Buckswell Cottage

Barnard Castle and the surrounding dales offer some of northern England's most remote walking country. Buckswell Cottage sits on a working upland farm in Baldersdale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with south-facing views across moorland and towards Hury Reservoir. The location puts you on the doorstep of established footpaths—the Pennine Way passes through the dale, and routes link to nearby villages like Romaldkirk and Middleton-in-Teesdale. Birdwatchers find the habitat here rich with native species; the dale itself was once farmed by Hannah Hauxwell, and the land is now designated for its ecological value.

The cottage is a single-storey property sleeping two, with one bedroom (kingsize bed), a wet room with shower, and a kitchen equipped for proper cooking—there's an electric cooker, dishwasher and microwave. The living room has a DVD player and Freeview TV; an open fire provides warmth. Essentials like electricity, heating, bed linen and towels are included, along with wifi and car parking for two vehicles. An enclosed garden with patio and barbecue overlooks the valley; there's also bike storage and a separate outhouse with freezer space. The property does not accept children.

This works well for walkers, cyclists and anyone seeking quiet—the kind of place where artists and writers come to focus, with views from every window and the dale's peace as your backdrop. Arrive from 4pm, depart by 9am. One dog stays free.