Barnard Farmhouse, Walworth

County Durham. Sleeps up to 14

Guests will be totally wowed on arrival at the magnificent Barnard Farmhouse. This 7 bedroom farmhouse is owned by the famous interior designer Rita Konig. It is immediately clear that she has worked her magic here. In the heart of Teesdale, this sumptuous gem is set in scenic farmland with some of England’s finest towns and landscapes close by. This really is an idyllic, tranquil paradise where you can relax and enjoy the house and glorious countryside.

Barnard Farmhouse is a traditional stone farmhouse that has been exquisitely made over. Every room, every detail, every colour, every piece of furniture has been handpicked to glow and captivate. The effect is enthralling. You will find yourself wandering from room to room noticing new detail and the magical blends of palette, pattern and texture. It is very easy to see why Elle Decor ran a feature on it! The farmhouse sleeps up to 14 guests in superb luxurious comfort.

There are three glorious living spaces to choose from, each with a feast of interior design. The Green Room offers florals, stripes and zigzags, all such a wonder. You can relax in front of the blazing open fire. Next door the plush TV room boasts another open fire and a 50 inch smart TV as well as a good range of books. The sophisticated yellow playroom is a joyful delight with a range of toys for children and a games console for the older ones. There is plenty of room to let steam or relax after a hike with nature’s wonders outside.

The country kitchen diner is opulent yet homely too. A full-length dresser in eye-catching olive green surrounds the Aga and the magnificent arched windows offer outstanding countryside views. The huge rustic table comfortable sits everyone and is the perfect spot to enjoy gourmet dinners and chat. The separate utility room is handy when arriving back from a fabulous walk.

Upstairs you will find seven lavish bedrooms, all continuing the dreamy design achievement. How about a four-poster to rest your head? You will find one in the calm and elegant Ropley bedroom. You may love a Jean Monro chinz so could pick the Aylmer room. Whichever you choose, you will be greeted with exquisite quality linens and supreme comfort. The bedrooms enjoy feature walls, unique handpicked artwork and carefully chosen furnishings. The comfy beds comprise two king or super king beds, 2 double beds, 2 single beds and 4 zip and link beds. There are four generously sized, well-maintained, beautifully decorated bathrooms on the first floor and a fabulous shower room on the ground floor to share. One of the bathrooms is ensuite.

You can step outside of your heavenly haven to your private garden and patio to enjoy meals from the barbecue and admire the rural wonder. The Yorkshire Dales with Richmond and Barnard Castle are on your doorstep, or you could travel to the sea at Saltburn or Whitby and the iconic Lake District. The nearby village of Piercebridge boasts a farm shop and gastropub

Barnard Farmhouse is located close to the charming village of Piercebridge, famous for its ruins that are the remains of a large bridge that carried a Roman road across the River Tees. The village has a hotel and farm shop and cafe at Piercebridge Organics where you can enjoy a good meal.

There are many other interesting sites within a 15 mile drive of Piercebridge including Barnard Castle, the imposing Richmond Castle, the picturesque Gothic revival Auckland Deer House in the parkland of Auckland Castle and the wonderful remains of Egglestone Abbey, a perfect spot for a picnic.

Barnard Castle is set high above the River Tees with fantastic views over the Tees Gorge. The fortress takes its name from its 12th century founder, Bernard de Balliol and was later developed by the Beauchamp family and passed into the hands of Richard III. The attractive working market town of Barnard Castle is known as Barney. You can visit the sensory garden and enjoy a wonderful lunch in the town.

Close by you can visit the charming ruins of a small monastery of Premonstratensian white cannons in a picturesque setting above a bend in the River Tees at Egglestone Abbey. It is so pretty and a special family day out.

Further into the Dales you will love Malham, Aysgarth, Grassington, Pateley Bridge and many other intoxicating picturesque villages and views. There is no end to stunning scenery within easy reach of Barnard Farmhouse. If you fancy a day by the sea, you can head to Saltburn by-the-Sea or further to Whitby for famous fish and chips or the delightful Robin Hood’s Bay.

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