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Briar Barn

Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
County Durham » Ireshopeburn Near St John's Chapel
Sleeps up to 6
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3

Escape to the enchanting Briar Barn, a 17th-century converted barn nestled in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This cedar-clad and stone beauty sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 cosy bedrooms, making it an ideal retreat for families, friends, or couples seeking a rural getaway.

The barn boasts a ground-floor bedroom for easy accessibility and includes a luxurious hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings.

Check Prices & Availability
At Sykes Cottages
 

About Briar Barn

Escape to the enchanting Briar Barn, a 17th-century converted barn nestled in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This cedar-clad and stone beauty sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 cosy bedrooms, making it an ideal retreat for families, friends, or couples seeking a rural getaway.

The barn boasts a ground-floor bedroom for easy accessibility and includes a luxurious hot tub, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning surroundings.

You'll find comfort in the rustic charm of the sitting room, complete with a woodburning stove and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to flood in.

Enjoy the convenience of off-road parking and a plethora of modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen/diner, broadband/WiFi, and a washing machine. The property welcomes two well-behaved pets, so your furry friends can join in on the adventure.

With its idyllic location, Briar Barn offers the perfect balance of tranquillity and comfort for an unforgettable cottage break.

Check Prices & Availability
At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

Cottages Near Briar Barn

2 Miles
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
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Delightful County Durham cottage, centrally located in the village of Westgate. Woodburning stove. Backing on to the River Wear and close to open countryside. Alston 14.3 miles.
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4 Miles
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Hot Tub
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Beautiful stone-built property in the hamlet of Burnside. Woodburning stove. En-suites, Jacuzzi bath, hot tub. A superb property for a large family gathering all-year-round. Rookhope 0.5 miles.
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5 Miles
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This lovely property is located in a beautiful spot near the village of Eastgate in the stunning landscape of Weardale, part of the North Pennines Area of Natural Beauty.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 6
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3
A beautiful cottage located in the village of Stanhope, County Durham. Open-plan. Pleasant views. Hot tub. Luxury accommodation. Durham 22 miles.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 2
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This superb romantic cottage is located in Stanhope, Durham. WiFi. Hot tub. Off-road parking. Durham 22 miles.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2
Luxurious mews conversion in the County Durham market town of Stanhope. Within Stanhope Castle. Central location. North Pennines AONB.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 2
Hot Tub
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This courtyard cottage is situated in Stanhope, Durham. Open-plan living. Luxurious rooms. Durham 22 miles.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 7
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 4
A delightful castle apartment nestled in the market town of Stanhope, Durham. Sauna. En-suite. Spacious rooms. Durham 22 miles.
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8 Miles
Sleeps 4
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2
A wonderful cottage nestled in the village of Stanhope, County Durham. Contemporary finish. Ideal for families. Off-road parking. Luxury accommodation. Durham 22 miles.
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10 Miles
Sleeps 6
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 3
This beautiful, semi-detached cottage rests in Frosterley, Durham. Hot tub. Enclosed garden. Woodburning stove. Close to amenities. Consett 13.9 miles; Barnard Castle 17.3 miles; Durham 17.2 miles.
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Helpful Info To Get More From Your Stay

What do guests love about this accommodation?

Guests have been captivated by the immaculate condition of Briar Barn, its beautiful location, and the high specification of its decor and facilities. The hot tub is frequently mentioned as a highlight, providing a warm and enclosed space to relax with stunning views. Comfortable beds, essential amenities, and thoughtful touches like a bottle of Prosecco and biscuits add to the charm of this cosy retreat.

Getting there

To get to Briar Barn, if travelling by car, take the A689 through the scenic Weardale area. For rail travellers, the nearest train station is Bishop Auckland, from which you can hire a taxi for the final leg of your journey.

Nearby Essentials

During your stay, you'll have convenient access to a selection of nearby amenities, including some of the area's tastiest takeout options. Click any of the postcodes for a map along with handy driving instructions and the fastest route from your accommodation.
Service Distance (miles) Postcode
Pharmacy (Stanhope Pharmacy) 9.9 milesDL13 2UL
Train station (Bishop Auckland) 19.4 milesDL14 7TL
Pub (The Blue Bell Inn) 1.4 milesDL13 1QW
Dog walk Weardale Waywithin walking distance
Supermarket (Co-op Food) 1.4 milesDL13 1QF
Indian takeaway (Spice Island) 9.9 milesDL13 2UL
Chinese takeaway (Golden House) 9.9 milesDL13 2UL
Italian takeaway (Buon Appetito) 7.4 milesDL13 1QF

For families with Kids

This destination is a haven for families with children, offering ample space for outdoor play and exploration. The nearby Weardale Way provides a scenic backdrop for family walks, and the local village, with its friendly atmosphere, is perfect for leisurely outings. The spacious garden and the presence of farm animals in the surrounding fields add an element of rural charm that children are sure to love.

