The Coach House at Scargill Lodge

A holiday cottage for two is often a cosy little bolthole — but that’s not the case with The Coach House at Scargill Lodge. This converted former coach house near Barnard Castle in County Durham is bright, light, and modern, with proportions that are as generous as you’re ever likely to find in a holiday cottage built for two. And, as all the accommodation is on the ground floor, it is accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility issues too.

Polished concrete floors, steel girders and on-trend prints and paintwork give this place a modern feel that is surprising given the traditional look of its stone-walled exterior, but somehow not at odds with it. Countryside prints, plants and the natural textures of wood and leather all add warmth to the sitting area, which is part of the open-plan living space. There’s more colour and an alternative but complementary style around the six-seater dining table which is separated from a properly proportioned kitchen by a breakfast bar with a further six stools. All this space helps make The Coach House feel luxurious for two but also makes it suitable as a space to entertain. To that end, there’s a two-bedroom cottage next door, The Bothy, which sleeps up to four and can be rented together with The Coach House for larger families or groups for a total of up to 6 guests.

The kitchen, all mod cons and teal walls, is one you’ll probably want at home. There’s an induction hob, a Smeg fridge-freezer, a Nespresso coffee machine and a wine fridge too. The bedroom is also roomy and stylish with a super-king-size bed, a writing desk, dressing table and plenty of storage space. By now it’ll probably come as no surprise that the clean and modern en-suite bathroom has both a free-standing bath and walk-in rainfall shower.

Private outside space is limited to a pergola covered courtyard with outdoor seating and a barbecue, but head through the garden gate and you are out into the countryside with moorland in one direction and the River Greta in the other. The cottage is situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park so there’s plenty more walking and cycling there and the pretty market town of Barnard Castle is just six miles away.