We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
This stone-built, semi-detached cottage situated close to the Teesdale village of Gainford sleeps two people.Barforth Hall Cottage is a stone-built cottage situated in a rural location, one mile from the village of Gainford and within reach of Barnard Castle. This ground floor cottage sleeps two people and has a four poster king-size double with sitting area and electric fire, a bathroom and a kitchen/diner. The cottage also has off road parking for two cars and a patio area with wood-fired hot tub. With many walking and cycling routes in the area, as well as plenty of attractions to enjoy, Barforth Hall Cottage makes an excellent base for a romantic retreat.
Amenities: Electric central heating with electric fire. Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with ...This stone-built, semi-detached cottage situated close to the Teesdale village of Gainford sleeps two people.Barforth Hall Cottage is a stone-built cottage situated in a rural location, one mile from the village of Gainford and within reach of Barnard Castle. This ground floor cottage sleeps two people and has a four poster king-size double with sitting area and electric fire, a bathroom and a kitchen/diner. The cottage also has off road parking for two cars and a patio area with wood-fired hot tub. With many walking and cycling routes in the area, as well as plenty of attractions to enjoy, Barforth Hall Cottage makes an excellent base for a romantic retreat.
Amenities: Electric central heating with electric fire. Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, TV with Freeview, DVD, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs. Fuel and power inc. in rent. Fuel for hot tub supplied. Bed linen and towels inc. in rent. Cot and highchair on request. Off road parking for 2 cars. Patio area with wood-fired hot tub and furniture. One well-behaved pet welcome. Sorry, no smoking. Note: Fishing available on land. Note: There are riding stables next to the cottage. Note: Access to the property is via a one-mile narrow track, which is a bit rough in places, but isn't pot holed or rutted. Please note the wood burning hot tub can take up to 4 hours to heat up and needs to started and maintained by yourself during your stay, you need to stay with the fire once it is lit. More information is available in the property. Charging of electric vehicles is not permitted. 1.8 mile to Winston village -pub on a bridle path and 3miles to Eppleby shop and Tea rooms tarmac lane
Region: From heather-clad moors and limestone scars, to market towns and the steady pace of country life - the sublime Dales await you! Where else in Britain is it as satisfying to sit and do nothing as it is to explore the numerous pursuits on offer?
Town: The pretty Teesdale village of Gainford is situated 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 Post Office, butcher/greengrocer/bakery, newsagents/general store, fish and chip shop and two pubs. The historic market town of Barnard Castle is within reach, along with Egglestone Abbey, Rokeby Hall, High Force, Cauldrons Snout, Derwent Reservoir, Hexham and Durham.
Run down, poorly maintained, nice bed, disappointing not worth the money
“Beautiful area, lovely views, great sized bed, nice bath and floors.”
Hot tub nice to relax in although we booked for 4 nights and were only supplied with enough wood for 2 nights use (More is available at your own cost). Great base for exploring the area by car although described as paths in all directions this isnt true as there is only one. Wallpaper is peeling and held together with curled sellotape or just left. Tea towels look well used and grubby although they did appear to have been washed. The patio door frame and double glazing unit are broken. A pillow on the bed has stuffing bursting out. The patio chair seats are about ready to split so we ended up buying our own. The back wall is part smooth part pebble dash as if incomplete. The paving in the yard is full of moss with weeds breaking through. The wooden fence at the back has broken lats which have been blocked off by a random metal gate rather than matching wood. The fridge door is dinted, the microwave door handle is coming off, the electric sockets are loose in the kitchen, the light fitting in the main living area is loose and the chandelier is dirty, the toilet roll holder is hanging off the wall. (Owners response was microwave & loo roll holder now fixed & no one had told them before, so presumably they aren’t cleaned!) The fencing and wood around the tub are faded. The front window frames have peeling paint. When we arrived there was no welcome pack not even a token coffee, tea, milk to put us on until we could get to the shops bearing in mind it is very remote, although apparently this is a Covid measure we weren’t informed of this in the list of recommended things to take. No kitchen cleaner to wipe the worktops with (not on the list). There was also only 1 loo roll for a 4 night stay (owners response was you are expected to take your own, again not on the list) The information book only has instructions for the hot tub, not the fire or radiator, it also only has details of several varying sized walks all in one village a few miles away nothing else re points of interest or nearest supermarket etc. (Owners response was that in her experience people google these things) we did of course google but it raises the question why bother putting an information folder there in the first place. All in all we get the concept although its a shame as a bit of tlc and it could be so much better, it is sadly lacking in the little things, general maintenance and upkeep. Not quite what we were expecting for £650 for 4 nights and not quite as described. I booked this as a surprise for my husband for our anniversary but we left a night early, the owner didn’t enquire was this anything to do with the property when I asked where to leave the key but later responded she thought it was due to the weather! The weather was dry and fine so I’m unsure how she came to that conclusion. Don’t waste your money if you don’t want to be disappointed
Visited July 2021
Written August 23, 2021. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherry🍒
Gorleston-on-Sea, United Kingdom37 contributions
A romantic retreat in leu of a COVID postponed wedding
