Number Nine, Lanchester - sleeping 4 guests in 2 bedrooms

This immaculately presented rural cottage offers a tranquil location within easy reach of Durham City.
A warm and welcoming cottage awarded a 5* Gold rating by Visit England, Number Nine is part of the original Hurbuck Cottages: a charming terrace that offer incredible views over the valley and the countryside surrounding the village of Lanchester in County Durham.

Featuring a south-facing landscaped garden that soaks in those open vistas, every detail within this two-bedroom cottage has been thoughtfully designed to offer a stunning interior that’s filled with character.

Walking into the hallway, an oak staircase leads to the first floor bedroom and en suite bathroom, while cottage-style oak doors add to the natural palette of textures that flow throughout this interior.

The hall leads into the open-plan dining and living space, which forms the heart of this enchanting home. While Number Nine isn’t suitable for canine companions, this cottage is a perfect option for relaxed family living. A rustic wooden table and leather seating creates an elegant dining space for meals together after a day spent exploring, and this tactile aesthetic extends into the seating area, where leather and wool Chesterfield sofas offer a snug zone to curl up and recharge. Underfloor heating keeps this living space cosy all year round, while the inglenook-style brick fireplace features a gas-fired stove for instant warmth and a homely ambience.

French doors open from the seating area into the garden, creating a lovely indoor-outdoor flow, and a second door opens into the south-facing sunroom. Glazed on three sides and with views over the garden towards the rolling countryside beyond, this space gives you the feeling of being outdoors whatever the weather, offering a quiet nook to curl up with a book and simply enjoy the tranquillity.

The kitchen is set off the dining area and features Shaker-style cabinetry with a retro-style Smeg oven and gas hob, while tongue-and-groove wall panelling and rustic-style flooring reflect the cottage’s character.

The ground floor super-king double bedroom, which can be twin beds on request, offers a beautiful sanctuary, with French doors opening into the garden. A contemporary rattan ‘egg’ chair is positioned just outside, so you can grab a coffee and start your day with birdsong. The super-king bed is upholstered in linen, and this understated and elegant look flows through the furniture and textiles and on into the ensuite, which has stone-effect tiling and a large walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head. This bedroom suite is ideal for guests with limited mobility, particularly with the direct connection to the garden.

The first floor bedroom features a vaulted and beamed ceiling, adding a sense of drama, while rooflights bathe this room in soft light. There’s a seating area as you enter, and the large window frames the vista over the countryside. The vaulted ceiling continues into the ensuite bathroom, where you’ll find a walk-in shower and a freestanding roll-top tub – the perfect spot to relax after a day’s adventures.

This immaculate home is complemented by the bright and well-maintained garden. This space has been as thoughtfully designed as the interior with a patio area for al fresco dining on warmer days, while a second patio at the far end of the garden offers a spot to soak in those scenic views.

The city of Durham has a wealth of places to discover, including the magnificent Durham Cathedral, which is renowned for its Romanesque architecture, and there are fascinating gardens, galleries and museums both in the city and the wider area, including Beamish Museum, a living and working museum set in 350 acres of beautiful Durham countryside.

GROUND FLOOR
To view the Accessibility Guide for Number Nine please click here.
Enter first to the double height entrance hall with the oak staircase leading to the first floor. The ground floor first leads to the open plan lounge and dining area with underfloor heating throughout.

The dining area is furnished with a large dining table and comfortable seating for four. The modern kitchen is accessed from the dining area and contains a Smeg oven with a gas hob, slimline dishwasher, large fridge/freezer, Dualit kettle & toaster and a cafetiere and coffee grinder.

The light-filled lounge area has both a 3-seater and 2-seater sofa with a coffee table at the centre. There is a gas-fired ‘wood’ burning stove which sits in the inglenook. Entertainment is provided by a Smart TV with Netflix access, a Bluetooth speaker and books and games are provided for cosy evenings in. The French doors from the lounge lead to the garden terrace.

There is also a useful desk area in the lounge should guests need to work or study.

From the lounge, you enter the south-facing sun room with two comfortable occasional chairs and a table, this is a perfect spot for a bit of garden wildlife spotting with a set of handy binoculars provided. There is additional garden access from the sun room.

The spacious and accessible ground floor bedroom has a super-king double bed which can be made into twin single beds on request. This room is furnished with a large free-standing wardrobe and a chest of drawers. Large French doors lead out to the garden.

En suite bathroom with a large walk-in shower with both a rainfall shower head and separate attachment, basin, WC, heated towel rail and illuminated mirror.

Utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, WC, sink and additional storage.

FIRST FLOOR
The oak staircase leads from the hallway straight to the mezzanine-style main bedroom area which has a king-size double bed, armchair, chest of drawers and hanging space. The large picture window looks south over the valley below.

The expansive en suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head and separate attachment and a stand-alone roll-top bath with an additional shower attachment. There is also a large basin, heated towel rail and illuminated mirror.

OUTSIDE
On the patio outside the lounge, there is a table and chairs for 4 with a parasol, iron bench and an egg chair. At the end of the garden is a pergola with an iron bench, wooden bench and small table underneath.

A gate leads from the garden out to the quiet farm track and bridleway, which – whilst quiet with vehicles – is a popular route with cyclists, walkers and runners.

There is no barbecue for use but guests are welcome to bring their own, as long as it is used responsibly and causes no damage.

There is one private parking space opposite the cottage, two roadside spaces and the double garage can be used to securely store bikes and another car on request. Only the residents of the 12 cottages on the row use the lane.

DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Number Nine is located on a terrace of twelve cottages with a private courtyard entrance to the front. The rear garden has unobstructed views of the valley with a gate that leads on to a public bridleway which is a popular route with cyclists, walkers and runners.

For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property.