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Sheep Pen Cottage

(Ref. 946713)

Durham, Northumberland Show on map

4.9

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets No

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • cottage (35)
  • location (23)
  • lovely (22)
  • durham (18)
  • sheep (14)
  • well (14)

48 Customer Reviews

  • "Beautiful cottage, a credit to Vicki and David."

    Welcomed with fresh eggs from their chickens. The cottage is extremely well equipped and fitted out with the best of everything. It is the best cottage we have stayed in ,well done Vicki and David!

    Reviewed by Michael5.0Jan 2024

  • "Beautiful cottage in a beautiful area"

    Reviewed by Sarah5.0Oct 2023

  • "Excellent, well equipped cottage - exactly as described."

    Very good position for visiting many attractions in County Durham (and the city itself).

    Reviewed by Philip5.0Oct 2023

  • "We had a fabulous stay at Sheep Pen Cottage in August."

    Lovely comfy beds, luxurious en-suites and the hand wash provided was divine. Well appointed kitchen with everything we needed to self cater for the week. Good location, only 15 mins drive to Durham. The Beamish Museum was the highlight of our week. Highly recommend.

    Reviewed by Julie5.0Jul 2023

  • "Extremely enjoyable stay, Vickie and Dave are very helpful."

    Lovely surroundings and a comfortable property, Lots to do in Sunderland, Durham and surrounding areas. Seaham is a great place to visit.

    Reviewed by Peter5.0May 2023

  • "By far one of best equipped cottages we I have stayed in."

    Lovely location. Very clean. Plenty of information about the property and places to visit. Would stay again if we came back to the area . Thank you for a great holiday.

    Reviewed by Keith5.0Apr 2023

  • "Very comfortable cottage in superb location, ideal for visits to many attractions around Durham, Bishop's Auckland etc."

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Apr 2023

  • "We had a lovely break, your beautiful cottage is perfect."

    Just as described picked from the internet we thought it was amazing. You have thought of everything it’s perfect for exploring Durham which is gorgeous. It’s a home from home will definitely tell my friends. Thank you so much sorry we didn’t get the chance to say hello in person. My daughter enjoyed watching the lambs skipping about in the fields. Can’t wait to come back

    Reviewed by Diane5.0Apr 2023

  • "A fabulous cottage with everything you could possibly need, spotlessly clean and a beautiful location, the eggs were a lovely touch, one of the main reasons we booked here was because of the outside door from the master bedroom, this for us was exactly what we needed, perfect."

    There was lots of information in the property regarding places to visit and things to do which was very welcome. We thought it was possibly a new letting with the decor and quality of the cottage until we read through the folder and saw the gold awards for 2015 and 2016. We cannot speak highly enough of Sheep Pen. Thank you to the owners for offering such a beautiful place to stay.

    Reviewed by Lynn5.0Mar 2023

  • "Sheep pen was fabulous."

    We had a lovely relaxing 2 week stay there in a great peaceful location. Was great to come back after a cold day out to such a warm cottage. Very comfortable beds for a good night sleep too. For us the things we missed was washing machine tablets (we had to buy and forgot to take with us!!). There was no welcome pack at all. A pint of milk at least would have been good to have a cuppa after long journey before our shopping.

    Reviewed by Karen5.0Mar 2023

  • "Wonderful place, would recommend this to any one, had a fabulous week here."

    Reviewed by William5.0Feb 2023

  • "Beautiful cottage, very comfortable, very clean."

    Wonderful location for a chilled country break with easy walking routes starting from the property but within easy distance of historical places to visit.

    Reviewed by Frances5.0Oct 2022

  • "Excellent property, lovely location."

    All fittings were of a high standard, beds were very comfortable.

    Reviewed by Jill5.0Sep 2022

  • "Fabulous holiday cottage with all amenities."

    Great place to be if you want to visit Durham and surrounding areas

    Reviewed by Sharon5.0May 2022

  • "Beautiful cottage in delightful location."

    Spacious and warm. Great local bus service into Durham and a range of local walks. Very friendly staff in New Brancepeth Pub. Would highly recommend

    Reviewed by Graham5.0Apr 2022

  • "Excellent accommodation, everything we would have hoped for."

    Quiet and picturesque location ideal for visiting nearby Durham. Sunrise and sunset was worthy of photos.

    Reviewed by Jerry5.0Mar 2022

  • "This is a really lovely cottage in a very peaceful location."

