Smithy Stables
- 8 guests
- 4 beds
- 2 bathrooms
- Pet Friendly
Description
Smithy Stables stands proudly on one of Barnard Castle’s historic streets, offering a beautifully restored Grade II listed cottage where heritage and everyday living sit effortlessly side by side.
Built from traditional stone and full of period detail, this impressive home provides a memorable base for families or friends who want to immerse themselves in the character, culture and landscapes of County Durham.
From the moment you enter, the cottage sets a confident tone.
The entrance hall leads through to a ground-floor shower room before opening into the living room, a space rich in original features.
Dual-aspect windows allow natural light to move through the room throughout the day, while the feature fireplace and parquet flooring anchor the space with a sense of history.
It’s a room made for evenings spent talking over the day’s discoveries or settling in with a film once the town quietens.
The kitchen is a real centrepiece of the home.
Exposed beams overhead, wide windows on three sides and a classic Belfast sink give the room a timeless feel, while the central island naturally draws everyone together.
Whether preparing slow breakfasts, packed lunches for days out or shared evening meals, this is a space designed for both practicality and enjoyment.
An adjoining utility room provides additional storage and laundry facilities, keeping the main living areas clear and uncluttered.
Upstairs, four thoughtfully arranged bedrooms offer generous space and flexibility, making the cottage well-suited to mixed groups.
Each room carries its own sense of calm, while the family bathroom completes the first floor with traditional styling and a panelled bath that echoes the home’s heritage.
Outside, the enclosed courtyard garden feels like a private extension of the house.
Flagged stone paving, raised beds, and useful outbuildings create a sheltered spot for outdoor meals, morning coffee or a quiet moment at the end of the day, all tucked away from the bustle of the town.
17C King Street places you at the heart of it all, combining period character, generous living space and access to some of the North East’s most rewarding towns, landscapes and cultural landmarks.
This property can be booked with 1062818 (The Old Smithy) to sleep up to 16 in total.
Your dates
Everything you'll need
- Wifi
- Baby Friendly
- Dishwasher
- Pet Friendly
- Near Pub / Shop
- Wifi
- Baby Friendly
- Dishwasher
- Pet Friendly
- Near Pub / Shop
- Smoke Free
- Near Walks
- Washing Machine
What guests are saying
An enjoyable stay.
Very close to all amenities. Well equipped kitchen. Comfortable furnishings. A few maintenance issues but nothing major. Some information about the appliances, heating and recycling would have been welcome. Otherwise would highly recommend.
On the plus side the property is in a great location-has 4 good sized bedrooms and a spacious and bright well fitted dining kitchen.
However it has its issues.The lounge we called the black hole was so dark even in daylight with shutters open it was hard to see and the darkness hid dirty areas. We looked under sofas with torches and it was very dirty. The downstairs shower room was not fit for purpose.The cubicle had black mould and the shower was unpredictable and could turn from cold to very hot as mentioned in previous reviews. On day one I contacted the owner re a faulty light fitting in the twin bedroom and issues with the TV but nothing was done. There were no instructions regarding the general waste disposal and as a result the bin was full when we arrived and we had to use council bins and took some home to dispose of. The TV was an issue despite the owners assertion it was OK. It was a smart TV and relied on the internet and as the router was in the far corner of an upstairs bedroom the signal was always failing resulting in the picture freezing and at times it was just unwatchable. We wanted to clean and i found a hoover but it had not been emptied for many months and was packed with dirt. The brush was so full of hair and would not rotate so I spent ages cleaning it and removing piles of dirt and hair so that we could clean the place. As I say it is well located in the town and has plenty of space but we would not return because of maintenance and cleanliness issues. Sykes who we booked with were very good and we would use them again.
Plus points, excellent location, good size property, public parking close by.
Negatives that we found, no welcome pack supplied, no local information supplied ie local tourist attractions, shops, bars, restaurants etc, no instructions for heating system should we have needed to use it, down stairs shower door leaks badly, lot of black mould in shower cubicle, shower dangerous, scalding hot to cold whilst in use and unable to quickly control, insufficient mirrors for makeup, hair etc. unable to open some windows easily, some lights not working and some rooms dimly light, no stairs bannister, recycle/ general rubbish only one bin in courtyard
Good to know
House Rules
Good housekeeping bond
This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £450
Smoking
Not permitted
Stay Information
Check-in / Check-out
15:00 / 10:00
Property ref
1183183
Parking
Road Side
Guest & Pet Policy
Pets
Allowed
Children
Children and infants welcome