Guests say
Bankwell Cottage receives high praise for its spaciousness, well-equipped kitchen, and secure garden, making it ideal for families and pet owners. The location is appreciated for its proximity to local attractions and countryside walks. Guests find the property clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with thoughtful touches like welcome packs enhancing their stay.
Most guests report the cottage as spotlessly clean, with only a few minor instances of overlooked items. The positive remarks far outweigh the occasional constructive criticism, indicating a high standard of cleanliness overall.
The cottage's location is frequently commended for its convenience to local attractions like Beamish Museum, countryside walks, and nearby amenities. The scenic views and peaceful setting contribute to a highly rated location.
Guests consistently mention the comfort of the cottage, noting the cosy atmosphere, comfortable beds, and spacious living areas. A few comments suggest room for improvement in mattress quality, but overall, the comfort level is highly regarded.
The property is well-equipped, with a particularly well-stocked kitchen and secure garden. Some guests suggest minor improvements and maintenance updates, but the facilities generally meet guests' needs and expectations.
The owners' thoughtfulness is evident through welcome packs and amenities for pets, which guests frequently appreciate. While these gestures are warmly received, it's noted that such extras, though likely, are not guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Sunniside 1.4 miles. This large, detached bungalow is surrounded by countryside and sits alongside the Tanfield Railway line, a restored heritage railway dating back to 1725, in the small village of Causey near Sunniside in County Durham. Bankwell Cottage is an all-ground-floor property, situated in a countryside setting, ideal for a family or group of six guests wanting to explore the north east, with the centre of Newcastle just 7 miles away and the coastline accessible within a 30-minute drive. The property is accessed via a private driveway, just off the A6076, which runs from Stanley, County Durham towards Gateshead and Newcastle, and offers ample off-road parking for up to four cars, as well as a seating area at the front of the property.
Step inside to find a cosy but spacious sitting room with a charming fireplace housing a woodburning stove, two sofas to relax on in front of the TV and a large window, boasting countryside and heritage line views. The bright and airy kitchen/diner has tiled flooring, neutral decor, a dining table that can comfortably seat the entire group, ideal for enjoying home-cooked meals together, and a well-equipped kitchen, alongside a utility room, housing all of the appliances you could wish for, including an American-style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric oven, washing machine and tumble dryer. There are three immaculately styled bedrooms to choose from; a king-size, a double and a twin room, each with ample storage and offering pretty countryside views, alongside a family bathroom with shower over bath and a newly-fitted shower room, so you won't need to fight for the bathroom in the mornings.
Outside there is an enclosed rear garden with a spacious lawn, ideal for pets to run freely, as well as a decking area with outdoor furniture and a barbecue, perfect for taking advantage of the good weather and dining outdoors. The village pub is less than 5 minutes walk away, with the neighbouring hotel also open to non-residents. A little further along the road is a well known gastro pub adjacent to a classic car centre. Also near at hand is the South Causey Inn, the most popular venue in the north east for weddings, and being in a rural location all of these venues offer outdoor seating areas.
The Tanfield Railway line runs alongside the property, and is extremely popular with steam-enthusiasts and offers some lovely walks. The village of Sunniside has a small selection of shops, pubs and eateries to choose from, if you don't feel like cooking one night, while Beamish is around four miles away and is known for its Living Musuem of the North, as well as a selection of golf courses and Beamish Wild Adventure Park, an adrenaline-filled family day out with adventure trails, zip wires and a high ropes course. The neighbouring town of Gateshead is home to the iconic Angel of the North statue, the Baltic Arts centre and the Sage venue.
Just across the river is the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, with its heritage centre, art galleries, shopping and dining facilities, Newcastle can be accessed from Gateshead via a scenic walk over the pedestrianised Millennium Bridge, with its 12th century castle, museums, art galleries and fantastic shopping, nightlife and dining out facilities.There is a regular bus service from Causey into Newcastle / Gateshead. Should you wish to enjoy a day at the seaside the coastline offers a host of beaches with traditional resorts such as South Shields, Seaburn, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, accessible within a 30-minute drive, or via the Metro system from Gateshead / Newcastle.
Other attractions within an hours drive include the beautiful Cathedral city of Durham, Hadrian’s Wall, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the great open beaches and castles of Northumberland. Bankwell Cottage is a fantastic base for a holiday exploring the north east.
Sunniside is a small village in the metropolitan borough of Gateshead, just six miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. Close to the Tanfield Railway, a restored heritage railway which dates back to 1725 and is popular with trainspotters. There are severl parks and woodlands close by for an enjoyable stroll, as well as a golf course and a good selection of shops, pubs and eateries. The village of Beamish is just four miles away, known for its Living Musuem of the North, while the iconic Angel of the North statue is also within easy reach. The town of Gateshead, on the banks of the River Tyne, directly opposite the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, both offer excellent shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, as well as a host of attractions and you can travel between the two via the picturesque and pedestrianised Millennium Bridge.
EPC Rating: Band CAccommodation
All-ground-floor.
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with shower over bath, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Utility.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil fired central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Off-road parking for 4 cars.
Rear, enclosed garden with lawn, decking, barbecue and seating.
Seating at the front of the property.
Two well-behaved pets welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.3 miles, pub 0.2 miles.
Note: Check-in time is 4pm.
Please Note: Bookings at this property must be minimum of 2 nights.
Reviews (96)
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Andrew
We found it to be like a home from home.
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Nicola
The cottage was lovely- clean and spacious. The hosts were fantastic and a lovely bottle of wine on arrival was just lovely
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Nigel
Substantially appointed and spacious property, fully equipped. We were a party of three, but this would also have well suited a large family, or 2/3 couples. Ideal dog friendly fully enclosed garden, which would provide an enjoyable space in warmer weather. Perfect base for touring County Durham & Northumberland with several tourist historic attractions within a few miles. Very good Pubâ opposite where we enjoyed several evening meals, and would recommend Sunday lunch as excellent value for money. Fully equipped laundry and utility room which would support a long stay. Best day trip was north to Bamburgh Castle and Alnick Castle & Gardens. Causey Arch and gorge woodland and Tanfield railway within walking distance.