The Old Paper Mill
A chocolate box cottage for two surrounded by nature and hiking trails.
Rustic, cosy and contemporary all at once, The Old Paper Mill makes a perfect bolthole for two — with fans of history, walking or wildlife especially well catered for.
As its name suggests, this cute stone cottage was once a petite paper mill in the mid-18th century, probably supplying bookmakers or newspaper printers in Newcastle and powered by a stream which still babbles by towards the nearby Derwent River. The current owners have opened it up, however, adding in space and style while retaining the sense of a secluded retreat.
One of their additions is a conservatory from which guests may well spot deer — look out for a three-legged doe and her young family — badgers or red kites. A door leads through to the open-plan sitting room and kitchen, where a log-burning stove and exposed beams help to inspire a lovely, chocolate-box atmosphere.
The hand-painted kitchen area here features a large, butler-style ceramic sink, a small moveable island and a bread maker with ingredients and instructions so that you can easily whip up a fresh, warm loaf in an hour or so. In another nice touch, the two-part stable door means you can admit gentle breezes while cooking.
Upstairs, the cosy bedroom is brightened by dual-aspect windows and white-painted furniture. With a king-sized bed, overhanging eaves, a window seat and a TV and DVD player, it’ll be tempting to linger here, especially as the home’s biomass heating system means you’ll be perfectly snug. Ditto in the adjacent bathroom’s romantically double-ended, deep tub.
Double doors connected the conservatory to a patio complete with barbecue and potted herb garden, which guests are welcome to use. A gate leads on to a pretty patch of stream-side woodland direct from the courtyard and driveway that guests can exclusively enjoy. Though the owners reside next door, that’s 50 metres away behind the cottage and you’re assured of complete privacy.
The Old Paper Mill is found along a quiet farm lane near Burnopfield, a cricket-loving village and Dipton, whose various pubs include the food-serving Owl & Otter.
With storage space for bikes and a picnic bag provided, it’s easy to explore locally, too. Among numerous hikes in the area, you’re just half a mile from the scenic Derwent Walk Railway Path.
Close by too is the National Trust-run Georgian pleasure gardens, chapel and estate of Gibside, with links to Stanley Kubrick and the late Queen Mother. On the border of Northumberland and County Durham, you’re also within a short drive of Hadrian’s Wall, plus the market town of Hexham, vibrant Newcastle itself and Durham’s castle and cathedral.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Enter into the conservatory with two armchairs, coffee table, foot stools, bench with storage for jigsaws and local maps, umbrella stand and coat rack. Views from the patio doors of the courtyard garden and the surrounding woodland.
From the conservatory a door leads to the open-plan sitting room and kitchen.
Sitting room contains three seater sofa and a loveseat armchair, coffee table, log burner, wall mounted Smart TV and a DVD player, Bluetooth speaker/ CD player/ DAB Radio with a selection of CDs provided alongside books and local tourist information.
Dining area with dining table seating up to four guests. Two chairs are always at the table with a further two located on the first floor which guests can bring down if they have day visitors.
Kitchen with free-standing fridge/ freezer, electric ceramic hob, electric fan oven, butchers block prep island, integrated slimline dishwasher, as well as a bread maker with ingredients and instructions for guests to use There is also a built-in cupboard containing a microwave and a washer/dryer combi. A stable door from the kitchen opens out to the front garden.
Handy under-stairs cupboard with outdoor cushions, iron and ironing board, airer, hoover, picnic bag, padlock and cover for bikes if guests wish to use the outdoor storage space.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom with king size bed, bedside tables and lamps, shelf storage with more books, and three built-in wardrobes with hanging space. Comfortable armchair, chest of drawers with a Smart TV on top and a built-in DVD player with a selection of DVDs provided. There is also a dressing table, stool, lamp and mirror. Window seat and a small south-facing window looking up the country lane, and a north-facing window looking onto woodland.
En-suite with large deep bath, corner shower, WC, basin with mirror above, shaver point, heated towel rail, hanging hooks on the back of the door.
OUTSIDE
At the front of the property, there is a seating area outside the kitchen door with a table and two chairs which can easily be moved from one side of the cottage to the other to follow the sun. There is a barbecue with an initial supply of coal available to be used and cleaned by guests, housekeeping is unable to ensure this is done during changeovers. Bike storage is provided behind the cottage. This is external storage so not undercover but a padlock and cover are provided.
There is private off-road parking for one car in the courtyard driveway.
Location
Lying to north-west of the City of Durham, Burnopfield is a quiet village encompassed by woodland in the Derwent Valley. Combining industrial history with diverse landscapes and thriving wildlife, it surrounding landscapes offers a range of country trails and inviting pubs.
Nearby, the picturesque Durham Dales and the rugged Northumberland coastline, with its pristine beaches and quaint villages, are on hand for days spent exploring the wider area. Wander the ancient paths of Hadrian’s Wall, delve into the natural wonders of the Lake District, or simply enjoy the local shops and eateries.
For a day trip, visit Durham with its iconic Cathedral and Norman Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which draws visitors from around the globe, while its quaint streets are lined with delightful cafés, bookshops, and galleries.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- HeatingThe property has biomass heating and benefits from a log burner in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic duvets and pillows are provided.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile reception and 4G connection is good at the property on most networks.
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. A financial penalty will be incurred should guests charge their vehicles at this property.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
Things to See & Do
Explore our map of recommended things to see and do in our regions and discover the best ways to spend your stay with us. Select the filters below to highlight everything from restaurants to local events, so you can start building an exciting itinerary around your holiday home with the support of our in-depth local knowledge.
Plan Your Trip
Arts & Crafts
Beaches
Boutique Shops
Dog Friendly
Food & Drink
Health & Wellbeing
Learn a New Skill
National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Rewilding
Sports & Activities
Tourist Attractions
Experiences
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.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
Find out more
