Dog Friendly Villas In Durham

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• Samantha - Verified booking

  We had booked a fortnight stay at Shepherds Cottage but unfortunately didn't manage to stay as long as the first week.

  The cottage really is in an idyllic, very peaceful location, surrounded by beautiful countryside and in an excellent position for walks. However the description of the farm lane is inaccurate, it really is a farm track. Although it is well maintained, it is a rubble track which you really need a high wheel based vehicle for. Our car was too low and we had great difficulty getting to the cottage. As we couldn't get back and forth easily without fear of damaging our car we decided to cut the holiday short. I'd urge anyone who has a low car to consider this. We looked into hiring a land rover but the rental terms are not to take them on unmade roads so that wasn't possible. Another point not really described properly is the shared washing machine and tumble dryer. This is back at the farm house and is quite a trek to take with your washing. There aren't any instructions either, programme times etc so it means trips back and forth to see when the wash is finished, not very convenient. In fact there wasn't any information at all in the cottage. No information pack or guest book, something that I have never known when renting holiday cottages. No information about what to do about rubbish bin etc. There were some details of local walks but they seemed to have been left by previous guests. As for the property itself, the bedding was lovely and clean but generally we felt the kitchen and bathroom were particularly in need of a freshen up (especially the oven and microwave) and overall we found the cottage and it's fenced garden was rather tired looking. Another point to note is the size of the fridge/freezer which is very small, not much bigger than a cool box so if you are staying for sometime and plan to eat in , it's something to bear in mind. In all we didn't think it is a four star property, more like three but the location would be a five definitely.

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• Iain - Verified booking

  Lovely little cottage, nice and clean and warmed up for us pre-arrival (Thanks!

  ). Perfect getaway for a bit of quiet/nature immersion. Farmer passed by the track once/twice daily, and a few campers on the weekend, but that’s all for an entire week. Property is quite basic, which to me adds the charm and wasn’t any great issue. The views from the windows are gorgeous, plenty of wildlife too, and the nights are dark and clear. You could hear the river rushing along at all times, which I absolutely loved too! A few notes for future guests: 1. The property is accessed by an unmade farm track, which you’ll struggle with in a low car. I think the listing does note the farm track, but it wouldn’t hurt to add a little heads up for lower cars, as I’ve seen on other property ads. (Skoda Yeti was fine) 2. The enclosed yard is/was very slippery (December), and not 100% dog proof for small or determined dogs. I rigged up a long lead from the door to cover this risk when she was out. (French Bulldog) 3. Laundry facilities aren’t in the property. Wasn’t an issue for me, as I packed for the week. Shared facilities are advertised, but perhaps it’s worth clarifying on the listing where/how? 4. Bed was a quite firm, but that’s entirely subjective so not a complaint. It was clean and undamaged. But that’s it really, none of the above is major and certainly didn’t impact the stay significantly. Me and the dog loved it, and the walks are absolutely fantastic; literally straight from the door! High/Low Force are both an absolute must, and plenty of scenic reservoirs around too. And all importantly, 2 excellent takeaways in town including quite possibly the best fish and chips I’ve ever had! Thanks again, I’m sure we’ll be back. Iain & Luna

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• Kieron - Verified booking

  We found the property to be spotless.

  The kitchen facilities were suitable to our needs . The gas log burner was very efficient and made the upper room even warmer, too warm at times. At home we have 2 log burners and appreciated the gas one they had no fixing and lighting nor having to buy small packs of wood locally at extortionately high prices. As others have mentioned the lane leading to the cottage is nearly 1/4 of a mile long and small or low sports cars might find this a problem . As we arrived in a large 4x4 it wasn’t a problem The barn conversion sits literally in the middle of a field which we loved The owners were on hand if required Our dog was in his element as he had a big field to run . With no fears of him running onto a main road Comfy bed Choice of tv channels poor free view . Internet reception poor? Both of these you are made aware of when booking . I enjoyed watching Heart Beat and The Saint The light over the bathroom mirror blew but that did not detract from our stay. The owners popped down with a fresh bulb on reporting this Best town for meals out Richmond . 35 mins drive and worth it We will return probably in spring Can’t recommend highly enough. If you want peace and quiet this is the place. The phone didn’t ring once

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• Steven - Verified booking

  We have visited this cottage since 2012 and we still love to come to stay.

  The owners the Scott family are always so friendly and pleased to meet you. We have booked Sunday lunch in the farmhouse kitchen every time and love the home cooked food. If you have a hectic and stress full job or home life then this is the place to come. No WI-FI and phone signal is at best minimal, however let people know you are off the grid and get away from everything. Forget the weather, rain or shine get out along the Pennine way as the scenery is stunning the further you go. We love the area - Visit low and High force and the Bow lees centre for light lunch and Strathmore Arms pub for good ciders and beer and good pub grub. To sit outside the cottage patio and see the 180 degree view is fantastic if you love the outdoors Don't expect 5* accommodation as its not advertised as such but it does exactly what it says on the tin. Incidentally we have stayed in 5* accommodation yet still come back every year. I could say it was a rubbish holiday in the hope we could more easily book but that would be an injustice.

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• Jennifer - Verified booking

  29th August 2016 - 02 September 2016 This was our first visit to 'Shepherds Cottage' and what a beautiful little cottage it is too.

  It's very cosy, very comfortable, and is spotlessly clean. We particularly liked the cottage being away from it all down a very long lane, and literally being in the middle of a field. We took advantage of the peace and quiet - It was just like heaven!! The weather was very good to us too allowing us to go on a few rambles, and a few evening strolls. At the bottom of the field lies the Penine way and the river. There was a whole abundance of wildlife all around the cottage - Rabbit's - Hares - Pheasants - Bats - Every bird you could mention including the resident Owl who lives in the tree near to the cottage. I love the way that the bedrooms are downstairs and the living area is upstairs to get the benefit of the fabulous views all around. Loved the sheep casually grazing and coming right up to the fence. Also a big "Thank You" To Mr & Mrs Scott & Karen who are three wonderful people who make it all possible. We will definately be coming back !! To sum the holiday up It was perfect! A very relaxing Holiday!!

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