North Farm
Tucked into the folds of the lush Durham Dales, the seven-bedroom North Farm was recently named one of the best holiday homes in the UK by Condé Nast Traveller for good reason. The stone farmhouse, which has belonged to the family of biographer Philip Eade for generations, has been transformed into a stylish country bolthole by Eade and the celebrated interior designer Rita Konig.
Accustomed to designing homes for global A-listers, Konig relished the opportunity to work on her own home at North Farm, conjuring her signature style with mismatched floral and geometric fabrics, contemporary and antique furnishings and bold colours in this quintessentially English property. The large, light-filled hallway sets the tone for a very special house: its walls daubed in a rich ochre Edward Bulmer paint created especially for Konig, a large vintage Jacques Tati film poster hangs above a contemporary Philippe Hurel table adorned with a vast bouquet of fresh flowers.
This eclectic mix of colours, designer pieces and vintage finds continues throughout North Farm, achieving a definitively stylish yet homely feel. Leading off from the hallway, visitors will discover three distinctive sitting rooms, each with its own vibe and open fire or wood burner. One of these not only serves as a delightful playroom for young children but also features a large day bed, meaning it can double as an extra bedroom if required, with a next-door bathroom with a large walk-in shower making it the ideal spot for guests with limited accessibility.
In keeping with North Farm’s heritage, the kitchen is the heart of the property. A bespoke wooden dresser created by Plain English and painted in deep Army Camp green runs the length of the internal wall, housing an Aga, large ceramic Howe sink and Konig’s collection of antique glassware. Further storage, appliances and workspace are found in the adjoining pantry and scullery rooms. A splendid antique Italian dining table, seating up to 14 guests in antique ladderback chairs, affords far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside and makes the perfect spot for informal meals with family and friends.
Moving upstairs, guests will discover North Farm’s seven bedrooms. These include a dual-aspect room with an elegant William Yeoward four-poster bed and adjoining bathroom; a double bedroom, with striking charcoal 'pomegranate print' linen walls and curtains by Schumacher and a headboard made by artisanal furniture designer Ensemblier, that boasts south and west-facing windows, an antique writing desk overlooking the gardens and a sofa upholstered in vibrant pink ikat fabric; and a south-facing blue room decorated with Jean Munro chintz curtains and headboards. In addition to the bathroom adjoining the four-poster room, there is a shower room and two bathrooms, including one whose bath affords views over the dales.
While not styling it out indoors at North Farm, guests can unwind in its walled gardens, which feature a table, chairs and barbeque for relaxed outdoor dining, play a game of croquet or enjoy a post-lunch stroll (or snooze) in the dappled light of the orchard. A renovated stone barn in the grounds serves as an indoor games retreat, with a table tennis and pool table.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
A large entrance hallway with stylish artwork and a grandfather clock leads into the green sitting room via double doors. Furnished with two comfortable sofas and two beautifully upholstered armchairs, this is a delightful room in which to enjoy the wonderful countryside views from the large sash windows or relax with a good book before supper in front of the fire.
With access from the green sitting room, you find the TV room with a comfortable handmade sofa and three occasional chairs encircling a second open fire. The large windows overlook the walled gardens and there is a 50-inch Smart TV with Sky Channels and two bookcases for your entertainment.
At the opposite end of the house is an additional sitting room which doubles as a children’s playroom. There is also a useful study desk area here for those needing a quiet area for work as well as a second Smart TV with Sky Channels and a wood burning stove.
Next to the playroom is a useful ground floor bathroom with a large walk-in shower, washbasin and WC.
Before entering the large kitchen and dining area there is a large, organised pantry area with two integrated fridges and an additional freezer. Into the fully equipped kitchen which has a large electric Aga at the centre of the Plain English designed dresser and features a large stone trough sink.
The large convivial wooden dining table comfortably seats 14, and the three large windows showcase the fabulous views over the surrounding grass fields.
The scullery area, which leads from the kitchen, has a Belfast sink and additional kitchen equipment including a microwave and dishwasher as well as useful larder shelving and a marble worktop for food preparation.
The ground floor laundry/ boot room is a great space to house those muddy wellies after countryside walks and the underfloor heating will dry out any wet gear in a flash. There is a washing machine and separate tumble dryer as well as separate drying rails and hooks for outdoor clothing.
FIRST FLOOR
Pink Bedroom with twin zip and link beds that can convert to a super king double on request.
Bathroom with bath with shower attachment, washbasin and WC.
Bathroom with large walk-in tiled shower, washbasin and WC
Black & White Bedroom with double bed, writing table, wardrobe, sofa and armchair. A luxurious statement bedroom with fabric lined walls, matching curtains and dual aspect windows overlooking both the gardens and countryside.
Blue & White Bedroom with twin beds with hanging space for clothes.
Hydrangea Bedroom with king-size double bed with a fitted wardrobe, writing desk and console table.
Bathroom with bath and separate shower, washbasin and WC.
Spring Bedroom with twin beds that convert with zip and link mattresses to a super king double bed on request.
Four Poster Bedroom with king-size four-poster bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bathroom with bath and handheld shower attachment, washbasin and WC.
Double Bedroom with double bed, charming window seat, chair, chest of drawers and bookcase.
OUTSIDE
Large gardens surround the property with low stone walls. An exterior table and chairs are available on the lawn and a charcoal barbecue can be provided as well as a croquet games set.
A rustic stone barn with a wood burning stove, table tennis table and pool table.
Ample private parking available.
Location
Beyond the farm, the small Roman village of Piercebridge, set on the banks of the River Tees and home to an excellent farm shop and Fox Hole gastropub, is a 3-mile drive south from North Farm. Foodies will be delighted to discover that Raby Hunt, the only two Michelin-star restaurant in North East England, is a 3-mile drive west of North Farm, with the medieval Raby Castle, its walled gardens and 200-acre Deer Park ten minutes beyond it. Keep pressing on west beyond the castle and you’ll find yourself in the rugged North Pennines AONB, climbing steadily to the majestic High Force waterfall.
In addition to these local attractions, the picturesque market towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond and the medieval city of Durham, with its spectacular cathedral, all lie within 30 minutes’ drive of North Farm, making it the perfect base for exploring Durham and the Yorkshire Dales.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- Allows babes in arms (up to 12 months)
- Allows children (1 - 16 years)
- Barbecue
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyOne dog may be considered on request.
- Enclosed garden
- Games room
- HairdryerHairdryers are provided.
- HeatingOil central heating throughout with underfloor heating in the hall, kitchen and boot room. Multi fuel stove in the playroom and open fires in both sitting rooms.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Outside space
- Snooker/Pool table
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good with 4G capacity.
All Amenities
Important Information
For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
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Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
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