“Barforth Hall Cottage is 'as it says on the tin'; read the listing and this what you get. We chuckled after a brief worry after reading reviews post-booking... however, future parties, please have some common sense when reading the reviews. Of course it is on a farm, which means you need to access it via a farm track and not a dual carriageway. As for cow noises of a "deafening volume"- never heard any of the animals really- maybe the odd neigh when in the hot tub! As for someone's disgust at the smells... could not smell the animals and that is surely part of the rural experience. Paula and Jason are fabulous hosts and it was such a shame to see people disrespect their business lands and cottages; most holiday cottages will not have owners nearby whereas we were lucky to meet Jason and his dog after they had a hard day on the farm, as well as be able to get some tips about the local area. Jason and Paula were extremely friendly and helpful; whilst running their farm they are happy to stop for a chat but will also leave you to your own privacy but equally are on hand should you need them. We went for a wander following their advice and we are so pleased they recommended the local pub, The Brownlow Arms- a three mile walk. The hot tub is a wood-fired hot tub; it does NOT leak... wood expands and contracts with moisture and heat, and these guys know exactly how to operate these effectively! We had plenty of wood to enable a hot tub session every evening and still had wood to spare. Easy to operate, quiet and with scenic views to boot. We took LOTS of extra bits as previous reviews had said items were lacking in the kitchen! What a waste but luckily we had the car. This is NO disrespect to the owners but us being prepared based on reviews. There is enough to cook basic meals for two- if you want to be Gordon Ramsey on holiday then yes you will need to bring some equipment! We used bulk cooked frozen meals from home, the Brownlow Arms which we could not recommend enough and the nearby supermarket. They do have teapots, cafetieres and even a champagne bucket! We did find taking plastic wine and gin glasses highly beneficial for using in the hot tub!!! The cottage is well situated to accessing a number of great areas of interest! We visited Barnard Castle, Beamish - The Living Museum of the North, White Scar Caves to name but a few! There are llamas who we met...Rafa enjoyed his daily apple but prefers the ladies and apparently bananas! He can spit so be warned, but I still found this amusing when he did it to Tim! Paula and Jason (I presume) own a number of cottages which are grouped together, so you could come as an extended family (which we hope to explore as this is the half-way point for us in Norfolk and my brother in Scotland). Cottages are dog friendly and the views are beautiful. A great break from busy life! Thank you so much for our experience on what should have been our wedding week and start to our honeymoon. We loved our time with you and cannot wait to revisit (maybe with more family members!).”
Visited August 2020
Written October 30, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KennethandMunki
3 contributions
Not as described, or expected.
Arrived late at night and left the same night! Walked in and left straight away, awful. The place was full of flies. The cottage was very tired and run down. It is in the middle of nowhere and on a run down farm. The furniture and bedding has seen better days. The so called hottub needs some care and attention. Definitely not worth the money. We found a hotel nearby and spent our weekend there. Very disappointed!
Visited August 2020
Written September 2, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BLORD H
Hebburn, United Kingdom3 contributions
Just Beautiful
Just come back from a 3 night stay for a surprise birthday treat for my partner and it was fabulous, I asked Paula if she could get some Prosecco and chocolates on arriving in the cottage which she did, we went with our 8 month old son and there was a high chair and cot which was brill, a carton of milk in the fridge ready for us, the on look in the morning is picturesque horses and pheasants, our son loved seeing the alpacas and goats, on the night time we went in the hot tub it couldn’t have been more better just chilling relaxing while there’s just fields to look on to, thru the day we went into Barnard castle about 15 minutes in the car lovely town which has a beautiful Bowes museum that we visited, and had lunch, on the Sunday we went to the fox inn restaurant for Sunday dinner and the meal was great best beef ever, all a can say is Paula and her husband are lovely and that we will definitely be back great little place to visit 😃
Visited November 2019
Written November 11, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
manne87
Chesterfield, United Kingdom34 contributions
Lovely relaxing break again!
This is our second stay and we really enjoyed it as last time.. We would return.
Reading the reviews I wonder what people want from a country side stay. The hot tub leaked a little and within five minutes of telling the owners they came and rectified it, and left us a lovely bottle of prosseco.. People need to actually ask for assitance. The hot tub gets red hot, so unsure what the people reviewing were doing. If your not careful it can end up too hot. For us it's all part of the being away from it all, heating the hot tub and enjoying sitting under the stars in it at night, in the middle of no where.
Everything you need In the cottage, towels, kitchen items etc. It was clean and tidy on arrival and the heating and water had been put on.
The water pressure is a little low, but it doesn't make it difficult being there.
Yes it's down a lane, however you hardly ever meet anyone and all the locals are very friendly and helpful at manoeuvring thier cars to assist if needed. If your looking for a peaceful country setting then lanes are expected.
The owners Paula and Jason could not be more helpful and friendly and are there always when needed.
Lovely big four poster, romantic retreat and bonus of dog friendly with a fenced of yard. Very peaceful and tranquil surroundings, with horses, llamas, sheep and cows.
Both times found lots of great places to visit, High Force Falls, Raby Castle , Bishop Auckland.
