Riverside Cottage Overlooking the Tees - Superhost

This unique Grade II-listed original mill cottage in Barnard Castle (locally known as Barney) offers the perfect blend of historical charm and modern-day living. But what really sets it apart is its spectacular location on the banks of the mighty River Tees. It’s a rare, delightful gem that not only provides glorious river views but also easy access to a vast network of wonderful rural walks on the doorstep and to the charming market town of Barnard Castle with all its amenities and attractions. The space Riverside Cottage is part of an early 19th Century mill development on the banks of the River Tees and the edge of Barnard Castle that was once a vital hub of agricultural activity and helped shape the town’s economy and community. While it retains much of the character and features of a bygone era, it is now a modern, cosy cottage kitted out with everything you’re likely to need for a relaxing, happy holiday experience. This delightfully quirky three-bed cottage sleeps up to six people and is the perfect location for exploring Barnard Castle, the Durham Dales (part of which incorporates an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the many attractions of County Durham beyond. Or you can just use it to escape life for a while, soak up the sights and sounds of the River Tees and savour your downtime. The ground floor is largely dominated by the open-plan living room and dining area which are charmingly decorated to create a lovely laid-back vibe for some serious resting and relaxing. The two sofas and occasional rocking chair provide plenty of comfortable seating, as does the handsome dining room suite on the other side of the impressive wood-burning stove which sits centre stage and cannily warms both areas. The TV is Smart, but you’ll need your own log-in details to access your streaming services. Through the living room on your left is the spacious, fitted kitchen that’s fully equipped for all your in-house catering and dining needs. It includes a Rangemaster double stove, microwave, Smeg fridge freezer, kettle and toaster, as well as a washing machine and mini breakfast bar. Two staircases in a property would usually be considered unusual but not in Riverside Cottage given its quaint and quirky character! The larger pine staircase takes you up to the main accommodation and bathroom area which incorporates the master bedroom, the middle bedroom and the main bathroom. The master bedroom has a king-size bed with matching bedside tables, wardrobe, chest of drawers and dressing table while the middle bedroom has a double bed, dressing table, and a hanging storage rail with shelves above and below. Both are lovely, airy spaces with gorgeous views of the river. The main bathroom is contemporary in style with a modern walk-in shower and roll-top bath, WC and wash hand basin. The third bedroom and ensuite bathroom are accessed via the wrought-iron spiral staircase behind the dining area. The bedroom is another light, bright, space with a double bed and matching wardrobe, dressing and bedside tables – and, of course, stunning river views - while the ensuite bathroom is a modern, neat collection of walk-in shower, WC and wash hand basin. The patio area in front of the cottage is exclusively for your use and is a great place to watch the river, and, indeed, the world flow by. After all, the cottage sits on the Teesdale Way which is one of many rural footpaths that crisscross this beautiful, largely undiscovered county. Guest access You have full and exclusive access to the entire cottage. The front door to Riverside Cottage is the second and by far the largest of a row of cottages on the left-hand side and is accessed through the Demesnes, an open parkland area at the end of Gray Lane. Approaching the Demesnes along Gray Lane, you will see the entrance to the park/Demesnes. Drive through the opening and along the track until you reach the cottages. As you emerge from the wooded section of the track, there is an area of private parking just before you reach the cottages on the left. This parking area is exclusive to Riverside Cottage and its sister cottage, Riverview next door. One space is allocated to Riverside Cottage but if, for any reason these spaces are unavailable, there is a further private parking space on the left-hand side just before you emerge from the wooded section of the track. Please take care when parking and do not block the track. Remote check-in gives you flexibility on arrival time and complimentary tea and coffee will help you ease into your stay. Other items in the welcome pack include hotel standard hand soap, shampoo and body wash, as well as a washing-up pack, toilet roll, and kitchen roll. There should be enough of the latter to last you a couple of days, and there are several supermarkets in the town if you need to stock on more. Other things to note CHILDREN AND INFANTS While children and little ones of all ages are very welcome at Riverside Cottage, please bear in mind that this is entirely at the parents’ discretion given the proximity of the cottage to the river and the fact that it does not have stairgates, a fireguard, highchair or travel cot. CHECK-IN/OUT TIMES Check-in time is after 3pm and check-out time is 10am. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged but only by prior agreement and at an additional charge of £50 for each to allow for the disruption to our cleaning/linen schedule. KEYS There are two keys altogether: one for the front door and one for the lock at the security bollards at the entrance to the Demesnes and the track to the cottage. Please look after the keys; a fee of £100 will be charged if you lose them and a £50 call-out fee will be charged if you lock yourselves out of the property. INVENTORY Please take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its contents, leaving them in the same condition as you found them. Within reason, you will be liable for the costs of replacement, repair or extra cleaning as a direct result of any breakages or damages you cause during your stay.