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4 Guests
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2 Bedrooms
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1 Bathroom
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Pets No
Features
- Off road parking
- Ground floor bedroom
- Open fire
- Garden / Patio
- Cot available
- Highchair available
- Washing machine
- Broadband / WiFi
Reviews & Ratings
52 Customer Reviews
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"Had a lovely stay in this cosy cottage in an amazing place."
Welcome gifts were great, met the owner and farm cats. Many places to visit within an hour or so travel. Well maintained and clean cottage with fast WiFi!
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"We have just returned from a relaxing week in this beautiful cottage."
The welcome gifts were really appreciated. The cottage is ideally situated for days out or just a drive in the beautiful surroundings countryside. Good weather and perfect accommodation couldn't wish for more.
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"We both enjoyed our stay."
Thanks for all the food items you provided. Also prompt action to fix boiler. Very well equipped accommodation that was warm and comfortable.
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"Delightful cottage."
Extremely comfortable and well equipped. Owners helpful and delicious welcoming gifts. First time visiting County Durham, usually drive through on way to Scotland or Northumberland. Will certainly visit again. Plenty of places to visit and beautiful unspoilt scenery. We will be back.
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"Excellent accommodation - one of the very best and a great base for exploring the area."
A very enjoyable stay!
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"These are gorgeous cottages, fitted and maintained to a very high spec, with a light, Scandinavian feel to the decor."
The owners are incredibly helpful and really lovely - you couldn't want for better. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a place to base themselves for a holiday in this area.
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"Immaculate and high end fixtures."
Very peaceful.
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"Had a wonderful week at Fern Cottage."
It was so clean and very comfortable. It was just perfect for us. Lots of great places to visit and to eat in. Beautiful views all round. You certainly won't be disappointed
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"We had a lovely stay at Fern Cottage - it is well equipped and a great location for accessing Hansterley Forest and Durham."
Although the cats were the main attraction for my daughter! Lisa was on hand to address any queries and made us feel most welcome. We would stay again - it's quiet and had everything we needed.
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"We had a lovely stay at Fern Cottage."
Owners were very friendly the property was clean and comfortable. Excellent laundry facilities were a bonus.There were lots of attractions to visit in the local area.Thanks for a great holiday.
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"Very clean and tidy, we had a lovely stay at fern cottage every thing you need ..."
Very clean and tidy, we had a lovely stay at fern cottage every thing you need for wonderful holiday this one we will keep on our list and hope to go back too
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"The cottage was lovely and clean when we arrived."
A lovely little gift pack waiting for us. And my kids already want me to book it in the summer. It’s a beautiful part of England 5*
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"Better than we thought, Would definitely book again"
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"We had a fantastic stay at Fern Cottage over New Year."
Really clean and the facilities were fantastic. We will definitely be booking again!
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"We had a fantastic stay."
The cottage was beautiful and clean and had everything we needed. The owner was very approachable and friendly. The Welcome Pack was a lovely surprise and thoughtful gesture. Would definitely stay again.
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"Cottage was beautiful, clean and well equipped."
Plenty to do and see nearby. Welcome pack was a lovely touch.
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"Lovely cottage, very friendly owners."
Set in beautiful countryside.
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"Very relaxing and pleasant place to stay."
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"Great hostess."
Beautiful, extremely clean accommodation. Felt very safe in the current covid crisis. Pretty area ,very friendly locals, plenty of places to visit in area.
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"Lovely cottage, well appointed."
A clean, modern, and well furnished barn conversion with a friendly and helpful welcome from the owner. Centrally located for exploring the area.
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"I had a fab stay at Fern Cottages."
The bedding and towels smelled so fresh. Lovely
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"Nice, cosy and clean cottage."
We had z great time!
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"Fern Cottage is beautiful and very well looked after."
It's in a gorgeous location and close to lots of lovely places to visit. Our favourite thing was the resident cat, Dora. She gives beautiful cuddles.
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"This is the best accommodation we have stayed in and can highly recommend."
It is beautifully decorated and has all home comforts and a very well equipped kitchen and comfortable bedrooms. It is central for visiting Barnard Castle and the coast. A lovely restful holiday.
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"This cottage was exceptional a real home from home."
Everything we needed and well maintained and perfectly clean everything taken into account during this current covid craziness.
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"Gorgeous cottage, comfortable, excellent standard of cleanliness and fittings."
Gorgeous fluffy towels! Friendly, welcoming owners. Beautiful part of the country!
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"Fantastic cottage."
Spotlessly clean and well equipped. Owners had left a lovely welcome pack and were very welcoming on arrival. Property was in a lovely rural location but not too far from things of interest. Would not hesitate to recommend and hope to go back again soon.
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"Our family had a great week at Fern Cottage."
It was spotlessly clean and provided a comfortable base for exploring the area. We found tonnes to do and could’ve happily stayed another week. Appreciated having the laundry facilities available too. A great stay.
