The Old Post Office

Fir Tree is a quiet village in County Durham, within reach of Durham itself and surrounded by countryside that includes Hamsterley Forest nearby. The Old Post Office dates from the early 1800s, when it served the community as the local post office. It has since been restored as a spacious semi-detached cottage that works well for families or groups wanting their own private base for a week or longer.

Three bedrooms sleep eight: two singles and a double on the ground floor, a kingsize on the first floor, and a double upstairs with its own ensuite. The second bathroom is shared, and there's a downstairs toilet too. Living space spreads across three rooms—a snug with a woodburner and games, a second lounge with a sofa bed and television, and an upstairs sitting room. The kitchen has a gas range, and you can prepare full meals. One well-behaved dog stays free, with a utility room for boots and storage. Bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and heating are included; parking for two cars is on site. Smoking is not permitted in the property.

The setting suits people wanting countryside quiet without being remote—The Fir Tree Country Hotel is nearby, and Durham's shops and restaurants are within reasonable distance. The enclosed patio has garden furniture for sitting outside.