Number Nine

A warm and welcoming cottage awarded a 5* Gold rating by Visit England, Number Nine is part of the original Hurbuck Cottages: a charming terrace that offer incredible views over the valley and the countryside surrounding the village of Lanchester in County Durham.

Featuring a south-facing landscaped garden that soaks in those open vistas, every detail within this two-bedroom cottage has been thoughtfully designed to offer a stunning interior that’s filled with character.

Walking into the hallway, an oak staircase leads to the first floor bedroom and en suite bathroom, while cottage-style oak doors add to the natural palette of textures that flow throughout this interior.

The hall leads into the open-plan dining and living space, which forms the heart of this enchanting home. While Number Nine isn’t suitable for canine companions, this cottage is a perfect option for relaxed family living. A rustic wooden table and leather seating creates an elegant dining space for meals together after a day spent exploring, and this tactile aesthetic extends into the seating area, where leather and wool Chesterfield sofas offer a snug zone to curl up and recharge. Underfloor heating keeps this living space cosy all year round, while the inglenook-style brick fireplace features a gas-fired stove for instant warmth and a homely ambience.

French doors open from the seating area into the garden, creating a lovely indoor-outdoor flow, and a second door opens into the south-facing sunroom. Glazed on three sides and with views over the garden towards the rolling countryside beyond, this space gives you the feeling of being outdoors whatever the weather, offering a quiet nook to curl up with a book and simply enjoy the tranquillity.

The kitchen is set off the dining area and features Shaker-style cabinetry with a retro-style Smeg oven and gas hob, while tongue-and-groove wall panelling and rustic-style flooring reflect the cottage’s character.

The ground floor super-king double bedroom, which can be twin beds on request, offers a beautiful sanctuary, with French doors opening into the garden. A contemporary rattan ‘egg’ chair is positioned just outside, so you can grab a coffee and start your day with birdsong. The super-king bed is upholstered in linen, and this understated and elegant look flows through the furniture and textiles and on into the ensuite, which has stone-effect tiling and a large walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head. This bedroom suite is ideal for guests with limited mobility, particularly with the direct connection to the garden.

The first floor bedroom features a vaulted and beamed ceiling, adding a sense of drama, while rooflights bathe this room in soft light. There’s a seating area as you enter, and the large window frames the vista over the countryside. The vaulted ceiling continues into the ensuite bathroom, where you’ll find a walk-in shower and a freestanding roll-top tub – the perfect spot to relax after a day’s adventures.

This immaculate home is complemented by the bright and well-maintained garden. This space has been as thoughtfully designed as the interior with a patio area for al fresco dining on warmer days, while a second patio at the far end of the garden offers a spot to soak in those scenic views.

The city of Durham has a wealth of places to discover, including the magnificent Durham Cathedral, which is renowned for its Romanesque architecture, and there are fascinating gardens, galleries and museums both in the city and the wider area, including Beamish Museum, a living and working museum set in 350 acres of beautiful Durham countryside.