    It is spacious, well equipped, very comfortable and beautifully furnished. There are lots of lovely places to visit within a 40 minute drive and good restaurants in Durham

    Reviewed by Sharon5.0Feb 2022

  • "We stayed for a week and sheep pen cottage ideal location to visit family in the north east lovely views well equipped cottage comfortable clean tidy nice warm wellcome Christmas gift for the family nice touch to start the hoilday we definitely book again ."

    Reviewed by Rachel5.0Dec 2021

  • "Lovely cottage with amazing walks."

    The cottage was well equipped and the owner was welcoming when we passed him on our walk. We would visit again for sure!

    Reviewed by Sivaroshan5.0Dec 2021

  • "The cottage was warm and comfortable with everything we needed, thank you !"

    Reviewed by Steph3.8Oct 2021

  • "We had a wonderful stay at Sheep Pen Cottage,very peaceful and we loved watching all those hares!"

    It was a very good location for us to visit our family in Durham and we were in a perfect place to go farther afield to High Force and Middleton on Teesdale where we had a lovely Afternoon Tea.We also went to Seahouses and had a fabulous boat trip around the Farne Islands.What a lot of seals and delightful Puffins! Best Fish and Chips from Gills in Seaham! Such beautiful countryside and Heritage Coastline and lovely weather;England's Best Kept Secret!We hope to return as soon as we can!

    Reviewed by Peter5.0Jul 2021

  • "Sheep Pen Cottage is a little secluded letting on a working farm, we met the lovely owners on the first night who were more than happy to help and gave us information about the area and must see places to go."

    The holiday cottage itself is lovely, open plan space for the main living area and a well stocked kitchen with plenty of utensils and crockery. The bedrooms are lovely and the bathrooms spacious, the only negative were the overly firm mattresses. A beautiful cottage in a beautiful part of the country, not far from Durham and plenty to see and visit in the area.

    Reviewed by Virginia4.4Jun 2021

  • "Second time we have been and love it there."

    Sheep Pen is in a great location, lots of walks and wildlife. We will be booking again next year.

    Reviewed by Christine5.0Jun 2021

  • "Wonderful views from the sitting room especially when the sun is setting."

    There are lovely walks straight from the cottage to a woodland where bluebells still flower and the birds sing ,unafraid to sing lustily while being watched by humans. A magical experience to treasure.

    Reviewed by Valerie4.1May 2021

  • "A well presented , comfortable holiday home ."

    Owner introduced herself shortly after we arrived and gave us some good information about the local area , walks etc . We had a lovely week and even the weather was good , we would definitely recommend it to others . Set in really peaceful surroundings .

    Reviewed by Virginia5.0Apr 2021

  • "Totally loved this little place."

    It was the perfect location, beautiful scenery. Clean and homely and exactly as it looked like in the picture. It was sad we didn’t get to meet the farmer and his family due to the covid 19. But still felt welcome. I would be more than happy to live there permanently.

    Reviewed by Christine5.0Aug 2020

  • "Beautiful cottage in a beautiful location"

    Reviewed by Karen5.0Aug 2020

  • "Fantastic cottage in a brilliant location."

    We had a wonderful stay and we really enjoyed ourselves (especially feeding the chickens). Thank you to the owners who have worked very hard during Covid-19 to make it a nice experience - they had thought of everything.

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Aug 2020

  • "Sheep pen cottage is an idyllic countryside retreat."

    The cottage is warm and cosy, spacious, well equipped and perfectly situated in the beautiful Durham county countryside. We spent just under a week here in February 2020. The kids loved collecting eggs on the farm, ‘talking’ to the sheep and brisk walks followed by cake and hot chocolate. I loved running along the old disused railway line and my husband (and we all) enjoyed escaping city life to breathe in some fresh air and relax in this perfect countryside setting together. Recommended things to do... The cafe at Brancepeth Castle: delicious cakes and coffee, plus a lovely little homeware shop. Barnard Castle: the Bowes Museum is brilliant for both adults and kids, plus lovely places to eat in the village. Obviously Durham city and the cathedral, but a walk along the river is really nice.

    Reviewed by Ceri5.0Feb 2020

  • "Enjoyed a brilliant week in September 2019."

    Simply perfect. Modern accommodation with well equipped kitchen, clean, warm, quiet. The privacy of self contained accommodation with the security of knowing that its based on a working arable farm which has other holiday lets. Spacious rooms, well finished with a range of modern appliances, but some older furniture adding character. Fantastic bathrooms (2 en-suite rooms), comfortable beds. Ideal for a longer stay. Easy access to Durham with a range of other attractions a short drive away. The comprehensive 'welcome' pack and range of tourist guides was appreciated. Smart TV, excellent WiFi, library of DVDs and books covered all entertainment eventualities. For any one who lives in an urban area the absence of road noise and dark skies makes this location very special. Great network of footpaths and lovely countryside to explore. Great views from the accommodation. I'm very picky when selecting holiday accommodation and have learned that pictures and descriptions sometimes oversell. Not the case here - it fully lives up to the description. One of the best breaks I've had for some tine. I would wholeheartedly recommend Sheep Pen Cottage.

