Country pursuits and loads of rooms at this County Durham estate

This fantastic listed country House is wonderfully peaceful and relaxing. Burnhopeside Hall was built by inventor William Hedley – his ‘Puffing Billy’ steam train is in the National Science Museum – and is set in 18 acres of gardens and woodland, with a further 475 acres – and a mile of river – included in the wider estate.

The house itself is warm and comfortable. In the cooler months open log fires in all downstairs rooms make the full-sized snooker table and grand piano irresistible temptations, while in summer the grounds take centre stage, with extensive terraces, a croquet-ready lawn, a walled kitchen garden and fields hosting free range pigs, chickens, ducks and geese. This is somewhere you can stable your horses, kennel your dogs (or bed them down in your room), and generally settle in to life on the estate. Hunting and clay pigeons are on your doorstep, with winter shooting on request.

Accommodation in the main house in four large and comfortable bedrooms, all with superking beds and modern en-suite bathrooms. Two further bedrooms, both en-suite, are in a self-contained cottage at one end of the house. This has its own entrance and the rooms can be rented individually on a B&B bais, or together as a self-catering unit: the cottage has a lovely sitting room and well-equipped kitchen.

There’s further accommodation on the top floor, which can be rented as a two-bedroom self-catered apartment sleeping six, and further self-catering accommodation for 10 in a detached farmhouse villa, with five elegantly appointed en-suite double rooms, its own kitchen, dining and sitting rooms, terrace and lawn.

There’s total flexibility here. Have a dog? No problem. Three are two resident spaniels that are sure to make your dog welcome, and they can stay in your room or out in the kennels. Want a packed lunch or an evening meal? Just ask.  Evening meals can be arranged in the main house for B&B guests or those staying in the self-catering properties, but advance notice is needed as all ingredients will be fresh and locally-sourced: there are no frozen meals here.

With such a range of accommodation options Burnhopeside Hall can cater for extended reunions or larger groups, or just individual travellers after a country experience within easy range of town.

Burnhopeside Hall B&B suggests:

Burnhopeside Hall is listed on the Online Travel Agent sites – such as Booking.com and Hotels.com – but they take a huge commission and will never undercut the rates we can offer to guests who book direct. Prices listed are for a single night, with discounts offered for longer stays. A phone call or email is all it takes to make a booking or find out more.