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New Property Launch -10% discount on holidays until 20th May 2024 (minimum 3 nights)
Overview
This immaculately presented rural cottage offers a tranquil location within easy reach of Durham City
With two bedrooms and a stunning south-facing garden, this beautiful home is packed with style and personality
A warm and welcoming cottage, 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.
Property details
Ground Floor
Enter first to the double height entrance hall with the oak staircase leading to the first floor. The ground floor first leads to the open plan lounge and dining area with underfloor heating throughout.
The dining area is furnished with a large dining table and comfortable seating for four. The modern kitchen is accessed from the dining area and contains a Smeg oven with a gas hob, slimline dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, Dualit kettle & toaster and a cafetiere and coffee grinder. Everything you could need in your home away from home.
The light-filled lounge area has both a 3-seater and 2-seater sofa with a coffee table at the centre. There is a gas-fired ‘wood’ burning stove which sits in the inglenook. Entertainment is provided by a Smart TV with Netflix access, a Bluetooth speaker and books and games are provided for cosy evenings in. The French doors from the lounge lead to the garden terrace.
There is also a useful desk area in the lounge should guests need to work or study.
From the lounge, you enter the south facing sun room with two comfortable occasional chairs and a table, this is a perfect spot for a bit of garden wildlife spotting with a set of handy binoculars provided. There is additional garden access from the sun room.
The spacious and accessible ground floor bedroom has a super-king double bed which can be made into twin single beds on request. This room is furnished with a large freestanding wardrobe and a chest of drawers. All bedding is non-feather hypo-allergenic, and a hairdryer is provided. The linens are Fine Cotton Co. and additional feather pillows are provided in the wardrobe. Large French doors lead out to the garden.
Ensuite bathroom with a large walk-in shower with both a rainfall shower head and separate attachment. Basin, WC, heated towel rail and illuminated mirror. Duck Island complimentary toiletries and The White Company towels are provided.
Also leading from the main entrance hallway, there is a useful utility room which houses a washing machine, tumble dryer, WC, sink and has additional storage.
First Floor
The oak staircase leads from the hallway straight to the mezzanine-style main bedroom area which has a king-size double bed, armchair, chest of drawers and hanging space. The large picture window looks south over the valley below. All bedding is hypo-allergenic, the linens are Fine Cotton Co. and a hairdryer is provided.
The expansive ensuite bathroom has a large walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and separate attachment and a stand-alone roll-top bath with an additional shower attachment. There is also a large sink, heated towel rail and illuminated mirror.
Outside
On the patio outside the lounge, there is a table and chairs for 4 with a parasol, and on the other side an egg chair with a cushion. Additionally, an iron bench is positioned centrally to enjoy the stunning view at the perfect angle.
At the end of the garden is a pergola with an iron bench, wooden bench and small table underneath.
A gate leads from the garden out to the quiet farm track and bridleway, which – whilst quiet with vehicles – is a popular route with cyclists, walkers and runners.
There is no BBQ for use but you are welcome to bring your own, as long as it is used responsibly and does no damage.
Parking
There is one private parking space opposite the cottage, two roadside spaces and the double garage can be used to securely store bikes and another car on request.
Only the residents of the 12 cottages on the row use the lane.
Electric Vehicle Charging
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.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs
Sorry, dogs are not allowed at Number Nine.
Guest Amenities
Fine Cotton Co. linens and towels are provided along with Duck Island toiletries. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom. All linen is hypo-allergenic with additional feather pillows available.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and mobile coverage is reasonable on most networks.
Heating
There is central heating throughout the property with underfloor heating on the ground floor and a gas fired stove in the lounge.
Location
If you’re heading out to explore the surrounding area, Knitsley Farm Shop is around a 20-minute walk from the cottage and is a great spot for lunch or to pick up some tasty bites to go. As the Lanchester Valley Cycle Path is directly accessed from the garden gate at Number Nine, you can easily reach the nearby village of Lanchester with its independent cafes, restaurants and shops to browse as well as a useful small supermarket for those essentials.
In nearby Consett (2.5 miles), you will find a variety of supermarkets and shops as well as a range of restaurants and eateries and, should you be looking to do some city shopping, you have the choice between Durham (8 miles) and Newcastle (15 miles), both cities offer a wide range of restaurants, high street names and delightful independent shops.
Medieval Raby Castle is just a 30-minute drive from Number Nine, with its walled gardens and 200-acre Deer Park lying ten minutes beyond. 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 and Cauldron Snout.
Activities
Walkers and cyclists will be spoiled for choice at Number Nine with the Lanchester Railway path literally on the doorstep. Stretching for 20 miles, the path follows the old Lanchester Valley railways line so you can spot old station houses, platforms and historical ruins enroute along with a large variety of wildlife. Keep an eye out for redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia, and you may even spot a roe deer on quieter stretches.
Slightly further afield you can explore the Tunstall Reservoir and the Backstone Bank Wood for glorious walks and nature trails or explore the Durham Dales, which incorporates Teesdale and Weardale and is a peaceful and tranquil landscape of moors and hills, valleys and meandering rivers, dotted with picturesque villages and market towns.
It is just a 15-minute drive from the cottage to Durham City which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site – popular with visitors from all over the world with its stunning Cathedral and Norman Castle.
Explore the timeless quality of this quintessential old English university city, perhaps taking some time out to enjoy a relaxing riverside walk or river cruise, or to soak up the atmosphere in its superb cafés, artisan workshops, boutiques, galleries and museums. For evening entertainment, you can find everything from spellbinding theatre to side-splitting comedy, intimate restaurants to chic café-bars and blockbuster films to art house cinema at the Gala Theatre.
The Auckland Project, a 15-mile trip from the cottage, is a unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, gardens and parkland in Bishop Auckland. The attractions include the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Gallery and the Auckland Tower. Also featured is the newly opened Faith Museum which is in the grounds of Auckland Castle, the official residence of the Bishop of Durham, and offers tours, events and an impressive walled garden.
Kyrnen is another exciting option for a family day out where you can travel through time and watch legends come to life. Performed by a 1,000-strong cast and crew on an outdoor stage, this award-winning live action spectacular dazzles the senses, with a mix of hand-to-hand combat, daring stunts, incredible horsemanship, stunning pyrotechnics and amazing special effects.
Other family friendly activities are also in abundance with the charming Hill Hall Farm in Lanchester – tractor rides, lamb feeding, jeep safaris as well as a large adventure barn will keep the little ones entertained. You will find something for all ages at the Beamish Museum which is set in 350 acres of beautiful Durham countryside. Costumed folk bring bygone eras to life where you can hop aboard a tram or discover what life was like on the Home Front during the Second World War. Say hello to the pit ponies in their stables, admire unforgettable Georgian views and have your portrait taken in the Edwardian photographers' studio.
A trip to the historic market town of Barnard Castle with its impressive Norman castle overlooking the Tees Gorge offers a variety of attractions and, with both the impressive Bowes Museum and Egglestone Hall within a short distance, you can incorporate all three on a short day trip.
The unspoiled beauty of the Durham Dales, the rugged Northumberland coastline with its beautiful white sandy beaches, quaint villages, Hadrian’s Wall, and even the Lake District National Park – also a World Heritage Site – are all within easy reach and can all be enjoyed during your holiday.
Services
Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
Find Out MoreReviews
Availability
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- Typical arrival day: Friday or Monday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Sitting on the bench at the end of the garden with a drink, listening to the birdsong and soaking in the amazing views over the countryside"Lauraine - Crabtree & Crabtree