Thank you for a lovely stay again, and we will return.
Visited November 2019
Written November 9, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lucy G
5 contributions
Fantastic
My stay here was lovely! I’m going to have to disagree with all the bad reviews. The hot tub was perfect, clean and piping hot - not leaky at all! The place was clean and cosy- there was no sounds from the attic or in the kitchen as suggested in the previous review. The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed, and the owners were happy to help when we needed extra wood for the hot tub. We would recommend to everyone. It is a bit off the beaten track but it’s what you come for after all! A nice rural escape. The Bernard town is fantastic to so we recommend going here, it’s only about a 15 minute drive. Also we visited the Teesdale Alpaca Farm which was also not far and we also recommend this!
Visited October 2019
Written October 31, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lizzie H
1 contribution
Accomodation
Where do I start. First of all in the description it doesn't say it's on a farm at all. The water pressure was terrible was a pain to try have a shower or run a bath. We stayed next to an old barn and whatever was getting in the attic at night was keeping us up at night, but we also heard noises at night coming from the kitchen. The hot tub took four hours to heat up but even then it was only just warm. Kitchen utensils are at a minimum and likes of can opener doesn't work. The shops and pubs aren't a mile walk as described. They are a good 3 mile walk. Every morning the next door neighbor was very loud in slamming doors and waking us up.
We will not be staying here again.
Visited October 2019
Written October 18, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dominique F
Brighton, United Kingdom7 contributions
Amazing stay for a wedding!!
Stayed at the cottage in July with my partner. The location is wonderful, set on a beautiful farm. It’s a short drive/long walk to any local shops/pubs but is worth it for the peace and quiet and wonderful setting. Cottage is simple but clean and comfortable. Great value for the money. Will definitely be staying again! Shout out to Jess and her pups (the best sheepdogs ever)
Visited July 2019
Written July 24, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dan
South Shields, United Kingdom21 contributions
Peaceful break
Stayed here for a week and it was excellent. Everyone we encountered were super friendly. Craig for the pints and paula for helping us with walking routes. The cottage was clean and everything it said in the description. The hot tub does not leak it works fine and easy to use. You get what u pay for so don't understand the negative reviews if you want pure luxury you pay alot more then what u pay to go here. You everything you need in the cottage for cooking washing and free WiFi. Also people moaning about flies lol your on a farm in the middle of no where what do u except..u don't give a negative review to the riu palace Macau in the Dominican for mosquitos well I certainly didn't. If you want a break that feels in the middle of nowhere but yet walking distance to a little town then this is the place for you. Will defo be back. P.s the little black goat that always escaped is a howl. Will miss jess the dog coming tongue cottage door until we throw a stick for her ha.
Visited October 2018
Written October 19, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
runny83
Arundel, United Kingdom179 contributions
Ok
We booked this cottage as we both love the countryside and liked the idea of being on a farm. If you like to go out in the evenings this is probably not the place for you, although it suited us fine as we don't really do pubs and are happy to cook and eat at the cottage in the evenings. There are good sides and not so good sides to this cottage.
Highlights of our stay included the Beamish Museum, the Killhope Lead Mine and the walking trails in Richmond.
Good
On a farm with animals to see - horses, llamas, cows and sheep
Country walking in your doorstep
Big comfortable bed
DVDs to watch in the evenings
Dog friendly
All the important things were clean (bedding, bath, sink, shower, kitchen surfaces etc)
Across the border in North Yorkshire our dog was welcome in almost all pubs cafes and many of the shops
Not so good
It's not in the Yorkshire Dales as advertised, it's in County Durham
None of the shops, cafes, tea rooms or pubs we visited in County Durham allowed dogs i side
Most places of interest are an hour's drive away
Cottage a bit shabby in places. Little things like light bulbs not being changed let it down
Only basic kitchen equipment - no grater
Hot tub leaks and takes a long time to heat up
Thin walls - the neighbouring cottage had a very reactive dog
A bit grubby in places
All in all not bad but not the best. Go with low expectations, after all you are paying a budget price so don't expect luxury!
Visited September 2018
Written September 15, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fishing spots availableGolf course (within 15 min walk)Tennis court
Things to know
Cancellation policy
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
50% refund* if you cancel at least 4 weeks before check-in
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
First, check the Availability tab on this page to see if your dates are available. If they are, contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to confirm availability.
If the owner has provided contact information, you may contact him or her directly. If not, you can contact the owner via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox. This inbox is created after you send your first message or booking request to the owner
You can send another message via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox to check if the property is still available. If the owner has listed a phone number, you can also call to follow up. send enquiries to other properties.
If you still don't hear from the owner, Tripadvisor recommends that you send enquiries to other properties.
If the owner approves your stay, he or she will let you know which forms of payment are accepted. This owner does not currently accept payments via the Tripadvisor inbox. You can ask him or her to sign up; payments made via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox are covered by our Peace of Mind Protection.
If you would like payment protection, ask the owner to sign up to accept online payments on Tripadvisor. Payments made via the Tripadvisor Rental Inbox are covered by our Peace of Mind Protection.
All bookings are direct with the owner 