    Reviewed by David5.0Sep 2019

  • "A spendid location for walkers and National Trust members."

    Lots of castles and Durham cathedral to visit - Raby and Bamburgh castle - come to mind, plus many gardens and one waterfall! Then there is Beamish, something nobody should miss if you are in striking distance of the living museum of the north . There are many watering holes (pubs) in the area which provide good wholesome food at very affordable prices. Lastly I cannot praise the facilies at the Sheep Pen Cottage more highly, my family thoughly enjoyed our stay and our holiday.

    Reviewed by Sid5.0Jun 2019

  • "Friendly hosts who met us to check all well."

    Vouchers to Beamish and Raby Castle ensured we had savings on entry. Lovely farm with beautiful animals. Loved it!

    Reviewed by Angela5.0Jun 2019

  • "Fantastic cottage, great layout that worked great for us and our disabled daughter."

    Fully stocked with everything you'll need. Friendly helpful owners. Great location, very peaceful, lovely local walks from the door and our girls loved the pet lambs, hens and horses that are on the farm. We had no idea how many things there were to do in Co. Durham, spoilt for choice - from Durham itself, the coast, Beamish museum, waterfalls, castles, playgrounds and so much more

    Reviewed by Lisa5.0Apr 2019

  • "What a fab place."

    The owners are really nice and the cottage has fantastic views. I can't recommend the cottage enough.

    Reviewed by Mark5.0Apr 2019

  • "Accommodation was Excellent everything we needed Owners where helpful and on ..."

    Accommodation was Excellent everything we needed Owners where helpful and on hand if required Local pub in village Brawns Den great food Lots of places around to visit

    Reviewed by May4.7Apr 2019

  • "Perfect position to visit Keswick."

    The cottage was very well equipped for the eleven of us five adults and six children. We would definitely return.

    Reviewed by Carol5.0Mar 2019

  • "Sheep Pen Cottage was extremely comfortable with everything we could need for a super week."

    The homemade cake and milk was a nice surprise. Mr & Mrs Jackson were very welcoming hosts.

    Reviewed by Anne5.0Feb 2019

  • "Lovely deco warmth and facilities"

    Reviewed by Rosemary4.7Dec 2018

  • "Sheep Pen Cottage is absolutely fabulous."

    It is very comfortable, warm and clean. The Lemon Drizzle Cake was soooooo nice. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Sheep Pen Cottage.

    Reviewed by Susan5.0Nov 2018

  • "We had a fabulous week away for half term in this lovely cottage."

    My husband and I stayed here with our two children and had an amazing break. The cottage was clean, modern and really well equipped. There was cake and milk in the cottage when we arrived which was much appreciated. The cottage is set in a quiet rural spot but was really close to lots of great days out. We felt totally refreshed and rejuvenated after our stay so thank you to David and Vicky. I have a feeling we will be back one day!

    Reviewed by Alexandra5.0Oct 2018

  • "We have used your holiday cottage site before and were very pleased with our last holiday."

    This was a similar experience and we would certainly book the cottage again.

    Reviewed by Ann5.0Sep 2018

  • "The attention to detail that the owner went too."

    Cake made on our arrival, milk available on arrival for a drink, and many more extras. Much appreciated--unusual.

    Reviewed by Shaun5.0May 2018

  • "Idyllic location with views over the rolling Durham countryside."

    Welcomed with freshly baked cake & milk in the fridge. Vickie, the owner, paid us a personal visit to recommend local attractions and check that all was ok. Great location for sightseeing- so much to do in the area.

    Reviewed by Katy5.0May 2018

  • "Very friendly owners with lots of information about the local area."

    Although it rained nearly every day, my husband, friends and myself enjoyed ourselves. This is the third property we have rented from you and is by far the best so thank you for adding Sheep Pen Cottage to your list of properties. It is difficult to find 2 double en-suite bedrooms so if you can find any more, I think you may have success with two couples like us.

    Reviewed by Cindy5.0Jun 2017

  • "The cottage was by far the best we have stopped in."

