Guests say
Bankwell Cottage receives high praise for its comfort, cleanliness, and location, with guests enjoying the well-equipped facilities and the thoughtful touches provided by the attentive owners. The property's proximity to local attractions and the charm of passing steam trains add to the delightful experience. The secure garden is appreciated by dog owners, and the cottage's homely feel makes it a popular choice for a relaxing getaway.
Guests consistently note the property's cleanliness, describing it as spotless and very clean. The attention to detail in maintaining a tidy environment contributes to the overall positive experience.
The cottage's location is frequently highlighted as ideal, with easy access to Newcastle, Durham, beaches, and countryside walks. The proximity to local attractions like Beamish Museum and the Causey Arch enhances its appeal.
Comfort is a standout feature, with guests finding the beds cosy and the property spacious. The warm and homely atmosphere is mentioned, suggesting a very comfortable stay.
Facilities are well-regarded, with the property being well-equipped for guests' needs. However, minor suggestions for additional items like serving spoons and larger saucepans indicate slight room for improvement.
The owners' thoughtfulness is evident through mentions of welcome packs and gifts, although it's noted that such gestures are a bonus and not guaranteed. The provision of dog treats and the consideration for guests' comfort are well-received.
About this property
Sunniside 1.4 miles. This large, detached bungalow is surrounded by countryside and sits alongside the Tanfield Railway line, a restored heritage railway dating back to 1725, in the small village of Causey near Sunniside in County Durham. Bankwell Cottage is an all-ground-floor property, situated in a countryside setting, ideal for a family or group of six guests wanting to explore the north east, with the centre of Newcastle just 7 miles away and the coastline accessible within a 30-minute drive. The property is accessed via a private driveway, just off the A6076, which runs from Stanley, County Durham towards Gateshead and Newcastle, and offers ample off-road parking for up to four cars, as well as a seating area at the front of the property. Step inside to find a cosy but spacious sitting room with a charming fireplace housing a woodburning stove, two sofas to relax on in front of the TV and a large window, boasting countryside and heritage line views. The bright and airy kitchen/diner has tiled flooring, neutral decor, a dining table that can comfortably seat the entire group, ideal for enjoying home-cooked meals together, and a well-equipped kitchen, alongside a utility room, housing all of the appliances you could wish for, including an American-style fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric oven, washing machine and tumble dryer. There are three immaculately styled bedrooms to choose from; a king-size, a double and a twin room, each with ample storage and offering pretty countryside views, alongside a family bathroom with shower over bath and a newly-fitted shower room, so you won't need to fight for the bathroom in the mornings. Outside there is an enclosed rear garden with a spacious lawn, ideal for pets to run freely, as well as a decking area with outdoor furniture and a barbecue, perfect for taking advantage of the good weather and dining outdoors. The village pub is less than 5 minutes walk away, with the neighbouring hotel also open to non-residents. A little further along the road is a well known gastro pub adjacent to a classic car centre. Also near at hand is the South Causey Inn, the most popular venue in the north east for weddings, and being in a rural location all of these venues offer outdoor seating areas. The Tanfield Railway line runs alongside the property, and is extremely popular with steam-enthusiasts and offers some lovely walks. The village of Sunniside has a small selection of shops, pubs and eateries to choose from, if you don't feel like cooking one night, while Beamish is around four miles away and is known for its Living Musuem of the North, as well as a selection of golf courses and Beamish Wild Adventure Park, an adrenaline-filled family day out with adventure trails, zip wires and a high ropes course. The neighbouring town of Gateshead is home to the iconic Angel of the North statue, the Baltic Arts centre and the Sage venue. Just across the river is the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, with its heritage centre, art galleries, shopping and dining facilities, Newcastle can be accessed from Gateshead via a scenic walk over the pedestrianised Millennium Bridge, with its 12th century castle, museums, art galleries and fantastic shopping, nightlife and dining out facilities.There is a regular bus service from Causey into Newcastle / Gateshead. Should you wish to enjoy a day at the seaside the coastline offers a host of beaches with traditional resorts such as South Shields, Seaburn, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay, accessible within a 30-minute drive, or via the Metro system from Gateshead / Newcastle. Other attractions within an hours drive include the beautiful Cathedral city of Durham, Hadrian’s Wall, North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the great open beaches and castles of Northumberland. Bankwell Cottage is a fantastic base for a holiday exploring the north east.
Sunniside is a small village in the metropolitan borough of Gateshead, just six miles from Newcastle upon Tyne. Close to the Tanfield Railway, a restored heritage railway which dates back to 1725 and is popular with trainspotters. There are severl parks and woodlands close by for an enjoyable stroll, as well as a golf course and a good selection of shops, pubs and eateries. The village of Beamish is just four miles away, known for its Living Musuem of the North, while the iconic Angel of the North statue is also within easy reach. The town of Gateshead, on the banks of the River Tyne, directly opposite the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, both offer excellent shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities, as well as a host of attractions and you can travel between the two via the picturesque and pedestrianised Millennium Bridge.
Accommodation
All-ground-floor.
Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size, 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with shower over bath, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Utility.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil fired central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric hob and oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, fridge, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, TV and WiFi.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Travel cot and highchair available.
Off-road parking for 4 cars.
Rear, enclosed garden with lawn, decking, barbecue and seating.
Seating at the front of the property.
Two well-behaved pets welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 1.3 miles, pub 0.2 miles.
Note: Check-in time is 4pm
Reviews (70)
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Jackie
Other than that it's a great place to stay. Great if you have dogs as they can not get out and ours loved being able to just run out when ever they wished to do so without us worrying about them. Tesco's just down the road easy to get to, 4 mins in car. Easy to get to Beamish and a ticket gets you in as many times as you wish for a year. We went 3 times as it is getting bigger with so much to see and do. Would say, if you want a relaxing or exploring holiday you will get it here as there are walks from here also Newcastle Castle, Newcastle it's self is a nice day out and a trip to Whitley Bay is well worth it.
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John
The property is lovely we've been 3 times & enjoyed it every time looking forward to going again they are a lovely couple & nothing is to much trouble best one we've been too home from home
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Adrian
Nice outside space too which we enjoyed daily as the weather was better than predicted, and there are some pleasant countryside walks from the house. The Causey Arch country park is well worth a stroll and its Poppy Coffee Pot cafe did a fine lunch. The cottage is also a great base for touring the region; for example Beamish open-air museum is only 3 miles or so away and Alnwick castle and gardens barely an hour. Corbridge, Hexham and Hadrians Wall also within easy reach. Would highly recommend a break at Bankwell Cottage, and hope to be back there ourselves sooner or later.