Low Shipley Cottage, Barnard Castle

We had a great stay at Low Shipley cottage. We was a bit apprehensive of what to expect as there are not any recent reviews on different sites. We were pleasantly surprised and was welcomed by gifts of prosecco and chocolates which was a very nice touch. The cottage was immaculately clean and well equipped. We picked this cottage as it was dog friendly. There are rules dogs are not allowed on the funiture or in the bedrooms which was fine for us as we have the same rules at home. The satnav directed us straight to the cottage which was good as sometimes directions, in the countryside, take you somewhere nearby. Getting to the cottage is a single uneven track and can be quite wary driving down as there are occasional oncoming cars which means one of you have to move over, but don't let that put you off as the views driving down are stunning. The owners Nina and Derek, who live in the cottage next door, are so friendly and chatty and very helpful with directions on walking into the village of Cotherstone which is faster than driving! There are walking paths to the village of Cotherstone which goes over footbridges of the River Tees, through nature reserves and fields with breathtaking views. We visited the Fox and Hounds pub a few times in Cotherstone which is about a 1015 minute walk, which serves delicious homecooked food. There is another pub in the village but we didn't visit that one. There is a cafe in the village which serves homecooked cakes and treats and offer different sandwiches which is also the local shop selling essential items. The nearest supermarket is a 20 minute drive into Barnard Castle. There is a walking path into Barnard Castle which is 3 12 miles. The cottage itself offers spectacular views and quite secluded. I loved having my morning coffee in the garden. The hot tub is a great addition with lights above which is a nice touch. We enjoyed having the lights off on clear nights to star gaze which was bliss. There are cottages eitherside. One is another rental and the other is the owners cottage. You aren't really disturbed by the others but see them coming in and out of their cottages when outside. Only cons was there is no full length mirror which would have been useful. Also the cottage does not have a secure garden, like the cottage next door, when its advertised as a dog friendly cottage which meant we had put the lead on whenever our dog needed to go in the garden. I would recommended this cottage if you enjoy lots of walking and secluded in the countryside which was perfect for us!!

The Cottage was lovely and the hosts had thought of everything. A well needed relaxing break in a beautiful setting. Thank you, we will be returning.

An absolutely amazing place to stay. The cottage was wellequipped and set in a stunning location, with really nice riverside trails accessible right from the farm. We stayed for a week and had a fantastic time. The owners were super friendly and easygoing had some great chats with them too.

Lovely cosy cottage in a stunning setting. It had everything we needed including really comfy beds!

The property was amazing with fantastic views. It was so peaceful and relaxing, especially sat in te hot tub. The owners are very friendly and nice to talk to.

We had an absolutely wonderful stay at this cottage, and I felt compelled to share our experience after reading some of the previous reviews. Contrary to what was mentioned, the cottage was beautiful, wellmaintained, and exceeded our expectations. The space was clean, cozy, and thoughtfully decorated, with all the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay. It was clear that the owners care about the property and have made efforts to ensure it remains a welcoming place. We were pleasantly surprised by how charming and wellkept everything is we would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway, we just wish we had been able to stay longer. Don't let the past reviews deter you this place is definitely a gem!

We all had a great stay, the owner was very helpful. A beautiful place to stay, great eating places around. All in all a great break!

Honest feedback? Needs some TLC. It's a nice little cottage but general maintenance and dated features let it down. The owner couldn't have been nicer. Fired up the hot tub for us Friday and Saturday night. Was accommodating when asked if we could have a slightly later check out no one due in after us. Choccies and a bottle of fizz on arrival was lovely touch too. However, there are a lot of things which MUST improve here for me to recommend. These are as follows Bathroom door which doesn't shut nevermind lock, very dated and tired kitchen needs updated without a carpet on the floor please no right in a kitchen especially when pets are allowed. TV in the living room is very old and too small for the size of the room. If you intend to stay in, that needs to be far better. Under floor heating just seemed to stop working in one of the ensuites half way through stay. One of the mirror light bulbs was out. Things like that are annoying and should always be checked between rentals. It's small but screams a lack of attention to detail. Also, if you're there for a short stay, you don't want to have to run back and forth to the owner about things like that. The hot tub has a leak which after a while means the water level drops below the top jets rendering bubbles a nogo. Little feature shelves have been created in the bedrooms but clearly haven't been finished. Bare screws, no lighting, no ornaments or plants in them. It just looks like an idea got started and then left... It devalues the overall experience. To the owners You have a lovely little place here but it's just a bit unloved and halfbaked. With some attention it will be great

It was very clean and as described on the website. The chocolates and bottle of prosecco were a lovely touch and really appreciated. I have no issues what so ever with any part of our stay. A beautiful location, amazing cottage, comfy beds, good size living room, bedrooms were great and everything was very clean. Can't recommend enough and will certainly be back. Thank you

Very peaceful,comfortable and well appointed cottage with beautiful views from both the cottage and log burning hot tub. The owners Derek and Nina were very friendly and made us very welcome on arrival. From the cottage it is a short driving distance to Barnard Castle and Bowless from where you can walk to High Force. Would definitely recommend if you want a nice relaxing place to stay in gorgeous surroundings.