Is Briar Barn A good location for couples?

For couples seeking a romantic retreat, this destination offers a serene setting with breathtaking views and luxurious amenities, including a hot tub. Nearby, you can enjoy intimate walks along the Weardale Way or visit the charming village of St John's Chapel. For a special day out, explore the historic market towns or dine at one of the local inns, providing the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories together.

Dining and Cafes

For a delightful dining experience, visit The Blue Bell Inn (DL13 1QW) or enjoy Italian cuisine at Buon Appetito (DL13 1QF). For a cosy café atmosphere, the Chatterbox Café is a short drive away.

Within walking distance of your cottage

A short walk away you'll find charming local shops, inns, and pubs, including the welcoming Blue Bell Inn, as well as picturesque walks along the Weardale Way.

Quickfire FAQs

Does the accommodation include a hot tub?

Yes, the accommodation features a luxurious hot tub, providing a private and serene space to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.

Is the property pet-friendly?

Indeed, the property welcomes two well-behaved pets, allowing your beloved animals to accompany you on your peaceful retreat in the beautiful North Pennines.

What type of heating is available at the property?

The property is equipped with oil-fired central heating and a woodburning stove, ensuring a warm and cosy atmosphere throughout your stay, regardless of the weather.

Are there any parking facilities?

Ample off-road parking is available at the property, providing convenient and secure space for your vehicles during your countryside escape.

Does the property have internet access?

Yes, broadband/WiFi is available throughout the property, allowing you to stay connected and share your memorable experiences with friends and family.

Are there any walking or cycling opportunities nearby?

The property is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering a plethora of walking and cycling routes right on your doorstep, perfect for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Briar Barn Reviews

