lanes Organic Farm on the A66 near Barnard Castle and Stonygate Farm Shop & Cafe in Ravensworth (just off the A66). They're all well worth a visit.