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Crakesmire House

(Ref. 1069660)

Headlam near Gainford, Northumberland Show on map

5.0

Sykes rating

  • 6 Guests

  • 3 Bedrooms

  • 2 Bathrooms

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Cot available
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine
  • Dishwasher
  • Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • lovely (25)
  • well (20)
  • property (18)
  • no (16)
  • location (16)
  • definitely (15)

45 Customer Reviews

  • "We loved Crakesmire House, and we were only sorry that circumstances cut short our stay."

    Thank you for the cake, tea/coffee/milk - yes, the three of us ate the whole cake.... Just Eat even managed to deliver our Indian Take Away on the Friday night!

    Thanks Amanda for your lovely comments about your stay. We are sorry you had to cut your stay short, but pleased you enjoyed the time you spent here. You have made us aware that Just eat will deliver, which is great. We didn’t know but will use in the future. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Amanda13.3Jan 2024

  • "Wow! We enjoyed a fabulous New year break at Crakesmire House."

    Lesley and John catered for our every need and nothing was too much trouble. ( thank you John for the homemade Victoria sponge, it was delicious) The House was so airy and roomy and we had plenty of space for a family of 6 and dogs. We enjoyed walking locally as the weather wasn’t to kind ( to venture further a field) but it didn’t spoil things as the utility/ drying room had a doggie shower which was a massive bonus for our wet, muddy dogs! Headlam is a lovely pretty village and you have the Hall on your doorstep. We even got to watch the fireworks to see in the new year!! Great location we explored Barnard Castle, Richmond, Leyburn we ventured to Darlington as well and had a lovely meal at The Brownlow Arms, Caldwell. We have been going to the Dales, Lake District and Northumberland for the last several years and can honestly say Crakesmire House beats them all. Thanks again. Can’t wait to return!

    Thank you Emma and family for your super review. We are so pleased you had such a good New year break with your family and doggies Property Owner

    Reviewed by Emma13.3Dec 2023

  • "Really enjoyed our break over Christmas."

    The cottage was very well equipped, clean and well decorated for Christmas. John and Lesley were great hosts and very friendly. They greeted us on arrival and left a lovely hamper and John's famous Victoria Sponge cake was delicious. The cottage itself was massive with multiple rooms to relax and chill in. The location is ideal with walks on your doorstep. We would highly recommend to anyone and we will definitely be booking again. 10 out of 10!

    We are so pleased that your family Christmas was so enjoyable Thank you for such a super report and feed back. We would love to see you all again at Crakesmire House Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jonathan13.3Dec 2023

  • "Crakesmire House is a wonderful place to stay."

    It is a huge, homely property with everything you need (plus more) for a relaxing holiday. I am so glad we found it and would definitely return! We have never been to this part of the country before and found many lovely places to enjoy even in cold November. A definite five stars all round from us!

    Thank you Karen for your lovely comments. We are so pleased you had a lovely time here. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Karen13.3Nov 2023

  • "The cottage was absolutely gorgeous, we couldn’t have asked for anything more."

    Lovely peaceful surroundings and didn’t want to leave. We’ll definitely be going back

    Thank you Jude for such nice comments. We are really pleased that you enjoyed your stay at Crakesmire House. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jude13.3Nov 2023

  • "Amazing converted barn with excellent facilities."

    Large and comfortable living area full of charm and character. Beautiful setting and location, great for visiting many of the villages and towns in the area. Highly recommended.

    We are really pleased that you all enjoyed your break here at Crakesmire House. Thank you Lorraine for such lovely feed back Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lorraine13.3Sep 2023

  • "Large, very comfortable and well equipped property with everything you could wish for."

    Delightful couple living next door were owners who were available very quickly by text and in person and gave useful tips regarding eating out.Great centre for places like Durham, Richmond, and Barnard Castle( good opticians!!)

    Thank you for your kind comments about the house. You obviously had a great time exploring the area, ( even the eye test capital ) :) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Peter13.3Jul 2023

  • "A fabulous, well-maintained, very clean and comfortable property."

    Very quiet and peaceful location. We had oodles of space to be apart if anyone wanted their own space. We were able to close the gate to the garden and another at the end of the drive so our dog could explore safely (no recall!). The owners were very, very friendly but left us to our own devices. It was nice to know that they were around, had a problem occurred. Would wholeheartedly recommend this property for a quiet, private stay.

    We are so pleased you had an enjoyable stay. Thank you for the kind comments :) Property Owner

    Reviewed by S13.3Jun 2023

  • "The best property we have been in."

