Characterful 17th century white washed cottage in the North Pennines designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you will quickly feel the peace enfold you. Rural hideaway suitable for a small family, three adults, couple or single traveller. Picturesque setting with views over the moors - log stove, exposed beams, enclosed gardens, off road parking, pet friendly - 2 dogs. 2 minute walk to village pub serves food, real ale brewery. Weardale Way & Pennine Journey 50 metres from front door. The space Middlehope Cottage is a characterful historic 17th century dwelling situated in the North Pennines, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, second largest in England and Wales & is a truly wild and un-spoilt place. This pretty white washed cottage provides the ideal place to take a break, slow down & relax for small families, three adults, couples or the single traveller. It is a pet friendly cottage and welcomes up to 2 well behaved dogs. Child friendly, includes travel cot, chair bed, stair safety gate, changing mat, safety fire guard, high chair etc. Setback from a quiet lane in a small enclave of similar picturesque properties in Westgate, at the heart of the Wear Valley, it is within 2 minutes walking distance of the local pub with it’s own real ale brewery which serves amazing food. Open Thursday through to Sunday. Ring for opening times depending on season & to book for food. Enjoy the log burning stove. Guests are provided with a starter pack of fuel which includes a basket of logs for the first night, kindling for starting a fire the next day, plenty of cardboard & newspaper. Supply of matches also included. If guests wish to have further fires after the first evening please ensure you bring a supply of logs with you or these can easily purchased in neat packs at any of the Coop stores up & down the dale. They also supply packs of kindling. Sit & enjoy a glass of wine with a meal next to the stove and snuggle up on the soft furnishings to enjoy a good book or film. When it’s time to turn in head up stairs to the beautiful spacious bedroom with king size bed & adjoining en-suit shower room. If there is a third adult or child staying there is a chair bed that can be made up in the bedroom. A duvalay memory foam topper is available for the chair bed to add an extra lay of comfort. In the morning you will find yourself in a light & airy room which enjoys views from three different aspects, one of which looks out over the far reaching hills of the North Pennines. There is a garden to the front with a bench to enjoy that early morning cuppa & through a separate gate there is a larger garden with lawned area & room to spread out and eat alfresco enjoy the sunsets with a glass of something chilled. Both gardens are fully enclosed. The surrounding area provides plenty of opportunity to explore either on foot or bike. The long distance paths of the Weardale Way & the Pennine Journey both passing just 50 metres from the front door. The cottage is also situated next to the Middlehope Burn & amazing water-falls which incorporates a truly magical 3 mile walk taking in Slitt Wood and the West Rigg Geotrail, designated a Site Of Scientific Interest. Just a 1.5 mile drive away, heading west, the neighbouring village of St John’s Chapel has a co-op & two pubs, both of which serve food and allow dogs. Heading east 3 miles away is the Cross Keys pub, serves food and dog friendly. Then a little further on are the larger villages of Stanhope and Wolsingham. Heading further out up over the moors the views are spectacular & one route will take you to the unspoilt and picturesque village of Blanchland which has provided the period backdrop for many film and TV dramas. The pub and restaurant, The Lord Crewe, is recommended in many food and drink guides having won numerous food awards. Built in 1165 it was originally the Abbot’s guest house for Blanchland Abbey. It boasts impressive historic features & a stunning large walled garden, formerly the abbeys cloisters, where alfresco drinks and dinning can be enjoyed. There is a wide variety of information left in the lounge detailing walks, a map and things to do in the area. Middlehope really is the romantic ‘roses round the door’ country cottage, literally and figuratively, and provides all you could need for a special break or longer holiday. Please remember when booking this is a small cottage with one bedroom but is priced accordingly. Guest access The entire cottage, both enclosed gardens and private off road parking area are for the sole use of guests. Other things to note The cottage has one king size bed and one adult size chair bed in the bedroom. If there is a third guest staying please request the chair bed to be made up for your arrival when booking. There is a travel cot with extra mattress and mattress sheet available for up to two year olds which can be put up in the bedroom. Again please request this on booking. Please note the cutlery is kept in a draw in the dinning table. We provide a starter pack of fuel for the log burner for the first night which includes basket of logs, kindling, paper & cardboard, plus matches. The stove will be made up ready to light on your arrival. There will be enough kindling sticks in a brass bucket for the next day plus some more paper and cardboard in a plastic bag to the right of the fire place. For Further firers you can buy neat packs of logs & kindling at the local co-op shops up & down the Wear Valley. Your closest to the cottage is at St Johns Chapel. Back ground heat is provided from electric wall heaters. As the cottage is very old it has solid stone floors downstairs so some people benefit from bringing a pair of slippers. Hope this info help & you have a really lovely time celebrating on your mini moon 🥂💞🥂, and of course the beautiful whippet has a brilliant time too. Many thanks Robyn