Superb cottage with everything you could need The view from the bedrooms on a winters morning are stunning
Had a fantastic time at briar Barn stayed in a couple of days to take time to relax, Hot tub is fantastic best one I've been in it's in a cabin all lit up it's amazing, The Barn is excellent was lovely and clean.
This is a beautiful property well maintained and in a wonderful location. We had a relaxing time using the hot tub and enjoying the view. Owners on hand via text if needed . Would reccomend a visit and we will be definitely be returning.
Richard
Nice barn in a rural setting clean well maintained had a wonderful time with family would definitely recommend. Enjoyed some good days out enjoyed the alpaca trekking just down the road
Charlotte
This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it ... This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it has the WOW factor, the barn is so spacious and really well presented, the decor the grounds are kept beautiful
Stephen
Just back from our week at Briar Barn and overall we had a terrific week . First time we've been down Weardale way and it's just the kind of place we like. As for the property it was ideal for our needs barn was clean enough and pictures did it justice . Hot tub was used daily and was a lovely to use at the end of the day. Only downside is the stairs to upper bedrooms is steep and stairs down to kitchen which is really a cellar are extremely steep . Wouldn't be ideal for older people or people with mobility problems . Apart from that it's a lovely place .
Andrew
Absolutely ideal for a relaxing break couldnt of picked a better place.
Sandra
This was our 1st time at Briar Barn and we enjoyed our stay. Well appointed and spacious accommodation for 6 adults and we were given permission to take 3 dogs, for a small extra fee, all nonshedding, housetrained and well behaved. One 1st floor bedroom is ensuite, the other 1st floor bedroom shares the ground floor main bathroom with the ground floor bedroom, nicely fitted out except that there is nowhere to put toiletries, which means if you're upstairs in the bedroom without the ensuite, you have to remember to take all your things with you every time you want to batheshowerclean teeth, or put them on the floor in the corner of the bathroom, which isn't really ideal. We would also strongly advise taking an eye mask if visiting during the summer months, as the rooms are very bright.
Beautifully appointed and extremely well equipped. Garden was better than picture suggested as rather than a fence it was a wall which meant secure for my dog. Very relaxing and peaceful holiday with the bonus of a hot tub.
We had a lovely peaceful stay at briar barn the views and scenery were amazing . I was however a little disappointed with the cleanliness there was quite a lot of dust on banisters and the glass on both sets of stairs had finger prints on , also the patio doors were dirty inside and out , although this didnt effect our stay I do think this is something that should be done during the change over especially with such a stunning view out . The local pub in St Johns Chapel was also never open so if youre looking for somewhere for drinks and food dont rely on this being open . Ruth
Property was beautiful, clean and in a lovely location. The only thing I would say is that it lacked toilet roll and hand wash. It also could do with blackout blinds in the bedrooms. We were all awake very early as it's so light. I think one room didn't have any blinds at all. Apart from that it was idyllic and we had a lovely time.
Edward
Thank you for letting us stay in your amazing home. It felt very luxurious over the 3 levels with all the mod cons you could need. Beautiful place and fabulous scenery would highly recommend
Katherine
Beautiful well maintained cottage in an idyllic location. Will be retuning!
Ashlee
Amazing stay ! Would love to come again
Great place, would definitely book again
Had a lovely chilled weeks stay at the barn. Just what we needed. The barn had everything we needed. My daughter loved the hot tub. The open fire and real Christmas tree made it feel Christmassy.
Immaculate property in a beautiful location, decorated and fitted out to a high specification. Would 100 recommend to both groups and families
Georgia
Just returned from Briar Barn and we absolutely loved it, so cosy with the Christmas decorations and everything you need for a weekend stay. Lovely gesture from owners too of bottle of Prosecco and biscuits which we greatly appreciated. Hot tub was lovely and warm and loved the fact it was enclosed. Beds super comfy and had majority of essentials already there that were needed, definitely recommend and we will be booking again
Beautiful property. The inside was decorated so well for Christmas. Lots of great facilities inside which made our stay enjoyable. Gorgeous area with some great walks from the door. Our only criticism was we couldn't use the hot tub due to the amount of chemicals in it. We tried it the first night but our throats were burning with the amount of chlorine. It was ashame as that was the reason we booked the property but we still had a lovely stay.
Michelle
Third time here and it was as great as ever. Highly recommended if you are staying around here. We just love it. Perfect x
Stephanie
Beautiful place to stay, perfect for weekend getaway family or friends. Everything available and facilities. Lovely bottle of prosecco and biscuits on arrival. Would definitely recommend and be back!
Elizabeth
There were 5 of us staying for a weekend and celebrating a special occasion. We absolutely loved this cottage. Its very isolated and high up! The views are beautiful. The hot tub was well needed and the view from the hot tub was gorgeous. The beds were comfy and the kitchen was so handy. Plenty of space for two cars and more. The cottage was clean and great communication with the owner. Would recommend this cottage.
Claire
Briar Barn was absolutely fantastic, beautiful place in a beautiful setting ... Briar Barn was absolutely fantastic, beautiful place in a beautiful setting everything you need was provided, wish we had booked a longer stay
Had such a wonderful stay! The property looks exactly like the photos, its stunning. Very comfortable and has everything you need. Our dog loved laying in front of the log burner, and we loved the hot tub!
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay the whole barn and hot tub area were so well maintained. Great value for money
Michelle