This cottage was NOT as described, it was not secluded, there was two other farmhouses connected which made peace and privacy absolutely impossible. People crossing over the rear garden, there would be NO privacy and enjoyment of using the hot tub. The sofa smelt disgusting and stained. The showers werent working properly and when I then had to have a bath the water was only luke warm as there was a further issue with the boiler not working. There was a broken toilet roll holder and a broken drawer in the kitchen. The owners didnt introduce themselves and were frankly quite rude when they were asked about food takeaways not being available, we had only just arrived and it was getting late and were very hungry, we had to go back out up the long extremely unkept road to get food. Our experience was so bad that wed packed up and headed home within the first 24 hours. The owners clearly not interested as they made no contact to ask why we had left or if we were coming back. Absolutely disgraceful way to run a business and they should spend some money upgrading their property.

Lovely cottage, had everything we wanted. Even the log fire was wonderful. Views were superb & even red deer on the drive down the lane. Hosts were very amenable when we had problems

Beautiful spot , comfy beds but kitchen and oven door almost falling off are ... Beautiful spot , comfy beds but kitchen and oven door almost falling off are very tired and need replacing as well as carpet Hot tub had to be topped up and this made if difficult to heat up after been out all day we only used it once which was disappointing

A lovely cottage spotless. The hot tub was nice but a bit of a pain to get heated up we only used it a couple of times. The cottage was not as private as I thought the bedrooms over look the other cottages garden. Lovely views and hosts very friendly.

Very lovely property in a stunning rural location. The owner was very friendly and spoken to us on arrival and also prewarmed the hot tub for us so we could use it straight away. The property does have some minor maintenance issues that require attention like a loose toilet seat and a few damaged floor tiles in the on suite of the first room, but these weren't a big issue for us and didn't ruin our stay. Was perfect to celebrate my girlfriends 30th birthday in and we will definitely be returning in the future.

Genuinely a lovely property. Couldnt fault anything. We really enjoyed our time here. Thankyou

Pretty cottage with fantastic views. Well equipped and spotlessly clean. We were made to feel very welcome and greatly appreciated the gifts on arrival. It felt very indulgent to be in the hot tub after a day hiking in the Durham Dales, sipping Prosecco whilst admiring the surrounding scenery.

Had an amazing stay at the property. It was spotlessly clean and very welcoming. The welcome gift was beautiful and the flowers lasted all week. A pint of milk would have been welcomed too given how far the nearest shop was but it was the secluded location we wanted and the peacefulness was just what we needed. The hot tub was a great addition the views from it amazing. A refill mid week wouldve been beneficial. Takes some practice to get the timing right being a wood burning hot tub but the owners have the knack! Owners were lovely, friendly and accommodating. Will definitely return. Thank you.

Cottage was absolutely beautiful, views were stunning, Derek and nina were fantastic, we had a fab relaxing week and will definitely be back again.

Lovely cottage, well equipped and decorated to a high standard owners very helpful. The hot tub was situated to take advantage of a spectacular view.

Really enjoyed our stay. Everything thought of by hostsmatches to light fires, wood to heat jacuzzi, lovely bottle of Prosecco and chocolates on arrival. Cupboards stocked with everything you need. Area is so incredibly peaceful and the owners and family in the area very friendly. View is to die for, cottage is gorgeous and deceptively large

Very clean, tidy, homely, well furnished and warm cottage, decorated and equipped to a high standard. Accurately described on the web site the only exception being that we didn't have to provide our own teatowels! They were included. The owners were very responsive to our requests for assistance, particularly with firing the wood burning hottub. A very enjoyable stay.

Warm comfortable and clean cottage. Beds very comfortable . Great views. Didn't use the hot tub but was in ideal location. Very happy

Absolutely beautiful cottage in a perfect setting! Was far more spacious and luxurious than we thought it was going to be. So lovely to be able to watch the lambs in the fields. Would definitely recommend and would love to return, thank you!

