Guests say
Bilberry Nook Cottage is highly praised for its idyllic location, cleanliness, and comfort. Guests enjoy the wildlife, river views, and the hot tub, with many finding it a peaceful retreat. The owners are commended for their friendliness and helpfulness. While there are minor concerns about parking and garden safety, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it a desirable getaway.
The cottage receives high marks for cleanliness, with most guests finding it immaculate. There is, however, a single mention of cobwebs which slightly impacts the score.
The location is consistently lauded for its beauty and tranquillity, with the river and wildlife being particular highlights. The proximity to walking trails and local villages adds to its charm.
Comfort is well-regarded, with the cottage described as cosy, warm, and well-equipped. A few guests noted the bed size and an electric heater as minor drawbacks.
Facilities are generally praised, especially the hot tub. However, there are comments about the need for maintenance, such as the shower pressure and garden lighting, which suggest room for improvement.
While several reviews mention gifts and a warm welcome, including dog treats and a chocolate cake, there is not enough consistent detail across the reviews to score this category accurately. It should be noted that such gestures, while appreciated, are not guaranteed.
About this property
A delightful, semi-detached, stone-built cottage, set behind the owners home next to the River Wear in the Weardale village of Westgate, in County Durham. This attractive Westgate cottage is the perfect setting for a family holiday, with plenty to see and do in the area. This wonderful holiday home in Westgate has been tastefully decorated by the owners with great attention to style and detail. It comprises a spacious sitting room with a dining area, warming woodburning stove and bi-folding doors to the patio area. Completing the accommodation at this Westgate cottage, is a bright and airy kitchen, two pretty first floor bedrooms, and a bathroom.
After a day exploring the beautiful neighbouring countryside, this cosy, welcoming Westgate cottage will be waiting for you to return. Take a seat on the rear patio,relax in the hot tub, pour a long cold drink, and soak up the unique sounds of the River Wear as is gurgles past on its journey to the coast, or, on chillier days, stoke the woodburning stove and curl up on the sofa for a cosy night in. The area surrounding this charming cottage in Westgate is perfect for walking, birdwatching, cycling and touring. This splendid Westgate holiday home is well-positioned for trips to the Northern Lakes, historical Hexham, Hadrian's Wall and Durham city, with its magnificent cathedral.
Take a trip further afield and visit Newcastle and the Metro Centre, Bowes Museum, Beamish Open Air Museum, and the magnificent Heritage Coast. A wonderful County Durham cottage, with plenty of character, perfect for discovering the numerous delights of this splendid area.
Westgate is a small village in Weardale, popular for walking and cycling. Westgate once marked the boundary of Stanhope Park, the scene of many grand, historical, hunting expeditions. Nearby is Slit Wood, a site of Special Scientific Interest, with interesting footpaths and delightful waterfalls. Westgate is set in rural countryside and is home to a pub, whilst further amenities can be found in the village of Stanhope, five miles away.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in electric shower, basin and WC.
Ground floor basin and WC.
Kitchen.
Dining area and woodburning stove.
Oil central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, dishwasher, TV with Freeview, DVD, CD/radio, WiFi, selection of books, games and DVDs.
Oil and power included in rent.
Fuel for stove available to purchase locally.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Cot and highchair on request.
Off road parking for 2 small cars.
Roadside parking for larger cars 50 yards from property.
Lockable bike storage.
Front lawned garden.
Side patio with furniture.
Private hot tub.Two well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 2 miles, pub 5 mins walk.
Note: The closest pub to the property in Westgate is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
There is a dog-friendly pub approximately 2 miles away from the property open 7 days a week.
Note: River outside cottage is unfenced, children to be supervised.
Note: Open tread stairs to first floor.
Note: Access to the river is by steep stone steps, may not be suitable for the less mobile.
Reviews (69)
-
Lonnie
It was so relaxing and peaceful and we thoroughly enjoyed getting away from the usual hectic festivities.When we arrived the cottage was warm comfortable and much more spacious than we expected. There was a xmas tree and even xmas presents and a card, nice touch. It was dark and cold so we lit the fire and just settled in. The next morning in the light of day we got our first proper view of the amazing garden and beautiful surroundings! The weather was kind to us for December so we spent the week going for walks in the stunning countryside of Weardale. Afternoons relaxing in the hot tub and watching all the wildlife in the garden we spotted at least 17 different varieties of bird in the garden and on the river including heron, woodpecker and not forgetting the resident peacock and 2 pea hens that came at dusk every evening to be fed! We cooked most evenings (including xmas dinner) in the very well equipped kitchen. Slept very soundly as it was so dark and quiet! Jo was a lovely owner, helpful and friendly, she was also the artist behind all the wildlife pictures in the cottage that are for sale. We bought one as a xmas present for ourselves. All in all the perfect place to get away from it all reset and recharge. We would love to return in the summer and spend more time in the garden in the longer days also stargaze in the very dark night sky.
-
Cath
It was cold when we got there and took some time to warm up , luckily we had taken logs etc for the fire . The main bedroom radiator didnât work and there was an electric heater for us to use which to be honest wasnât that warm . The shower was also very slow and warm not hot - The hot tub was perfect only issue there was it was so dark to get to it , the solar lights were not that powerful and the walk from the house to the hot tub was down some stairs which were not lit by the lights so tricky to get down - The cottage was much warmer the following day and it was lovely having the Christmas tree up - I can imagine in warmer months the garden with the river view is beautiful
-
Andy
We have already booked again for 2025 which says everything really.