The Ashes
Darlington
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Ashes Lodge
You step straight into a ground floor living area that spreads across the converted granary – a dining room and sitting room both warmed by woodburners, plus a separate kitchen with cooking facilities, utility room with laundry, and a sun room. French doors open onto a large private courtyard and garden. Upstairs are four bedrooms: one double with its own ensuite, two doubles each paired with a single bed, and another double, served by a family bathroom. Two separate toilets are dotted through the house. The property sleeps ten and welcomes one pet free of charge.
The Ashes sits within 130 acres of grounds that include a section of the River Tees – fishing is available, and the owner can arrange other activities such as canoeing, horse riding, cycles for guests, and badger and bird watching. A pond and fountain occupy the courtyard, though the river itself lies on a steep bank 70 yards from the house. Parking for three cars is on site. Essential supplies like electricity, bed linen and towels are included; a cot and highchair are available.
The working farm location puts you near North Pennines landscape, with the Yorkshire Dales accessible for exploring, Durham and its cathedral an easy drive away, and Northumberland's castles and coast within reach. The village of Neasham is close by with a pub and riverside paths. Richmond, Yarm and North Allerton offer market town character. No smoking is permitted in the property.
Sleeps & rooms
What's on offer
Check-in & check-out
Arrive after 15:00 Depart before 10:00
🚭 No smoking, please
What guests say
Not fit for babies and children. The place is manky. Fridge is disgusting, its a health hazard. We would not of stayed but celebrating a family members birthday, we didn't want to disappoint them. There was clean sheets but that was the only clean thing in the building. They will be getting enough money in to do the jobs needed. But obviously not interested. Quite rude over the phone too. You cannot even get to do the walks around the cottage as everything is so overgrown.
a month ago · via Google
We stayed at Ashes Lodge as a group of eight and, although the lodge itself is an impressive building, our overall experience was disappointing due to poor upkeep and management. On arrival, the property did not appear to have been cleaned to a good standard. The bedding was tired and worn, and there were no toiletries provided at all. Even basic necessities such as sufficient toilet rolls were missing. The towels supplied were old and well past their best. The kitchen was not equipped for the number of guests the property accommodates. There were not enough plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, or cooking utensils for a group stay. The fridge was also in poor condition, with a door that would not close properly, and the freezer compartment was broken. The lodge advertises a BBQ, but there was no grill available. We were told that if we wanted one, we would need to buy it from the management. Fishing rights are also advertised, yet there is no safe or practical access to the river, making fishing unrealistic. Families should be aware that the property is not suitable for young children. There was a large amount of scrap, rubbish, and potentially dangerous items around the grounds that created obvious safety hazards. By the time we arrived at around 6pm, finding alternative accommodation for eight people would have been extremely difficult, so we felt we had little choice but to stay. It’s a shame because the lodge itself has plenty of potential, but the lack of maintenance, poor facilities, and misleading advertising spoiled what should have been an enjoyable stay. Sadly, I would not stay here again or recommend it to others.
2 months ago · via Google
Fabulous place so comfortable and really peaceful x everything you need for a unforgetable stay thankyou we had a great time
3 months ago · via Google
Lovely friendly owner & beautiful grounds but sadly the house was filthy…….we wouldn’t have minded a bit of countryside muck & cobwebs but this was ingrained dirt & dust. We had to clean the bathrooms & kitchens prior to use as they were visibly dirty. Kitchen lacking in any cookware & very limited cups & glasses. Fridge smelt dreadful & didn’t close. Great dishwasher & lots of space in the utility room but sadly all unclean or equipment broken. Bedding smelt fresh but no mattress or pillow protectors. Such a shame as the grounds are stunning & we enjoyed them. This house needs a deep clean & a consistent cleaning company between guests to meet appropriate standards. Owner contacted but no response.
11 months ago · via Google