Welcome to Thistle Close. This cottage is on a working farm near to the village of Staindrop close to Barnard Castle and sleeps four people in two bedrooms.
Accommodation
All ground floor. Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size four poster bed, 1 x twin. Bathroom with bath, fixed shower on taps, separate shower, basin & WC. Well-equipped fitted kitchen with breakfast area. Spacious living room with exposed timbers, sitting & dining areas (inc. stove-effect electric fire), & large picture windows set within stone arches facing out to courtyard.
Location
Thistle Close is set on a working farm close to the village of Staindrop in Teesdale, just five miles from Barnard Castle. The cottage has one double bedroom and one twin as well as a family bathroom which makes it suitable for four people. Also in the cottage are a fitted kitchen with a breakfast area and a sitting room with a dining area and an electric fire. Outside the cottage is off road parking for two cars, a sheltered shared front courtyard with furniture and a designated play area for children (adult supervision required). Ideal for exploring the northern Dales, Thistle Cottage is sure to appeal to the whole family.
Closely associated with the fortunes of nearby Raby Castle and its owners is the pretty Teesdale village of Staindrop in the York Dales. The Castle, a monument that is open to the public, is one of the grandest in England. Extended and modified over the centuries, the heart of the castle is medieval with a walled garden and 200-acre deer park. Staindrop itself is home to many interesting shops, pubs and cafes, all set round its long village green. The popular market town of Barnard Castle is only five miles away, and is the setting for the Bowes Museum, in addition to its wide range of shops and tea-rooms. The area is a wonderful place for walkers and cyclists with numerous routes throughout the stunning scenery.
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?
Reviews of Thistle Close
"This a a spacious, well equipped, spotlessly clean and quiet get-away cottage in the centre of lots of attractions. The fact that it is part of a working farm adds to its attraction. The owners made us and our dog and guests very welcome. All in all it was a wonderful 8 days. Thank you so much, we will be back. Wendy and Ray"
Reviewed by Ray H on 19/10/2019
"Excellent stay. Love this place and this was our second stay. We'll be back again soon."
Reviewed by Mr Goodwin on 11/04/2015
"Thistle Close is an interesting spacious conversion of former farm buildings. It is within short distances of plenty of things to see and do, and the quiet roads made driving an unusual joy. For anyone contemplating a winter break, the excellent central heating system would be a reassuring bonus."
Reviewed by Mrs Reynolds on 16/10/2014
"Brilliant holiday. Accommodation like home from home. Great surrounding countryside. I would stay there again."
Reviewed by Mrs Mantle on 13/07/2014
"We had a great time and the village is beautiful. Would certainly recommend. The family/farm owners are lovely and allow you to walk around the farm. Great time had by all. "
Reviewed by Mr Goodwin on 19/04/2014
"Just got back from a 3 night stay here. Wish we'd booked longer as we didn't want to come home. Cottage is lovely and the pics don't do it justice. Well equipped and very spacious. Lots of placed to visit but the village of Cleatlam is very very quiet which is what we loved the most. Most definitely recommend and we will return. The Goodwin's!"
Reviewed by Goodwinf1967 on 18/04/2014
"The cottage was lovely and warm on arrival, and had been decorated for Christmas, which we had not expected, but it was much appreciated. It was a good size and had all the facilities needed. "
Reviewed by Ms Reinbach on 29/12/2013
"It was a beautiful property, very nicely situated and very spacious. The kitchen had everything we needed and the lounge was very comfortable. The children's toys and little playground were really nice and my grandson loved them."
Reviewed by Wiltshire on 24/07/2012
"Cosy comfortable cottage. Very noisy early morning because of farm machinery. It didn't bother us but I think it could cause problems with others who are not used to farm life! Our Westie was attacked by two dogs from the farm opposite which was a bit upsetting. But on the whole a very good experience."
Reviewed by A FlipKey verified reviewer on 16/09/2011
"Lovely surroundings in an area with plenty to see and do. The owners made us feel very welcome. We felt very relaxed in the property and would return!"
Reviewed by Mr MaCleannan on 20/07/2011
"Excellent accommodation. Well worth the money. Would recommend to anyone."
Reviewed by Mr Richardson on 10/07/2011
"A fantastic place to visit and the cottages were lovely, ideal for a large family holiday. We had 3 of them. Want to book again for next year!"
Reviewed by Mrs Hudson on 10/01/2011
"Enjoyed the location, and we were left alone and not bothered by anyone."
Reviewed by Mrs Whyman on 08/09/2010
"The accommodation was a real home from home, comfortable and well equipped. We were on a working farm and apart from the occasional cow mooing or dog barking it was perfect peace. The owners were friendly and helpful and I have already recommended this accommodation to friends."
Reviewed by Mrs Childs-Clarke on 15/07/2010
"The area was excellent and the people lovely. "
Reviewed by Mrs Watkiss on 08/07/2010
"It was in a very good location for the surrounding area."
Reviewed by Mr & Mrs Hopley on 29/06/2010
"Cannot praise the accommodation highly enough, home from home and extremely child friendly. Nothing not to like, it was superb! Even the weather! Would highly recommend!"
Reviewed by Mrs Lees on 07/06/2010
"Fantastic property at a very reasonable price. Kitchen was very well equipped not many places I looked at had a tumble dryer which was a necessity for us with 2 small kids. Really spacious with comfortable seating which I have found is unusual in holiday homes. The play area outside was great. My husband who is a farmer was as happy as a pig in muck to be on a farm and had a few chats with the owner who was really friendly and showed him around his farm and suggested he visited their local contractor, which he did!! Would recommend this property to anyone even without kids or from a faming background it was a real home from home."
Reviewed by A FlipKey verified reviewer on 17/02/2010
"Very high standard of accommodation."