2nd time staying, with our third time already booked before we had even started this one. ..........the area, the property.........just amazing. Cannot fault it. The hot tub is amazing and a great end to the day after exploring. If you are looking to stay in the area, book this place, you wont be disappointed x
Hayley
Fantastic property in a beautiful place. We will hopefully return later in the year.
Nicholas
Great property! Very clean and top notch facilities. Would stay again
Briar Barn is absolutely stunning we spent Christmas here with the family and we ... Briar Barn is absolutely stunning we spent Christmas here with the family and we all enjoyed everything the barn is tastefully decorated with everything you need log burner made it cosy and the hot tub was a great hit with all the family thanks to Steven for the Prosecco and chocolates would definitely recommend a stay here
Frances
Myself and three friends visited for the weekend and had an amazing time. The house is very clean and well presented and the Hot tub is lovely. Will be looking to return.
Great place for a group of friends. Lovely walks nearby and small village of St John's Chapel approx 1 mile away if you forget any supplies it has 2 pubs and a Co Op store. Beautiful log burner to keep us warm and an added bonus of the hot tub being in its own shed with a bar and seating supplied. Great touch.
Mollie
We had the most amazing stay at Briar Barn! Such a beautiful home with amazing views. We will definitely be looking at another stay here in the near future. Everything was perfect. Thank you so much!
Catherin
We had a lovely stay at Briar Barn and the surrounding countryside was spectacular. We found that the kitchen could have been explained in the description as being windowless and below ground level. The outbuilding that had the hot tub in was used daily a fantastic addition.
Briar barn was the perfect base for our week away. It was spotless on arrival and had everything we needed for our stay. We do recommend an iron & ironing board as there is a cupboard available, but we were prepared as wed seen other reviews. Hot tub was fabulous with amazing views down to the river beyond. We recommend the following Slit Wood walk from Westgate Circular walk from the barn, via the riverside, to Westgate. Where we had an amazing Sunday carvery at the Hare and Hounds Alston circular walk, ending near railway Buon Appetito Italian restaurant in Wolsingham The Bluebell in St Johns Chapel. Super friendly especially as we visited for their jubilee super club and were made to feel so welcome. Takes about 25 mins to walk to the pub On the whole a super week but you are a little isolated so would need a car to travel out of the area. Thanks again Emma C and family
My 4 best friends all now in our early 50s have known each other since primary school and have been going away once a year for a weekend break in the UK for years now. Its our yearly treat, but thanks to the Pandemic, we have lost the last 2 an a half years! So when we found this great little find we couldnt wait. Our weekend was well overdue! From start to finish the communication with Steven the owner was brilliant. Especially when I got lost on arrival, the sat nav takes you to a barn just down from the barn itself. But take screen shots of the barn pics with you to help recognise it! The black chimney on it was the best give away. The barn was amazing. So clean and very well equipped, everything you need and more. The beds were all so comfy, great pillows and lovely fresh bedding too. Highly recommend taking a few towels per person as ones supplies are a tad small, and you have to remember you need them for the hot tub too. Log burner was fab, plenty supplies of logs too, which made the room very cosy on an evening. Lots of board games and DVDS for those long quiet nights. Although main TV in lounge does not have a DVD player, just the bedrooms, they did have Netflix and Disney channels along with the normal tv choices. Fab find was also the blue tooth link from your phone to the hot tub. So you can have a soak and listen to your tunes too. Perfect! Hot tub was the most fun part of our trip, great set up in a lovely converted shedbar, ideal warm and comfy seating also for when you get a bit too hot and want to step out for a bit. If we had to pick any negatives, there would only be a couple, one being that there is no iron or ironing board, And two, the bedroom windows dont keep the light out, especially the roof windows that have no blinds, so be prepared for early morning wake up in the springsummer months. Views from the barn are amazing, and we had a nice stroll into the local village which is only a mile away, lovely tea rooms and local pub along with a great well stocked coop! This weekend was just what we all needed and more, would highly recommend and we have already agreed to booking up again in the near future, but for anyone showing any interest, book it! You wont be disappointed!
Excellent property, very well equipped , great location cation
Kathryn
Lovely barn conversion in a tranquil area. Dog walks along the bank of the stream just beautiful. Grab a nice coffee at the Chatterbox Cafe. Thank you x
Rachel
Back from a fabulous stay at this cottage! Amazing cottage with even more amazing views. Thank you
A lovely barn conversion offering fabulous views from the lounge and upper bedrooms. Attention to detail is firstclass. Fabulous hot tub and rattan furniture under cover. Spacious and modern kitchen, with lots of space to store food and utensils brought from home. Immaculate throughout. Walks from the door. Would definitely recommend.
Michelle
Absolutely perfect, best place we've stayed in x
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Attractions Near Briar Barn

While there'll be plenty to keep you entertained an Briar Barn itself, if you plan to get out and about and see some of what County Durham has to offer, here are some of the nearby attractions you can enjoy during your stay. Please note that some of these activities and days out are paid and it's always a good idea to book in advance to secure your place where applicable.

Found a special day out near your cottage? Please let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too!
Go Ape Northumberland - NE48 1NT
about 22 Miles
Go Ape! has really taken off and become one of the most popular attractions in the UK.  The Northumberland course is set in the stunning grounds of Matfin Hall.  Described as a high wire forest adventure this really is one for the more daring as the course takes place right up in the tree tops.  Giant tree top obstacle courses include ladders, bridges, tunnels and some of the country's best zip lines.  You will be provided with all safety equipment and training on site.