    The garden was great for the dogs.Comfortable beds and the kitchen was very well equipped thank you for a lovely holiday.

    Thank you for your kind comments. We are really pleased you enjoyed your stay at Crakesmire House Property Owner

    Reviewed by Dilys13.3Jun 2023

  • "We had a lovely stay at Crakesmire house."

    The house is beautiful and so well stocked you couldn’t ask for more. It is so spacious! John and Lesley are great hosts. The house is set in beautiful surroundings . We will definitely be back.

    Thank you for your lovely comments. We are really pleased you enjoyed your stay Property Owner

    Reviewed by Heather13.3May 2023

  • "Lovely house, very clean and spacious, welcome pack was a lovely touch, and the Victoria sponge cake was delicious."

    Would definitely recommend this to friends.

    Thank you for your kind comments. We are pleased you had a lovely time here Property Owner

    Reviewed by Andrew13.3Apr 2023

  • "Lovely large property in lovely surroundings."

    Will definitely be going back

    Thank you for your lovely comments. So pleased you enjoyed your visit to Crakesmire House Property Owner

    Reviewed by Amanda13.3Mar 2023

  • "This cottage absolutely surpassed our expectations."

    The photos give a good representation but upon arrival we found it to be more spacious than anticipated and yet maintained a lovely, warm, homely atmosphere. An extremely yummy Victoria sponge greeted us, which very quickly was reduced to crumbs. The kitchen was generously sized, well laid out and extremely well stocked with a wide selection of kitchen utensils, pots and pans. (By far the best stocked cottage we have stayed at thus far). This continued throughout the rest of the house with cleaning products, towels, blankets, toilet rolls and wood for the fire. The log burner provided a cosy feel to a very grand living room, which was our favourite room in the house. Stunning high ceilings, comfy furnishings and a beautiful mezzanine level, which our daughter turned into her quiet space/den. The TV in this room was a high quality smart TV meaning we could log in to our streaming services with ease and enjoy evening films, made even better with use of the surround sound system. All our internet and streaming needs were easily met by the quality of the WiFi provided. The entire house was clean, well maintained with underfloor heating in the downstairs rooms which added a sense of luxury. The beds were comfortable meaning we were well rested for all our day trips. The cottage is perfectly situated for excursions to suit all sensibilities. The grounds surrounding the cottage were a lovely backdrop to our holiday. We were able to watch the sun rise on one side of the house and set on the other, whilst watching horses frolic in the fields. Thank you to our hosts for providing such a wonderful holiday cottage. We will definitely be coming back. Some of the highlights of our stay include Locomotion, High Force Waterfall, Hamsterley Forest and Beamish Museum. We also thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream at Archer's Jersey Ice Cream Parlour and had a fantastic meal at the Black Horse, Ingleton which we would highly recommend to anyone who stays at Crakesmire House.

    It sounds like you had an action packed enjoyable week Property Owner

    Reviewed by Adam13.3Feb 2023

  • "Cottage in good location for places we wanted to visit."

    The cottage is a lot larger than it appears in photographs. In February it was at times not quite as warm as we would have liked especially in the sitting room with its high ceilings, however it didn’t ruin the holiday. Quality of fixtures and fittings excellent. Everything we could have needed was there. Very clean considering a large property to look after. The owners looked after us so well, they were so kind and couldn’t have made us more welcome whilst giving as privacy. The homemade Victoria sponge cake on arrival was most welcome. Overall would highly recommend this cottage.

    Thanks for the lovely comments and we’re pleased you had a good time. We’re sorry the heating was a bit on the cool side occasionally as unfortunately the boiler was having problems which are all thankfully all sorted out. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jayne13.3Feb 2023

  • "A beautiful property that's thoroughly thought out and well equipped."

    We had a wonderful stay and struggle to think of anything negative to say.

    Thank you for your lovely comments. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your stay here at Crakesmire House Property Owner

    Reviewed by Lee13.3Oct 2022

  • "Fantastic holiday cottage."

    Beautiful setting and incredibly generous in size and facilities. A lovely surprise hamper left of fresh eggs, filter coffee and milk. Along with a delicious homemade Victoria Sponge.

    Thank you for your kind comments. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit to Crakesmire House Property Owner

    Reviewed by Davina13.3Oct 2022

  • "A very well equipped cottage, lovely owners, wonderfully peaceful and quiet"

    Reviewed by Petra13.3Jul 2022

  • "The cottage was even better than we were expecting, particularly the downstairs rooms which were really large and had everything you could possibly need - and more!"