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"A really well finished and comfortable property in a peaceful location on the owner's farm."
High quality fittings and furnishings. Met all our expectations. Welcome from Lisa was appreciated, as were wine and crisps. Everything was spotlessly clean with plenty of space for a couple or small family. There are two other holiday lets on site, one of which adjoins the property, but you wouldn't know it. Spectacular Pennine countryside a short drive away, and the local area is very pretty too and offers some pleasant walks. You don't have to love cats but it certainly helps - friendly Dora loves meeting guests and will make herself at home if you let her! A few extra facilities would make this property perfect: we missed our dishwasher, fast broadband (the property does have it but it could be unreliable at times) and smart TV in the evenings - only Freeview is available.
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"Fantastic hidden gem!"
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"The Perfect Christmas cottage This beautifully converted stables proved to be the perfect cottage for us to spend Christmas near to our family."
It had everything we needed for a fabulous week: high end fixtures, fittings and furniture, immaculately maintained and presented; a festively decorated spacious living room with fully equipped kitchen and cosy wood burner and central heating; comfortable beds with good quality bedding, linen and towels; good parking to accommodate our visiting relatives and of course very welcoming hosts. So what more could you want? Actually nothing that’s why we have booked for next year!
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"We have just returned from a lovely, peaceful and relaxing week spent at Fern Cottage."
The cottage is beautifully presented and immaculate throughout and had everything we could wish for. The wine, crisps and milk were a lovely surprise and very much appreciated. Lisa, the owner, introduced herself and made us feel to welcome adding that she was on call if needed. We had a few days out to Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland and more than one visit to a lovely little café in Middleton in Teesdale. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful cottage.
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"Hosts were very accommodating, lovely cottage."
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"Such a lovely warm welcome."
Beautiful, well looked after cottage. Super comfortable beds and beautiful fluffy towels. Spotlessly clean and superbly maintained.
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"Fern cottage was set in beautiful peaceful countryside ."
The cottage was very clean and modern with everything you could wish for to provide a comfortable stay.
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"A beautiful cottage, well equipped and modern and the conversion from the cow byre is exceptional."
Had a wonderful weekend will stay longer next time.
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"We had a lovely weekend break, the cottage was immaculate and very comfortable, couldn't have been better."
The host was lovely and the little treats left in the cottage were very welcome and a great touch. Thank you.
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"We could not believe our luck,on arriving at Fern Cottage,and being greeted so warmly,by the owners daughter, Hayley,who was so informative,regarding the area."
The cottage is absolutely superb,lovely decor,beautiful linen,and fluffy towels. The welcome pack was so thoughtful,with a bottle of good wine,tea,coffee,and sugar,milk,and a large packet of crisps.The views around the cottage are beautiful,and so lovely to see the sheep over the fence. We had a great relaxing holiday,and found numerous places to visit.We have pleasure in rating the cottage in the highest esteem,and will return. Thankyou to the owners,and to Sykes,in their accurate description.
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"Great base for exploring the area."
Very good accommodation, welcoming hosts. Bowes museum is amazing and Beamish is interesting whatever the age range of your group. Loads to do and see in the area.
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"Fantastic accommodation in a lovely location, the property was very comfortable& had excellent quality amenities."
The owner Lisa was very welcoming& Dora was adorable, would definitely recommend the holiday property. Highly recommended a visit to high force& low force, amazing.
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"Beautiful cottage with everything you needed."
Owner was lovely and very welcoming. Plenty to do in the area with nice places to eat.
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"Amazing home from home."
Highly recommended.
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"We have stayed twice now at Fern Cottage because the accommodation is fantastic the location is so peaceful and quiet and the North Pennines and its scenery is simply breathtaking."
I shared with the owners that their barn conversation is one of the best we have stayed in and that we will return for a third time in the near future.
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"Fern Cottage, is a credit to its owners."
The cottage is comfortable and stylish and is not lacking in any area and well worth its Sykes, 5 tick rating! Attention to detail matters doesn't it? Well you will find it here! We were particularly impressed with quality of the fixtures and fittings, in addition it was relaxing to find that everything worked from the internet to the constant hot water. Finally a big thank you to Hayley for her welcome.
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"Had a lovely stay in Fern Cottage."
The cottage was beautifully furnished and spotlessly clean. We would definitely stay there again.
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"We had an excellent break at Fern Cottage."
The facilities and standard of accommodation were fantastic and we would definitely stay here again.
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"Excellent all round beautiful views best we have ever stayed in."
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"Lovely holiday cottage and property owners."
The cottage is finished to a high standard of fittings, comfort and cleanliness. Would go back again.
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"A super cottage, well presented, very clean and well maintained."
It was a good location for exploring and visiting places of interest. A perfect break was had by all, thank you.
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"Fern Cottage is a great base location in a truly beautiful area and easily accessed from either the M6 or M62/A1 motorway."
I have already recommended both Sykes cottages and in particular Fern Cottage to family and friends and I am sure I will be returning in the future.
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"Fantastic accommodation, lots of finishing touches and extras that made the holiday instantly relaxing."
Very nice friendly hosts. definitively recommend as a base for visiting the North Yorkshire Dales, Durham and Northumberland
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"Highly recommend."
Very nice cottage, nicely designed and put together by very caring owners. Suggest this one preferable to the other as it has clearer views across the fields but otherwise nearly identical (and maybe the pictures are swapped on the site - the colour of the sofa and slight layout gives it away). Nice surprise is the option to use the washer and dryer in the laundry room (we also locked our bikes up there too at the suggestion of the owners, putting a tarp down so as we did not mark the walls). Area is a real jem; particularly had nice visits to Barnard Castle, Hamsterly Forest and High Force (do both sides if you can, the main way is signposted but the other side you walk down the road then a short steep walk down through trees, along the valley, over the river and up a clear path - allow another hour or so). We were lucky with very good weather too. Only minor things to note as surprises is that there is no dishwasher (but plenty of room for washing up and dishes) and that the double bed is a small one at only 4' wide (is right size for the room). Was not particularly happy to note that although we could only do the 5 days, and were charged for full the week, the other two nights were still on the system yet there was no discount offered (a Sykes Cottages policy I think not the owners), tempted to book the week anyway in the future! Big plus for my partner is the softest affectionate farm cat one can imagine, who will come and visit then sit on knees if you let her in, enjoy Dora.
Summary
- All ground floor
- Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
- Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC
- Open plan living area with kitchen, dining area and sitting area with multi-fuel stove
- Shared external utility.
- Oil central heating with multi-fuel stove
- Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine and tumble dryer in utility, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books and games
- Fuel, power and starter pack for stove inc. in rent
- Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
- Cot and highchair on request
- Off road parking for 2 cars
- Shared enclosed patio area with furniture and BBQ
- Sorry, no pets and no smoking
- Sorry, no work bookings are allowed
- Shop 1.3 miles, pub 1 mile
- Note: No electric point to charge electric cars.
The property
A luxury semi-detached barn conversion in the village of Butterknowle, with a shared, enclosed patio overlooking the owners fields.
The cottage comprises a modern bathroom, two comfortable bedrooms and a sociable open plan living area with character beams and a cosy multi-fuel stove.
A great base for discovering South Durham and the Northern Dales, with beautiful countryside on the doorstep.
Note: This cottage is attached to Ref. 920252 and 996441, together they sleep 10.
Copley Bent Cottages
Three beautiful barn conversions on a working farm and set next to the owner’s home in the little Durham village of Butterknowle. Converted with great attention to detail, these single-storey cottages have been lovingly finished to provide the perfect destination for those seeking a countryside break with a luxurious touch. Each has an open plan living area offering a sleek fitted kitchen, dining area and sitting area with multi-fuel stove for chilly evenings, all set beneath a pitched roof exposing original beams to combine character features with an elegant design. Outside is a pretty shared patio to the side with furniture, barbecue and a relaxing water feature. Why not settle here with a glass of wine after a busy day and enjoy the simple charms of the surrounding countryside, watching over the owner's distinctive Belted Galloway cattle in the adjacent field? There’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, including nearby Hamsterley Forest with its tall pines, classic woodland walks and challenging cycle routes. Raby Castle is also a must visit, along with the stunning waterfalls at High Force and Cauldron Snout. The market town of Barnard Castle, with its charming cobbled streets and impressive Bowes Museum is nearby, plus a short drive brings you into the heart of Durham, with its majestic cathedral. Booked together with friends and family, or individually as a romantic, rural retreat, these two superb cottages are sure to delight.
About the location
BUTTERKNOWLE
Barnard Castle 7.6 miles; Bishop Auckland 8 miles; Darlington 15 miles.
Set between the pretty market towns of Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle is the sleepy little village of Butterknowle, near to Hamsterley Forest. Head West to spend the day in Barnard Castle, set on the site of a Roman fort, where the medieval castle ruins still tower over the River Tees. The town boasts quaint cobbled streets, yards and back lanes, which were first laid out in the 12th century, along with rows of attractive, old stone houses. The town centre hosts an arts complex should you be in search of a bit of culture, whilst there’s a range of independent shops to peruse, where you’re certain to find the perfect holiday keepsake. A short drive eastward from Butterknowle brings you to bustling town of Bishop Auckland, elevated above the River Wear and known as the Gateway to Weardale.On the outskirts of the town you can wander the ancient stones of the Binchester Roman Fort, the largest in the county. Beautiful walking country is right on the doorstep of this village, with the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a few miles away, whilst an array of interesting towns and a wealth of historic attractions can all be found within an easy drive.