Guests say
The Old Smithy in Barnard Castle offers a spacious and well-appointed accommodation with a large kitchen and a games room that is particularly enjoyed by younger guests. The property's central location is appreciated for its proximity to local amenities and shops. While some guests have reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance, others have praised the comfortable beds, cosy evenings, and the thoughtful touches provided by the hosts.
Reviews on cleanliness are mixed, with several guests finding the property to be below expected standards, mentioning unclean kitchens and general dirtiness, while others have described their stay as clean and tidy. This suggests inconsistency in the cleaning service.
The location is highly praised for its central position in Barnard Castle, with easy access to local shops, pubs, and attractions. The proximity to Morrisons is noted as convenient, although parking can be challenging.
Guests generally find the property comfortable, with cosy sofas and comfortable beds mentioned. However, some have noted that the living room can feel small for the number of guests the property can accommodate, and one review mentioned the front room being quite cold.
Facilities such as the games room are appreciated, but there are several mentions of missing or broken items, including a washing machine that was advertised but not present. Some guests also noted a lack of seating for dining and limited extras provided.
Several guests have mentioned thoughtful touches like welcome gifts of wine and chocolates, as well as fresh towels and essentials upon arrival. However, it should be noted that such gifts are a kind gesture and may not be guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Settled in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, County Durham, is this fantastic, terraced house, The Old Smithy. Enjoying a superb location within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, and the town’s local amenities and attractions right on your doorstep, The Old Smithy is a wonderful dog-friendly choice for a couples, friends, and families. Step into your new home from home, where you will find an inviting sitting room with plush sofas and a TV, a perfect space for relaxing with loved ones after an adventure filled day. Continue through to the spacious kitchen/diner, featuring a beautiful central island and all the appliances you need to whip up family favourites, ready to enjoy over bottles of celebratory fizz. Head down to the lower-ground-floor, where you will find a games room, equipped with a handy washing machine, and a pool table so you can challenge your loved ones to a game. Follow the stairs up to the first floor, where you will find a contemporary bathroom, so you can indulge in a leisurely soak or shower at the end of the day, before retiring to one of four beautifully appointed and generous bedrooms, three doubles, one with en-suite shower room, and a twin. Explore the town, where you can visit the remarkable Barnard Castle, enjoy wildlife rich walks through the Deepdale Nature Reserve, tour the Bowes Museum, home to the 247-year-old Silver Swan, test out your swing at the excellent Barnard Castle Golf Club, or treat your loved ones to a meal out at the popular Three Horseshoes, Valentines Restaurant, and Capri restaurant, followed by drinks at Crobar. Continue onto Staindrop, where you will find the esteemed Raby Castle, surrounded by a deer park and features a café and shop, or venture further to Bishop Auckland, where you will find a magnificent castle, a fantastic golf club, and the renowned annual event of Kynren, an award-winning outdoor theatre spectacular not to be missed! For scenic hikes and walks, venture into the North Pennines AONB, where you will find the stunning waterfalls of High Force and Low Force, Cauldron Snout, and the scenic point of Cross Fell which views of the Lake District at its top. For a taste of city life, take a day trip to Durham, home to an impressive cathedral, the National Trust – Crook Hall Gardens, Durham Castle, and the Michelin Star restaurant of Finbarr’s. Experience the Yorkshire Dales like never before with a stay at The Old Smithy.
Barnard Castle lies in the Teesdale countryside in beautiful County Durham, with easy access to the A67 taking you to the nearby North Pennines aonb, Yorkshire Dales and even the Lake District. The River Tees also runs through the town which is home to quaint streets, cobbles and back lanes, with shops, pubs and local businesses to discover. Find all you need here and more, with lots of nearby open spaces for walking and interesting attractions including the castle itself and The Bowes Museum.
Accommodation
Over three floors.
Four bedrooms: 1 x double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC, 2 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room.
Lower-ground-floor games room
Gas central heating.
Electric oven, gas hob, microwave, fridge/freezer.
TV, WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Off-road parking for 1 car.
Two well behaved dogs welcome, with a third welcome on request.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop and pub 0.1 milePlease note: This property only accepts Saturday check ins, if you
would like to request another day to check in please contact Sykes Cottages - 01244 345700
Nearby points of interest
- Barnard Castle
- Bowes Museum
Reviews (15)
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Kelvin
Lovely town with all shops you could need and the Castle. Plenty of room in the house and the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms very nicely decorated. Pool table in the basement kept the kids and adults amused in the evenings (take some 50p's with you).
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Emily
Very similar to many properties in the area with no outdoor sitting area and compact living. But we knew that when we booked and I guess it depends on what you're used to! Beds on the small side, but mattresses very comfy. Well equipped, light and airy kitchen. Good powerful showers but towels on the small side. Limited extras provided e.g. tea/coffee and toilet paper but luckily Morrisons is on the doorstep for all the essentials.
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Penny
Convenient for the local amenities. Beautiful old property. Bit disappointed that quite a few items were dirty in the kitchen - baking trays, pans and glasses and worktop hadnât been wiped down properly. A pint of milk and some soap mightâve been nice since we arrived late Saturday after a long drive. Lots of chipped and broken items too.