Just back from a fantastic week here. One of the best places we have stayed. It was extremely clean and had everything you need for your stay. Tea, coffee and sugar were provided, a lovely welcome gift, fresh flowers and all the logs needed for the hot tub and fire. Derek and Nina were extremely helpful and recommended places to go. Derek would help us to get the fire started on the hot tub or get it going for our return if we were out for the day. The standard of furnishings is very high with a lot of homely touches and a lot of the furniture and fixings made by the owner. The views from the hot tub are stunning while watching the lambs playing in the field. Lots of interesting places to visit in the area. Would definitely like to return here.

The cottage was absolutely brilliant. It was much bigger than expected too, with fantastic views. The owners could not have been more helpful and were lovely people too. The welcome gift, was a lovely treat. Kitchen facilities had everything you could need and more. The hot tub was lovely for star gazing at night or watching the little lambs playing during the day! Don't be put off by the reviews of the access road, as the views were just stunning and it wasn't that bad, if you drive carefully. Local dog park country canines is definitely worth a visit, if you have a doggy with you. We would highly recommend Lower Shipley Cottage.

We had a fabulous 2 night stay at Low Shipley Cottage. The cottage was beautiful, spotlessly clean and very well equipped, in an excellent location. The welcome gift was really appreciated. The hot tub was great with stunning views we had a little trouble getting it to heat up on the first night but the owner sorted it out for us and it was a perfect way to spend my birthday, relaxing in the hot tub with a glass of wine after a day out at High Force waterfall! Wish we could have stayed longer!

This cottage was amazing, its a long track to the actual cottage and its alittle bumpy so you will need to take your time. Never let that put you off the quality and standard of this cottage and opportunity. Stunning setting, quality inside and outside. Wonderful walks for all kinds. Stunning perfect and amazing

We had the best time! Very pet friendly. Hosts were very friendly. The views were immaculate. Lots of local walks. We had the most relaxing time celebrating my boyfriends birthday. The property was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed for a chilled week away! We hope to visit again in the summer when the weather is much nicer. Thanks again!!

Great remote cottage furnished to a very high standard. Very clean and with everything you could need for a cottage stay.

Gorgeous space, really is so much bigger than the photos show. The views were stunning and the hot tub was the cherry on the cake. Took a little while to heat up, but worth the wait. Everything was beautifully kept, even had tea and coffee for our first cuppa before we got our own. The fresh flowers, prosecco and chocolates were so generous and made our stay that little bit more special. If we come back to the area again we would definitely stay again.

Fantastic stay thank you very much! Loved the cottage beautiful setting, amazing place to sit in a hot tub and relax! The cottage was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed for a chilled weekend away.

One of the loveliest place weve ever stayed. The cottage is beautifully decorated and furnished, immaculately clean and all the finishing touches are top quality. Its very comfortable and cozy. The views are beautiful too. The host was extremely helpful and friendly. Located just outside the beautiful town of Barnard Castle, there are plenty of lovely walks all around the area.

Absolutely beautiful cottage it was very comfortable and the online pictures don't do it justice, came home refreshed after a great relaxing weekend. Will definitely go again.

A couple of minor things , sorted out immediately, you only need to ask the owners, who are great.

Perfect in every way! Beautifully furnished and so clean. Stunning views, quiet and peaceful. The hot tub was a blessing. Amazing walks all around. We loved every minute of it. Have recommend to so many people. Definitely want to go back as soon as we can.

We had a superb holiday based out of Low Shipley Cottage. The cottage is deceivingly spacious, the setting is stunning and hot tub after a long day out exploring is amazing. Ive seen a comment or two re the access road and disappointed for the owners to receive this negativity. The cottage is set in a rural, farm based location and to benefit from the stunning scenery and peaceful location, you kinda expect to have to travel a little off the beaten track to get there! Its a wonderful place to stay! Derek and his family were completely respectful at all times, nothing too much trouble and as mentioned by many, the welcome treats were really appreciated. Would strongly recommend. Paul & Nic Quinnell and boys and Winnie the pup.

Lovely cottage and fantastic views, clean and had everything we needed many thanks

Lovely cottage and hot tub in tranquil surroundings spoilt only by the very poor access road.

I loved it so clean and quiet the views were stunning it was home from home only ... I loved it so clean and quiet the views were stunning it was home from home only 2 things the washing machine did not spine so had to squeeze the water out of our clothes and it was raining so couldn't go in hot tub as had no cover otherwise loved the holiday so much to do stunning town