    Everything was superb and me and my brother really enjoyed the break! Reliable wifi which was good as it's not always the case. Great for people with mobility issues and really nice owners

    Reviewed by Andrew5.0Apr 2017

  • "We stayed 22-29 April 2017 and would highly recommend this very very well-equipped, comfortable, perfectly clean and beautifully located cottage."

    We had a lovely welcome package awaiting us as well as lots of invaluable information about the immediate, local and wider area, including some fascinating local history. We visited many of the local attractions including Tweddle farm park, Durham Cathedral, locomotion museum , Prudhoe castle, Finchale Priory, Barnard Castle, Wharton park in Durham (with great kids play park) Washington hall, Seaham (amazing ice cream parlour) and St. Brandon's and the lovely coffee shop in the gatehouse of Brancepeth castle. Our young child loved being able to feed the chickens and see the sheep and horses on the farm too! We had a great break in a lovely cottage in a great location. Would definitely recommend!

    Reviewed by Donald5.0Apr 2017

  • "Beautiful cottage, relaxing and serene location and friendly hosts, I would thoroughly recommend it."

    Reviewed by Tim5.0Mar 2017

  • "We really enjoyed this excellent cottage, it is very comfortable and clean."

    A good location, set in attractive countryside, a short drive to the lovely city of Durham.

    Reviewed by Nicola4.6Mar 2017

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Summary

  • All ground floor
  • Two bedrooms both with TV: 1 x super king-size double (zip/link, can be twin on request), with en-suite bath, separate shower, basin and WC, 1 x super king-size double (zip/link, can be twin on request), with en-suite shower, basin and WC
  • Open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with woodburner effect electric fire.
  • Biomass eco central heating with woodburner effect electric fire
  • Electric oven and hob, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, 3 x TVs with Freeview, radio, WiFi, selection of games
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Travel cot and highchair
  • Off road parking for 3 cars
  • Private enclosed courtyard garden with furniture
  • Sorry, no pets and no smoking
  • Shop 3.5 miles, pub 2 miles.

The property

Durham 3.5 miles.

A delightful, luxury cottage on the owners' working family farm near Durham city.

This cosy cottage is ideal for couples and families wanting a countryside break amidst peaceful surroundings.

Located just outside Brancepeth village yet within the historic city of Durham boundary, this stone cottage is surrounded by countryside with a network of footpaths and cycleways.

Sheep Pen Cottage is all ground floor with two en-suite bedrooms and as the beds are all zip/link, they can be arranged as a king-size double and a twin, two king-size doubles or two twin rooms.

There is a well-equipped kitchen and open plan dining area, where you can prepare meals and socialize with the family, before settling down in the comfortable sitting room and continuing to enjoy the views over the local countryside.

There is a charming enclosed private courtyard area of grass and paving with this attractive cottage.

You can enjoy the views over open countryside, Brancepeth Castle and village and it is a real sunspot in the summer.

Sheep Pen Cottage has countryside walks from the doorstep, a short cycle down the farm track and you are onto the railway lines which lead you onto the extensive cycle paths that are available in Durham County.

An easy drive from Sheep Pen takes you to the centre of Durham with an array of shops, pubs and restaurants or the Roman town of Chester-le-Street.

The Beamish Museum, our "Living Museum of the North" is a must and is only twenty minutes away.

Twenty minutes in the other direction you can visit the attraction of Kynren, the open air live show at Bishop Auckland.

A little further afield are the Durham Dales, Newcastle upon Tyne, Hadrian's Wall, the Heritage Coast, Cragside at Rothbury and the North York Moors.

This lovely cottage is the perfect place for that relaxing holiday break.

Note: This property can be booked with 946712, together they sleep 10.

View on map

About the location

DURHAM

Chester-le-Street 11 miles; Newcastle upon Tyne 21 miles;

Situated in one of the most beautiful counties of England, Durham city is one of the jewels in England’s crown. Dominated by the historic centre, a World Heritage Site, the city is home to magnificent Durham Cathedral, with its breathtaking vaulted ceiling and splendid architecture. The cathedral, the final resting place of the Venerable Bede, is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the whole of Europe. Durham Castle stands side by side with the cathedral, on a prominent hilltop site, encircled by the wooded slopes of the River Wear below. The city itself offers elegant buildings and fascinating narrow streets with excellent shopping, eating and drinking to suit all tastes. Add to that the ease of access to the rest of this historic county, “Land of the Prince Bishops”, and Durham has much to offer the discerning traveller, from Medieval castles to marvellous landscapes and scenic walks. Durham city is the ideal location for discovering this beautiful county.

Please note, this property is only accepting 7 night or more bookings over the Christmas and New Year weeks.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute