About The Back House

The nearest town to Staindrop is Barnard Castle, which has been named by the Times as one of the best places to live in England. It was described in various press articles as a 'beauty spot' - come and see for yourself and admire the new English Heritage blue plate that was erected for the infamous visit by Mr Cummings! The Back House is a very pretty Grade II listed building quietly located off Front Street in Staindrop, some 5 miles from â€œBarneyâ€. The local public footpath system starts from the access lane to the property and includes circular routes. The Back House is part of a historic coaching inn next to the ownerâ€™s property; the accommodation is very spacious and features a large sitting room which offers a warm and welcoming space with plush sofas and a delightful woodburning stove resting in the original 18th-century inglenook, backed by a beautiful stone wall. The propertyâ€™s rooms are bright and airy, and all overlook the south-facing courtyard with a lovely raised planted area. Socialise in the splendid kitchen with quality fittings together with ample room for six to cook and eat together at the beautifully restored table The cottage is very well finished with Karndean floors, Voyage fabrics and stunning velvets with Farrow and Ball paintwork and is simply a haven for families and friends seeking a high-quality retreat. Step upstairs to the three bedrooms; all featuring super-king-beds, perfectly polished and tastefully decorated with coordinating high TC linens, cushions, and upholstery â€“ should you wish for alternative sleeping arrangements, the zip/link beds can be twins on request (NB please request at time of booking) The bathroom is large, very fresh and airy, whilst the ground floor cloakroom benefits from a WC and basin. Step outside into a lovely south-facing courtyard area with raised flower beds.The area is well planted. There is a fully enclosed and screened seating area with sofas for 6, this leads to the charming enclosed and private screened pergola area. This features a luxury 6-person hot tub, (supplement applies) and provides seating with cashmere throws and cushions for added warmth when the weather is not at its best. There is a 6-person outdoor dining set of table and chairs to enjoy al Fresco dishes. Staindrop is a pretty village with a large conservation area and one of the long greens typical of County Durham. The oldest parts of the Church of England parish church of St Mary are Anglo-Saxon, built in the 10th or 11th-century. The church contains monuments including effigies of members of the Neville family. The village is situated near to the historic market towns of Barnard Castle and Richmond both with many independent shops and multiple restaurant and tea shop options. The magnificent Raby Castle is approximately 1 mile from the front door of the house. A new adventure playground, The Plotters Forest, designed and built for real adventurers, is very popular with younger guests â€“ Charges apply; please check the Raby Castle website for availability. The Castle is open to the public and boasts a top-rated tearoom as well as a wonderful gift shop; activities take place in the grounds throughout the year. The walled gardens are magnificent, whilst dogs on leads can be walked in the stunning deer park for a small charge. The dogs in your party are also have an adventure field, just 5 minutes in the car! Guests staying for more than 3 nights can book a session at the field. Please enquire for full details after booking. The renowned Bowes Museum is close by, together with its famous silver Swan automaton. Durham city with the twin attraction of world heritage sites Durham Castle, and the cathedral is 15 miles away. The cathedral is recognised as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Europe. Also to the north is the unique Beamish Museum, which offers access to a preserved example of everyday life in urban and rural Northeast England at the time of industrialization in the early 19th-Century.This attraction is very popular with guests. The Back House is also a great choice for those who love the outdoors, with ample walking, birdwatching, and cycling opportunities nearby including the National Cycle Route 715. The Back House has achieved â€œDark Skiesâ€ status and provides night binoculars and guides. The Back House is a truly unique base which offers a memorable holiday break for the whole family looking to explore the area. A digital guide to the property is provided before you arrive to help you have the best time during your stay. Details include where to walk, eat, visit and lots more.

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Offers a 6-person luxury hot-tub at an additional charge of £150 per stay which is arranged directly with the owner
✓ Gas central heating and full DG
✓ Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, washing machine, dishwasher
✓ Smart TV, DVD player, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs
✓ Sage Bambino coffee machine, please bring your choice of coffee, grinder available
✓ Fuel, power and wood burner starter pack included
✓ Bed linen and towels plus hot tub towels and gowns
✓ Please bring suitable footwear if using the hot tub
✓ Allocated off-road parking for 2 cars in private area, parking accessed next to cottage through farm parking area (not working area)
✓ Secure bike storage
✓ Access to sheltered courtyard which leads to a fully screened private pergola area with hot tub and seating for 6
✓ Additional seating area, also enclosed and screened with luxury sofas for 6
✓ Two well-behaved dogs over 6 months welcome at no additional charge
✓ Please enquire if 3 dogs are included in the group
✓ This is a no smoking property
✓ Shop 0.2 miles, pub 0.3 miles Catering can be arranged on request
✓ There is no EV charging available at this property, the nearest EV charging is 3.5 miles on the outskirts of Barnard Castle
✓ Please Note: The Owner complies with HSG and ROSPA rulings, no children under 5 years of age are allowed to use the hot tub
✓ The facility is open from 10:00 hours to 22:00 hours daily
✓ Testing and treatment of the water is undertaken twice daily

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The Back House Attractions & Days Out

Explore the wonderful attractions and activities surrounding The Back House during your stay. Find the best places to visit and things to do in the local area, all conveniently organised by distance and type. Charming villages to lively and exciting attractions - there's something for everyone to enjoy. Browse through our categories including attractions, walks & outdoor activities, shopping destinations and handy tips on getting around. Plan your perfect day out. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic experiences, or pet-friendly adventures, this cottage provides an ideal base to explore Yorkshire's fantastic days out. Click on any attraction for more detailed information including address, opening times and visitor tips.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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The Back House Reviews

Great cottage, great bed, great location , but on picture of garden and listing saying enclosed garden was surprised it was a shared entrance to our and the owner home and over looked and gate letf open manny time you could not let the dogs out with out being with them maby make that clear in listing . Host was lovely and very helpful

The back house was lovely. Judith was a great host .Beds were very comfortable and hot tub a great bonus House had lots of nice wee touches so it felt like a home rather than holiday accommodation. My only suggestions would be to leave logs and firefighters for wood burner as because it is a very old stone property it was a bit chilly at night in the downstairs .Also swap the 2 and 3 seater couches about as you cant see the TV from a bit of the 3 seater because of the beautiful fireplace . We would definitely return if we were wanting to visit the area in future .Thanks Judith

Kirsten

Lovely cottage, beautifully decorated well managed, decorative was in keeping with property. Having the hot tub, was an extra touch especially if you have children. Good location to get to places Barnard castle is stunning.

Victoria

It was sheer bliss to be staying at Judiths cottage! We had everything we needed and more! Its a beautifully decorated cottage, very cosy and comfortable the beds!!! The kitchen was incredibly well stocked and by arrival we found some very delicious home baked goodies made by Judith. That made us feel so welcome! Also, we had great fun in the hottub. The surroundings are beautiful, there is lots to do like Raby Castle, the Bowes museum, walking from Low Force to high force waterfalls, etc etc. In the street there is a small supermarket which is open 7 days a week. Very convenient! We would definitely recommend with all our heart!

Glenda

The house provides the perfect holiday experience scrupulously clean, tastefully furnished and comprehensively equipped. The provision of a welcome pack of homemade cakes and of basics, such as milk, coffee and tea are thoughtful touches on ones arrival. We would certainly recommend the property to others and hope to return ourselves in the future.

The Back House is one of the most comfortable and welcoming holiday cottages that we have stayed in. Judith, the owner, has obviously put a great deal of thought into creating the perfect holiday home. Staindrop is a lovely village and perfectly placed for exploring this beautiful area, with walks direct from the door.

Great host helped maked sure everything was perfect for the stay. A lovely comfortable place to stay , highly recommended

Gillian

This is the best cottage I have ever stayed in. It is scrupulously clean, comfortable and charming. The bedrooms are lovely and supercomfortable and the wood burner in the sitting room is a gorgeous feature. The kitchen is big enough to feel spacious for chatting and cooking and is extremely wellequipped. Everything has been carefully and prettily decorated. Although the garden area is relatively compact it is still a sweet spot for sitting or eating outside. The surrounding area is wonderful with so many interesting and beautiful places to visit. The holiday was made very special by the extremely kind welcome from Judith, who provided delicious homemade cakes, organic wine and milk, fresh eggs from the farm and many other thoughtful touches. She really went the extra mile to make my stay a happy one. I am already looking forward to going back! Gillian

We had a fantastic holiday at the Back House. Staindrop is a pretty village, with lots of great places to visit around. Judith is a wonderful host and the facilities and comfort of the house are exceptional. Personal touches like fantastic homemaking and chilled wine on arrival, made the start of the holiday very special. We had looked forward to this holiday immensely, as it was a chance to reunite as a family after lockdown. The Back House didn't disappoint in any way and proved the perfect setting for a very happy holiday.

Frederick

We had a very warm welcome from Judith and we felt at home and very comfortable straight away!

Andrea

House was well equipped and clean, bedrooms extremely comfortable. Beautiful throws available for cosy nights in the pergola. Fab welcome pack with fizz and home baking. Judith was a lovely host and would thoroughly recommend a stay in this lovely village with plenty of dog walks near by.

Beautiful cottage! Had everything we needed, perfect location, would definitely go back!

Jacqui

This was a beautiful, comfortable cottage in one of the prettiest villages in the Dales The rooms were spotless, and large and airy. Everything you could possibly need was provided. Beds comfortable, and very good quality bedding. Judith was very welcoming and left us with fresh milk and eggs, as well as scones, cakes and cookies, all very welcome. Lots of lovely scenery around to explore, and the nearest town Barnard Castle is very lovely. Highly recommended

A particularly comfortable cottage, spotlessly clean, providing a home from home, situated in surrounding farmland and a picturesque village, with lovely walks right from the doorstep. Judith was extremely welcoming and clearly takes the comfort of her guests very seriously. The cottage adjoins the owners' home and courtyard, with a separate Pergola with seating for the use of guests.

Our must have things when we book a cottage are that it has to be dog friendly, have good wifi, a log burner, put and shop within walking distance and stunning surroundings. The Back House does not disappoint on any of these points. The owner, Judith, was so welcoming and friendly and it's obvious that a lot of thought and details has gone into the decor of this beautiful home. On our arrival Judith had left us a lovely homemade cake and scones, fresh free range eggs from their own chickens, milk and prosecco we were spoilt! There was even a dog bed and bowls for the pooches. The cottage was spotless which is so reassuring in the current Covid climate. There is a secure area outside the back door where you can let your dogs out, it is a paved area with no grass which our dogs aren't used to but they soon got the hang of it and it wasn't an issue at all. Staindrop and the surrounding area are stunning, there's so much to see and do and plenty of off lead walks for the dogs. There are a few shops within a short walk of the cottage Spar shop, newsagents, butchers, and also a pub which unfortunately we couldn't make full use of as the second lockdown came into place whilst we were there. There's so much we haven't had chance to explore yet in this beautiful part of the country and we will certainly make a return visit to the Back House to continue our adventure.

Joanne

As a family of 4 with 2 teenage girls, this cottage was perfect! The themed bedrooms are incredibly plush with thick carpeting, very large and comfy beds which make it feel that you are in the best hotel! The owner made us Brownies and a fabulous Victoria sponge as well as stocking up the fridge with milk and wine, not forgetting fresh eggs from the hens roaming in the Yard. The TV is a good size and the woodburning stove kept us cosy in the evenings. As there is so much to do in the area, we are going to book again for next year!

Amazing cottage. Much bigger than expected. Spotlessly clean. Really comfortable beds. Judith left us lovely homemade cake , scones and wine.

Our staycation this year was fabulous, it was home from home, the area and ... Our staycation this year was fabulous, it was home from home, the area and location was ideal, will definitely book again to stay here Love The Rundles

Wonderful host who was very welcoming and friendly. A very peaceful and restful cottage.

What a pleasure it was to stay in this beautiful house! Everything was of a very high standard we loved the clean, peaceful decor with tastefully themed rooms, the well equipped kitchen, the bedrooms all with kingsize beds, and it could not have been more spotlessly clean on our arrival. The owner was friendly and helpful, and we were welcomed with fabulous homemade cakes, and milk and prosecco in the fridge. In our opinion this was one of the nicest holiday cottages we have stayed in highly recommended.

Wonderful host who was very welcoming and friendly. A very peaceful and restful cottage.

Wow what an amazing place! We absolutely loved our week staying at the Backhouse. With the recent covid restrictions we were a little apprehensive about going on holiday but with all the practices owner Judith has put in place in regards to her guests safety, we knew all was going to be OK. The place itself is beautifully decorated, comfortable and immaculate with everything you need for your stay including some extra special treats The location is fabulous too with walks from your doorstep or only a short drive away, High Force, Barnard Castle and Teesdale are all within a short driving distance.....a beautiful part of the country. We're already planning our next stay here!!

Linsey

Wow, what a stunning property with excellent decor , it was even better than the pictures online! We loved the themed rooms, stag, pheasant, highland cattle....very tastefully done. All furnishings of a very high standard and well equipped, my only thing I would have liked to see was for us ladies ,bigger mirrors in the bedrooms, Judith was a perfect host, and we were greeted by a very tasty chocolate cake ...not one bit was left ...thankyou Cottage is very well equipped and is in a great location for Barnard castle, Raby castle , other sitesplaces and as its set back from the road is very quiet, A great 4 nights

Grahame

The house was beautifully clean, comfortable and warm. There was everything we needed for our stay and more.

2nd visit, exceptionally clean property, very warm and cosy. Will definitely return.

A fantastic property with owners the same. For us, and this is a subjective comment, we would have preferred a separate shower as opposed to a bath with a shower over. Wifi was not fantastic but again coming from an urban area we understand the deplorable lack of investment in rural areas with connectivity. None of the above is a 'deal breaker' but we do like to be 'honest' The beds were the best we have ever slept in......and we have slept around !!! Suffice it to say we would not hesitate to return can speak too highly of the property,owners,village and area.......a small piece of our wonderful country.

Back House in Staindrop is a stunning holiday home. Luxurious furnishings, everything you need is in the cottage. The owners are lovely and friendly and will help with any requests you may have. WiFi and Netflix available for you to enjoy a film or two if you wish and a log burner for cosy colder nights. This is by far the loveliest cottage we have ever stayed in. 1010. The village of Staindrop is quaint, with two castles to visit one in Barnard 20 minutes away and Raby castle just up the road which homes heards of deer and highland cattle. We will visit this stunning holiday home and area again.

The cottage was beautifully decorated, with a high standard of cleanliness. The cottage is beautifully placed to explore North Yorkshire North East, with plenty of places to visit locally.

Beautiful house decorated to a very high standard. Everything you could possibly need is supplied. Very friendly, informative hosts who live next door. We were welcomed to fresh scones, homemade jam, a lovely cake, butter, bread, milk, tea and coffee and even a bottle of Prosecco! Doggy friendly home though they are not allowed upstairs. Also note there is no enclosed garden therefore if you do need to take you dog out in the middle of the night, it's a matter of harnessing up with the lead to take them for a stroll down the lane, rather than quickly letting them out. The lovely town of Barnard Castle is less than 10 minutes away and lots of bigger shops such as Aldi, Sainsbury's etc. in Bishop Auckland 10 minutes in the other direction. We highly recommend Back House.

Christopher

We had a fantastic week in the superbly furnished and equipped property. The owners were very friendly and the wine, mince pies and yule log waiting for us on arrival were brilliant. We loved the location with plenty of great countryside dog walks right from the front door. We can't recommend the place highly enough.

Second visit for us. Love the back house. Great welcome. Really clean and comfortable. Really enjoyed the log burner this visit, plus the festive treats and decorations. Thank you and Im sure well be back.

Jacqueline

Great holiday cottage, fantastic welcome pack and great comfy beds. Decor of cottage was exceptional. Hope to return.

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The Back House, Staindrop