    The views were wonderful and it was lovely to sit outside in the late afternoon, admiring the fantastic view and enjoying the delicious cake that had been left for us!

    Reviewed by Terry13.3Jul 2022

  • "Absolute delightful stay!"

    Everything you could need, well presented and clean. Owners very friendly and quick to reply if you needed anything. Will definitely be looking to return. Thanks again

    Reviewed by Charlotte13.3Jun 2022

  • "An exceptional property with plenty of space and extremely well-equipped."

    All the rooms were very clean and well organised. The outdoor seating areas were well placed and had relaxing and comfortable furniture. The owners were friendly and helpful but inobtrusive. We will recommend it to friends and family. Ann Lailey

    Reviewed by Ann13.3Jun 2022

  • "This was aimed to be a chill holiday or more like a Finn the dog holiday."

    Finn loved meeting Bonnie, the owners dog, a few barks was exchanged

    Reviewed by Jason13.3Jun 2022

  • "The house and around area are so beautiful."

    You can feel free. If you would like to spend a lovely time in quiet, calm place you should come to Crakeshmire house. We high recomend this place.

    Thank you, we are so pleased you had a lovely time here Property Owner

    Reviewed by Michal13.3May 2022

  • "Wonderfully spacious and well equipped property that induced a number of "wow!"

    " moments when we first arrived and looked around. Very well equipped and comfortable; you can tell this place has been a home previously not just a holiday let. Very pleasant bonus upon arrival with fresh eggs and a victoria sponge cake, neither lasted too long with the Nesbitt family around!! Great location, not too far from the A1 yet still very secluded. The friendly neighbours and their adorable cat Garthfield were the icing on the cake. Would happily book and stay again, up there with the very best we've stayed in over the last 10 years or so.

    Thanks from both of us, for your lovely comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Jeremy13.3May 2022

  • "Excellent property in a fabulous location with helpful and informative hosts."

    Thanks for your lovely comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Caroline13.3Apr 2022

  • "An excellent and really enjoyable holiday."

    The accommodation was absolutely lovely as were the garden and surrounding areas. Absolutely fantastic and would highly recommend to others.

    Thanks for the lovely feedback Property Owner

    Reviewed by Phillip13.3Mar 2022

  • "The attention to detail was fantastic."

    This is one of the best holday weeks of accommodation that we have ever had. Location os execellent and perfect for exploring the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.

    Glad you enjoyed your stay in the uk. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Robert13.3Mar 2022

  • "This is a superb barn conversion, really spacious with everything you could possibly need, including a lovely homemade welcome cake!"

    Thanks for the lovely feedback and comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Judith13.3Feb 2022

  • "A lovely house with a very 'homely' feel."

    We’re glad you enjoyed your stay Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ian13.3Feb 2022

  • "Beautiful cottage!"

    Stayed at this lovely place over New Year with family, the house is very well equipped, everything you would require with such a cosy feel, we even had the pleasure of seeing the amazing firework display the village put on from the gardens, would definitely recommend and will return as could not fault this. PS the lovely cake we received on arrival was one of the best I have tasted . Dawn, Craig & family

    Thanks for the lovely comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Dawn13.3Dec 2021

  • "Wow what can I say I am speechless!"

    !!! This property is absolutely amazing!!! The picture certainly don’t do it justice it’s is far bigger than first thought. Everything is thought time over there is nothing there you won’t find. The owners where brilliant very readily available when needed but also left you to it. This property is definitely not to be missed and the owners should be very proud with what they have achieved with this property. Highly recommend and we will defiantly be looking to come back in the future.

    Reviewed by Chelsea13.3Dec 2021

  • "Brilliant holiday in a stunning home!"

    ! It was a real treat to be able to stay in such a wonderful property, especially as it was so well equipped and in such a peaceful location. Even though it is huge (as others have mentioned)......myself, my husband and our Bassett hound felt so cosy and relaxed. Everything was finnished to a high standard, and it's amazing how they manage to keep such a large property so clean and fresh. John and Lesley were amazing hosts, very friendly and helpful....and left us with a great welcome basket and gorgeous cake!! Thanks again for sharing your beautiful home with us. We had such a fab time, we didn't want to leave to go to our next holiday home. You'll definitely see us again. Ruth and Chris xx

    Thanks for the lovely comments Property Owner

    Reviewed by Ruth13.3Dec 2021

  • "Such a beautiful house."

    Thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay here. The house had everything you could possibly need. Very well equipped kitchen. Comfortable beds. Beautifully decorated. In a lovely location, close to many points of interest. Would definitely recommend to family and friends. And would definitely stay here again.

