Guests say
Grey Gables is a spacious and beautifully presented cottage in Durham, ideal for large groups and family gatherings. Guests consistently praise its cleanliness, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, and luxurious touches such as chandeliers and a hot tub. The property offers excellent amenities, including a games room and a lovely garden. While a few guests experienced issues with heating, hot water, or the hot tub, these were generally addressed promptly by the owners. Thoughtful welcome touches, such as wine and chocolates, were appreciated, though not guaranteed. Overall, Grey Gables provides a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Multiple reviews highlight the property as very clean, including the hot tub and communal areas. Only one review mentioned the hot tub not being clean on arrival, but this was an exception. Overall, cleanliness is a strong point.
Guests mention the property is quiet, peaceful, and has good access to the A1M, making it convenient for exploring the area. The garden and surrounding walks are also appreciated. No negative comments about location were noted.
The cottage is described as spacious, with comfortable beds and plenty of room for large groups. Guests felt at home and enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. Minor issues with heating were noted during particularly cold weather, but did not detract significantly from overall comfort.
Facilities are generally excellent, with a well-equipped kitchen, games room, hot tub, and thoughtful extras like towels and flip flops. Some guests experienced issues with heating, hot water, or the hot tub, and a few noted a lack of certain kitchen basics. Most issues were resolved quickly by the owners.
Many guests mention thoughtful touches such as welcome packs, wine, chocolates, and clear communication from the owners. It should be noted that these gifts are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Grey Gables is a grand and imposing Victorian vicarage, perfect for large family gatherings and celebrations, set in the historic hamlet of Old Quarrington, offering luxurious accommodations and easy access to Durham’s attractions..
Ground Floor:
Living room: Smart TV, Electric Fire
Kitchen/dining room:
Dining room.Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Air Fryer, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine
Utility Room: Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
Games Room: Pool Table, Smart TV, Sound System
Separate Toilet.
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Super Kingsize (6ft) Bed, Smart TV, Sound System
Bedroom 2: 2 x Double (4ft 6in) Beds
Bedroom 3: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bathroom: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet, Sound System
Second Floor:
Living room 2: Smart TV, Xbox One
Bedroom 4: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 5: Double (4ft 6in) Bed
Bedroom 6: Single (3ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath, Cubicle Shower, Toilet.
Biomass central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. Back garden. Hot tub for 6 (Private). Stabling for horses (by prior arrangement, at cost). Bike store. Private parking for 6 cars. No smoking. Please note: This property has a security deposit of £400.. Welcome to Grey Gables, an imposing and grand old vicarage dating back to 1870, nestled in the historic hamlet of Old Quarrington, once the capital of medieval Queringdonshire. This magnificent property provides the perfect setting for large family gatherings and celebrations with friends, offering a unique blend of Victorian charm and modern amenities.
As you approach Grey Gables up the sweeping gravel driveway, take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of this impressive building. Inside, the ground floor welcomes you with a large living room featuring sumptuous sofas, a cosy and intimate room for relaxation. The spacious kitchen is well-equipped with everything you need to create family feasts, complete with a dining table for casual meals and a separate dining room for larger group events. A games room with a pool table provides entertainment for all ages, while a utility room and boot room add practicality to your stay. Upstairs on the first floor, three beautifully furnished bedrooms await, three doubles and a super king bedroom, with its own walk-in wardrobe, each exquisitely decorated with chandeliers hanging from the vast high ceilings. The expansive bathroom offers both a freestanding bath and a large walk-in shower, as well as his and her sinks for added convenience. Ascending to the second floor, you’ll discover a surprise, a spacious hallway transformed into an incredible spaceship-themed games room, complete with a gaming console and a sofa. This is a top floor is sure to inspire the imagination of younger family members. There are also two double bedrooms with themed murals, one with a Marvel superhero theme and the other featuring a Formula 1 racing car, and a single bedroom with a feminine, pink theme. A bathroom completes this floor.
Outside Grey Gables boasts a hot tub that accommodates six people and a huge 2-acre garden ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. The owners also provide stabling for horses by prior arrangement and for a small cost, should you want to bring your own horse with you. Nearby, walking trails and cycle paths offer opportunities to explore the countryside, while the vibrant city of Durham is just 5 miles away. Durham itself is a city rich in history and culture. Visitors can explore Durham Castle and Cathedral, both unesco World Heritage sites, offering breathtaking architecture and stunning views of the city and river. The Cathedral is renowned for its Romanesque architecture and the Shrine of St Cuthbert, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
In summary, Grey Gables offers not only a historic stay in a grand Victorian vicarage but also a gateway to exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of County Durham. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying a break with friends, Grey Gables promises an unforgettable experience in Old Quarrington. Please note dogs are to be kept downstairs in the large kitchen and boot room.
Free WiFi
Electric vehicle charging at charging points only.
Horse riding lessons available, details for which will be via the owner, you can also bring your own horse and stable in the stables.
This property has a security deposit of £400. The owners will contact you 7 days prior to arrival to arrange payment.
Suitable for up to 3 pets
Reviews (20)
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Alastair Bowie
The cottage was incredible, even better than it looks in the photos! The garden was lovely, the hot tub was amazing and everything worked as expected (we needed a bit of help with the hot tub at one point but the owners were always available to answer any questions and helped us out with that straight away).It’s not often I’m in Durham or even away with enough people to require such a large place, but next time I am, this will be my first choice.Could not recommend it more if you want a getaway for a large group
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Helen Ryle
We booked this for our family to be together before a wedding. We arrived to a lovely welcoming home. Everyone was comfortable and had plenty space for all the 5 grandchildren. The garden and hot tub was great for those who wanted too. The house was clean, kitchen well equipped. Beds comfortable. Garden peaceful early mornings. Wine and chocolates went down very well. Excellent sized drinks fridge. Thank you
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Confirmed Guest
Value for money scored as bad due to following:The house is beautiful, very clean and well maintained, with everything you need, furnished to high standard, you certainly can’t take anything away from the beauty of it, however please be warned about using the hot tub as you will have a substantial amount kept from your deposit to supposedly get it professionally cleaned, I have spoken to other guests who were also charged and felt a little scammed about it. The hot tub had a light greenish tinge to it and we had to scoop debris and flies out of it that were left floating in it, it definitely had not been cleaned from last guests, it’s all written in the manual regarding use of it that certainly implies it is not professionally cleaned after each guest! So be warned and think twice about using the hot tub!! It will cost you dearly!! Left a bad taste after what had been a fantastic weekend, the hot tub should be removed if the owners are not happy paying for maintaining it themselves