Reviewed by Mr Arkley on 21/09/2009
"Fabulous barn conversion, living area was impressively spacious and standard of furnishings was excellent. The property was clean and extremely comfortable, set in a beautiful area. "
Reviewed by Ms Pick on 02/09/2009
"It was a family holiday so we had all four cottages. We all really enjoyed our time there."
Reviewed by Mr Dunning on 16/08/2009
"This was an excellent cottage. It was also ideal for my dad who is mainly in a wheel chair. This was a real home from home. "
Reviewed by Mr Rodgers on 09/08/2009
"Lovely location, great walking and friendly people."
Reviewed by Mr Parker on 14/04/2009
"The property is beautiful, well worth its award "Pride of Northumbria"! Fantastic base for visiting surrounding area."
Reviewed by Mrs Paxton on 24/03/2009
"Everything. Great cottage. Lovely area. Loads to do very close by. Best winter holiday I have ever had! Will be back next year to visit all the places we didn't have time to see."
Reviewed by Mrs Parker on 05/11/2008
"We cannot recommend this property highly enough. It was absolutely excellent. Everything was thought of for our comfort and enjoyment. The garden area was excellent for the kids. "
Reviewed by Mrs Hay on 25/10/2008
"The best cottage we have stayed in."
Reviewed by Mr Yates on 15/10/2008
"The property exceeded our expectations for comfort and space and we particularly liked the 'green' hot water and heating system - not only this but the ability to separate our rubbish for recyling was a nice touch. The area was one we hadn't visited before and we found the surrounding towns and villages to be a great experience of typical Yorkshire and I am sure we shall visit again. "
Reviewed by Mrs Walsh on 29/09/2008
"The cottage was spacious, clean, well-equipped. Toddlers were well catered for. Area was stunning."
Reviewed by Mrs Knight on 08/09/2008
"The accomodation was excellent, it was home from home. We all enjoyed the beautiful surrounding.The owners were very friendly. We have already recommended the area and in particular the Strathmore Barns to our friends. We will be going back again."
Reviewed by Mrs Berry on 01/10/2007
"Wonderful holiday, lovely cottage and lovely people."
Reviewed by Mrs Hughes on 13/08/2007
"A good location, continuous heating/hot water, a high standard of decor/furnishing."
Reviewed by Mr O' Malley on 05/01/2006
"Very lovely people, The Black Swan is ideal for a lovely Sunday lunch. The accommodation is situated in an ideal location for easy reach to many places of interest."
Reviewed by Mrs Woodeson on 07/09/2005
"The cottage was superb. The pictures on the website do not do it justice. The owners were very friendly and had left a very good selection of leaflets, brochures etc. of things to do in the area. Perfect if you want a relaxing holiday, or if you want to explore there are many places around, especially Barnard Castle. We all had a lovely holiday and found the cottage to be of a very high standard."
Reviewed by Ms Parker on 07/09/2005
"I have to say that we were all absolutely delighted with the property, we couldn't have asked for anything nicer. The lounge was huge, and the high ceilings and great decor really added to the attraction of this property. We would recommend this property to anyone. "
Reviewed by Mr Williams on 30/07/2005
"The property we rented was excellent and in a beautiful location which was close to many good visitor attractions such as Yorkshire Moors, Dales, Lake District and attractions such as Beamish museum, Boowes museum, Raby castle and many more. I would not hesitate to recommend this property to friends and family."
Reviewed by Mr Pottinger on 13/06/2005
"An excellent cottage, superbly decorated with everything we needed. A perfect location; very relaxing, but also close to many different places. Lovely owners - very friendly."
Reviewed by Mrs Minter on 06/06/2005
"Nicest place I have ever been on holiday! "
Reviewed by Mrs Gough on 16/12/2004
"Exceptionally high quality property. Perfect peace & quiet location."
Reviewed by Mr & Mrs Simpkin on 16/12/2004
"For us, the property was just excellent . Its situation was ideal giving us peace and quiet and in lovely surroundings. Also ideal for our cocker spaniel."
Reviewed by Mr Seaton on 16/12/2004
"Excellent property. The owners were considerate & helpful hosts. Great touring centre for Teasdale, Weardale, Northumberland and the Coast."
Reviewed by Mrs Winter on 16/12/2004
"Owners friendly & helpful."
Reviewed by Mr Avison on 16/12/2004
"We found the history of the area fascinating. A visit to Raby Castle is a must. The play area provided for children seemed excellent at the property,"
Reviewed by Mrs Simpson on 16/12/2004
"Although the property is on a working farm it is a very peaceful location. You also get the occasional flypast from RAF Leeming. We would definitely go again. We were two couples and each couple had their own key. A very rare occurrence!"
Reviewed by Mrs Townsend on 16/12/2004
"No problems. Party was happy with cottages. Owners very helpful"
Reviewed by Ms Froud on 16/12/2004
"Helpful and supportive owners. A good range of tourist information available in the cottage. A full range of manuals is available for all electrical appliances. Very enjoyable days at Durham Cathedral and the Otter Trust."
Reviewed by Mr Harrison on 16/12/2004
"The accommodation was superb, very spacious and to a very high standard. The layout, huge living/dining area and play area also meant it was ideal for our small children. Like a plush hotel with the freedom of self-catering - and all set in beautiful peaceful countryside. The hosts were very friendly and welcoming. We will definitely recommend this to friends. "
Reviewed by Mr & Mrs Taylor on 16/12/2004
"The cottage was excellent. We were very impressed with the facilities compared to other cottages we have stopped in. "
Reviewed by Ms Sharman on 16/12/2004
"Nice place, quiet and tranquil."
Reviewed by Mr Hart on 16/12/2004
"Facilities were perfect,the owners very very helpful "
Reviewed by Mr Bramwell on 16/12/2004