Middlehope Cottage, Westgate Near St John's Chapel

County Durham. Sleeps up to 2

Middlehope Cottage is a characterful historic 16th century dwelling situated in the North Pennines which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, second largest in England and Wales and is a truly wild and un-spoilt place. This pretty white washed cottage provides the ideal place to take a break, slow down and relax for couples or the single traveller. Setback from a quiet lane in a small enclave of similar picturesque properties in Westgate, at the heart of the Wear Valley, it is still within 2/3 minutes walking distance of the local pub with it’s own real ale brewery. You will quickly feel the peace enfold you as you park in the private off road parking space attached to the cottage garden. Pass through the garden and you will enter the welcoming and comfortable accommodation. Ample space to store boots and outdoor coats before finding a wealth of tasteful contemporary appliances in the kitchen leading straight through to the dining area and living room. The focal point to this room is a warming multi fuel stove under exposed original beams. Sit and enjoy a glass of wine with a meal next to the stove and snuggle up on the soft furnishings to enjoy a good book or film. When it’s time to turn in head up the stairs to the beautiful spacious double bedroom that easily accommodates a king size bed with adjoining en-suit shower room. In the morning you will find yourself in a light and airy room which enjoys views from three different aspects, one of which looks out over the far reaching hills of the North Pennines. The cottage is heated by modern, electric, wall mounted ceramic radiators as well as the log burning stove in the sitting room for those cosy evenings in and a starter pack of fuel is provided. There is a garden to the front with a bench to enjoy that early morning cuppa and through a separate gate there is a larger garden with room to spread out and eat alfresco and enjoy the sunsets with a glass of something chilled. The surrounding area provides plenty of opportunity to explore either on foot or bike. The long distance paths of the Weardale Way and the Pennine Journey both passing just 50 metres from the front door. The cottage is also situated next to the Middlehope Burn and amazing water-falls and incorporates a truly magical 3 mile walk taking in Slitt Wood and the West Rigg Geotrail. This has been designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest. Just a two minute drive away heading west the neighbouring village of St John’s Chapel has a café, co-op and a pub, heading east the larger villages of Stanhope and Wolsingham are a short drive. Heading further out just up over the moors the views are spectacular and one route will take you to the unspoilt and picturesque village of Blanchland which has provided the period backdrop for many film and TV dramas. The pub and restaurant, The Lord Crewe, is recommended in many food and drink guides having won numerous awards. Built in 1165 it was originally the Abbot’s guest house for Blanchland Abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries. It boasts impressive historic features and a stunning large walled garden, formerly the abbeys cloisters, where alfresco drinking and dinning can be enjoyed. Middlehope really is the romantic ‘roses round the door’ country cottage, literally and figuratively, and provides all you could need for a special break or longer holiday.

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