    Reviewed by Alexandra13.3Dec 2021

  • "Recently returned from a great week staying at Crakesmire House."

    A lovely house, much larger than we imagined. Very clean, comfortable and extremely well equipped. Set in a beautiful rural location with lots of lovely walks close by and further afield. The owners John and Lesley were very helpful and dealt promptly with a minor issue we had. Would highly recommend.

    Thankyou for the lovely feed back and comments. We are glad storm Arwen didn't spoil your stay and you managed to explore the area. Lesley& John :) Property Owner

    Reviewed by Julia13.3Nov 2021

  • "We are just home from a lovely weeks visit."

    The property is absolutely stunning and is situated in a gorgeous rural location. Lesley and John are amazing hosts and have thought of everything you will need for your visit. It deally is a home from home. Photos on Sykes do not do this place justice, it is a lot bigger than you think. Would not hesitate to recommend, and would love to visit again.

    thankyou for your lovely comments. we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay :) Lesley & John Property Owner

    Reviewed by Katie13.3Nov 2021

  • "Fantastic property ,the pictures really dont show the size of the property and the great furnishings"

    Thankyou for the lovely comments. we aim to make your stay a positive comfortable experience. Property Owner

    Reviewed by Graham13.3Nov 2021

  • "Lovely property - really spacious and lots to do nearby including the lovely Raby Hunt restaurant and Headlam Hall in the village for spa and food but do noon ahead!"

    Owners were really helpful and helped us to sort out an extension cable so that we could charge our electric car. Lovely cake and goodies on arrival - much appreciated!

    Reviewed by Sarah6.3Nov 2021

  • "The owners was available to contact throughout our stay."

    They were friendly and so helpful nothing was a bother. Everything we needed and more was available which exceeded our expectations and made our stay so enjoyable. Will definitely book again

    Reviewed by Catherine6.7Oct 2021

  • "Outstanding property."

    Extremely well equipped and comfortable. Quality of venue exceeds expectations. All that was missing was a good local pub!

    Reviewed by Tony6.7Oct 2021

  • "Just a very beautiful, comfortable place to stay, Short on nothing, Everything thought of!"

    !

    Reviewed by Helen6.7Sep 2021

  • "Lovely peaceful rural location."

    Excellent spacious accommodation. Very well equipped property, especially the kitchen where we cooked locally sourced food . Could fault it.

    Reviewed by Robert6.7Sep 2021

  • "A beautiful cottage with loads of room."

    Garden was lovely. Owners were very helpful but not intrusive. Lovely location.

    Reviewed by Stephen6.7Jul 2021

  • "The best holiday."

    The house was even better than expected, whatever you needed it had! Great location for day trips, helloes by the beautiful weather. We will definitely be back!

    Reviewed by Lauren6.7Jun 2021

  • "Stunning cottage, beautiful location so peaceful."

    Lots of lovely walks from the cottage and a short drive away. Lovely pub in the nearby village. This cottage is everything and more you could wish for your holiday. The owners are lovely and really helpful. Will definitely be returning.

    Reviewed by Ant6.7May 2021

  • "Had a wonderful time!"

    We will be back!

    Reviewed by Claire16.0May 2021

  • "Superb. Only reason this property had no reviews when we booked is that it is a new listing."

    In May 2021 we were only the second guests ever to stay. We had no cause to worry - hosts Lesley and John have got it spot on. This glorious house was their home for 20 years so is much more attractive than a commercial holiday let. High-end fittings and furnishings combine with a large and stylish house. There are 3 places to chill out - in the huge social kitchen with TV, dining table and sofa, in the large living room with TV and enclosed wood-burner, or in the balcony above the living room, where there is also a range of books and games. Wifi is good allowing movie streaming on Netflix or Amazon Prime (use your own log-in on the TV). If you are into entertaining there's a separate dining room as well as large kitchen table. The setting is beautiful. In a working farm with horses, and the owners' dogs (they live in a freshly renovated barn) there is a public footpath alongside the property. We enjoyed taking our dogs along the public footpaths across fields to Gainford - a lovely nearby village on the River Tees with a corner shop and fish and chip shop. There a downstairs shower in the utility room to use for the dogs - a super touch! In the fields around the property there are lots of lovely horses, and rabbits abound. North of the property is Ingleton with a pub there serving Italian food which is excellent as is the friendly service. Within about 200m of the house is Headlam Hall and Spa - with a bar, bistro and golf course. We dined there a couple of times, and being able to do so inside will make it even better. On arrival there were nice welcome touches including tea, cafetiere coffee, milk and sugar. (Bring your own shower gel and shampoo). Despite living in Belfast, we hope to be back to stay here again. But getting a slot may be hard given how popular it will be. As hosts new to the game, Lesley and John might as well have been at it for years

