Pigswood Cottage

Located in the village of Esh, just five miles north-west of the historic city of Durham, Pigswood Cottage is a contemporary retreat which is perfect for escapes spent exploring the area. With the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle nearby, Beamish Living Museum a 20-minute drive away and countless bridleways and cycle paths accessible from the cottage, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see and do. The rural surroundings and elegant yet inviting interiors of Pigswood Cottage make it the ideal base for holidays filled with illuminating days spent exploring and relaxed evenings spent in comfort.

Enter the semi-detached stone cottage into the hallway where a door to the left leads through to the open-plan living space. Warm and welcoming, admiral-blue velvet sofas are scattered with patterned cushions and wool throws and gather around a log burner in an inglenook fireplace. Geometric partition shelves define this area from the dining space next door, where a large wooden table is accompanied by four chairs and bench seating built beside the characterful exposed stone wall. A bright and airy place to enjoy your meals, patio doors lead out to the garden and fill the room with natural light.

The kitchen lies at the rear of the cottage and is beautifully designed with marble worktops, patterned tiles and grey cabinets. A high bar table is joined by two chairs and is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee. More doors lead out into the garden, where a large circular table and chairs on the flagstone patio allow you to dine al fresco on summer evenings. At the end of the garden, a pergola is adorned with fairy lights and shelters more seating and a coffee table – perfect for enjoying a cocktail or simply savouring a little peace and quiet amidst the pastoral scenery.

The master bedroom is situated upstairs and features a double bed with crisp bed linen and handy reading lights above. The bathroom lies beyond a sliding door and is home to a freestanding rolltop bath and a separate shower. Calming and minimalist, it’s the ideal space for relaxing after a long country walk. A desk and chair create a study nook on the spacious landing which also lends itself perfectly to laying out a mat to practice some yoga.

In addition to all the wonderful attractions you’ll have on hand when staying at Pigswood Cottage, the area is also home to several well-regarded farm shops and a charming local pub which lies within walking distance. Nearby Durham boasts several excellent restaurants and cafés, particularly for an indulgent brunch, and with so many museums, historic houses – such as Ushaw, which is just a few minutes away – and rural walks within easy reach, you’ll have endless ways to fill your stay.