    Reviewed by Adrian16.0May 2021

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Summary

  • Three bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC, 1 x double, 1 x twin (zip/link, can be double on request)
  • Bathroom with bath, separate walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
  • Cloakroom with basin and WC
  • Kitchen/diner with woodburning stove
  • Utility room with shower
  • Dining room
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove
  • Mezzanine snug area
  • Oil central heating with two woodburning stoves
  • Range cooker, microwave, 2 x fridge/freezers, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, Smart TV and WiFi
  • Highchair and Cot available
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
  • Ample off-road parking
  • Enclosed lawn garden and patio with furniture
  • Two well-behaved pets welcome - dogs are not allowed upstairs
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 1.7 miles, pub 1.8 miles
  • Please note: The property has an electrical fence wire through the wooden fence along the driveway (this can be turned off when children attend).

The property

Nestled in the quaint village of Headlam, near Gainford, is this superb barn conversion, Crakesmire House.

This welcoming cottage is an ideal choice for families or a group of friends looking to discover this rural area, sleeping up to six guests with contemporary furnishings within a traditional farm building.

Step into the entrance hallway and pop off walking boots and hang jackets before following the original slate flooring to the spacious kitchen/diner.

Here you can sit at an armchair and keep the chef company whilst they get to terms with the appliances, including a range cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher, along with a whole host of crockery, utensils and ample working space to prepare hearty meals.

Gather in the dining room to enjoy a sumptuous supper, toasting to a wonderful getaway as you share laughs and memories with your loved ones.

The sitting room has been designed with a woodburning stove fitted within the fireplace, a Smart TV and ample seating, while just above rests an inviting mezzanine snug area where you can enjoy a quiet read away from the group.

Retire to one of the three bedrooms for some rest, choosing from either the master double with en-suite shower, standard double or a twin, all featuring plenty of storage for your things and more carefully chosen decorations.

Kick start your morning with a refreshing shower in the bathroom, before popping on your walking gear to tackle the surrounding countryside․ When returning use the handy shower in the Utility room to clean up any mud from yourself and your pets.

The village of Gainford is less than two miles away and is where all the self-catering essentials can be found, including a local shop, a pub and a fish and chip shop, so whether you’re sourcing the ingredients for a home-cooked meal or searching for a quick and easy takeaway, all bases are covered.

Treat yourself to an afternoon at the magnificent Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa, where an excellent spa offers a wide selection of treatments to replenish you, fresh ingredients are locally sourced to create delicious meals in the restaurant and a breath-taking golf course amidst the Durham dales is a welcome challenge for those avid golfers.

For those looking to brush up on local history, head to the historic market town of Barnard Castle to see the famous Bowe Museum and High Force Waterfall or why not visit some of your high street favourites in the bustling town of Darlington.

Further afield rests the walled city of York, the Lake District, North Yorkshire Dales and at the east coast, Saltburn.

At the end of the day, return to Crakesmire House and recharge your batteries for the next adventure.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £350.

View on map

About the location

GAINFORD

Barnard Castle 8 miles; Darlington 8 miles; Richmond 13 miles.

Gainford is a pretty village in Teesdale, standing on the River Tees at the boundary with Yorkshire. The village offers a scattering of Georgian houses set on an unspoilt village green, as well as a newsagents/general store, fish and chip shop and a pub, and is close to spectacular waterfalls, sweeping moorlands and magnificent castles. There is also one Michelin starred restaurant within easy reach of the village, giving the opportunity to dine out in luxury. Ancient market towns dot the area and the historic town of Barnard Castle lies within easy reach, boasting castle remains overlooking the town, as well as the impressive Bowes Museum. Built as an impressive French-style chateau, the museum houses a magnificent collection of fine and decorative art. Other places of interest close to Gainford are the ruins of Egglestone Abbey and Rokeby Hall, High Force, Cauldron’s Snout, Derwent Reservoir, and Hexham with its stately abbey, as well as the magnificent cathedral city of Durham. A little further afield the Yorkshire Dales National Park, North York Moors, Lake District, Northumberland National Park and the coastal towns of Whitby and Saltburn are all within easy driving distance.

Please note : Dogs are not allowed upstairs.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter
  • Off-season
  • Last minute
  • Christmas