Briar Barn in Ireshopeburn near St John's Chapel | Must-See County Durham Hot Tub Cottage

About Briar Barn

Briar Barn is a stunning 17th-century converted barn located in the North Pennines AONB near St John's Chapel. This three-bedroom retreat with private hot tub offers spectacular countryside views that will take your breath away the moment you arrive.

Set in the peaceful Durham Dales, this area is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. Walk across rolling hills or cycle through quiet country lanes. The North Pennines offers incredible stargazing opportunities thanks to its Dark Sky status. You'll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty at every turn.

The accommodation features three bedrooms sleeping up to six guests. The ground floor has a truckle bed while the first floor offers two double bedrooms - one with an en-suite. There's a ground-floor bathroom with bath and handheld shower. The kitchen comes fully equipped with electric oven, hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Relax in the living room with its 42-inch Smart TV and cosy woodburning stove.

Explore nearby attractions including High Force Waterfall (12 miles, 25 minutes), Killhope Lead Mining Museum (6 miles, 15 minutes), Hamsterley Forest (15 miles, 30 minutes) and Durham Cathedral (25 miles, 45 minutes).

Briar Barn is ideal for families or friends seeking a countryside escape. With its hot tub, gorgeous garden and stunning location, this property offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure.

Check Prices & Availability »

At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Oil fired central heating and woodburning stove
✓ Electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine
✓ 42 Inch Smart TV in the living room which includes free Disney and Netflix
✓ WiFi available
✓ Each bedroom also has TV with Freeview
✓ Travel cot available
✓ Fuel and power included in rent
✓ Bed linen, dressing gowns and towels included in rent
✓ Ample off-road parking
✓ Lawned garden
✓ Hot Tub
✓ Two well-behaved pets welcome
✓ Sorry, no smoking
✓ Shop and pub within 1.4 miles
✓ Please note; Hot tub will be available for use from 1st June 2020

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Briar Barn

Stunning Views

The panoramic countryside views are breathtaking. Many guests mention feeling instantly relaxed as soon as they step out of the car.

Immaculate Property

Consistently praised for being spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained. Everything is presented to an exceptional standard.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

The kitchen has everything you need for self-catering. Guests appreciate the dishwasher, full-sized appliances and thoughtful provisions.

Private Hot Tub

The outdoor hot tub is a favorite feature. Perfect for relaxing after a day exploring the North Pennines.

Beautiful Garden

The garden is even better than the pictures suggest. A peaceful space to enjoy the fresh country air.

Perfect Location

Ideally situated for exploring the North Pennines AONB with excellent walking routes directly from the property.

Getting To Briar Barn

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Briar Barn by car, take the A689 through Weardale and follow signs for St John's Chapel. The property is located 1.4 miles from the village and you'll have convenient off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those traveling by rail, the nearest station is Bishop Auckland, approximately 20 miles away from the accommodation. From there, you'll need to take a taxi or bus connection to complete your journey to St John's Chapel.

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles

Bishop Auckland station (20 miles)

Easily accessible from the A689

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

High Force Waterfall

Distance: 12 miles

DL12 0XH

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 6 miles

DL13 1AR

Hamsterley Forest

Distance: 15 miles

DL13 3NL

Weardale Way

Distance: 1.5 miles

DL13 1EJ

North Pennines AONB Trails

Distance: 0.5 miles

DL13 1EL

Burnhope Reservoir

Distance: 5 miles

DL13 1NT

Stanhope Market Town

Distance: 7 miles

DL13 2PF

St John's Chapel Village Store

Distance: 1.4 miles

DL13 1QF

Middleton-in-Teesdale Shops

Distance: 12 miles

DL12 0QG

Local Bus Service

Distance: 1.4 miles

DL13 1QF

Taxi Services from Bishop Auckland

Distance: 20 miles

DL14 7NJ

Cycle Hire in Stanhope

Distance: 7 miles

DL13 2PF

High Force Waterfall

Distance: 12 miles

DL12 0XH

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 6 miles

DL13 1AR

Hamsterley Forest

Distance: 15 miles

DL13 3NL

Weardale Way

Distance: 1.5 miles

DL13 1EJ

North Pennines AONB Trails

Distance: 0.5 miles

DL13 1EL

Burnhope Reservoir

Distance: 5 miles

DL13 1NT

Stanhope Market Town

Distance: 7 miles

DL13 2PF

St John's Chapel Village Store

Distance: 1.4 miles

DL13 1QF

Middleton-in-Teesdale Shops

Distance: 12 miles

DL12 0QG

Local Bus Service

Distance: 1.4 miles

DL13 1QF

Taxi Services from Bishop Auckland

Distance: 20 miles

DL14 7NJ

Cycle Hire in Stanhope

Distance: 7 miles

DL13 2PF

Is Briar Barn Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

Kids will love exploring the spacious garden at Briar Barn. The North Pennines offers family-friendly walking trails suitable for all ages. Nearby Hamsterley Forest (15 miles) has dedicated mountain bike trails, adventure play areas and wildlife spotting opportunities. Killhope Lead Mining Museum (6 miles) provides educational fun with its water wheel and underground mine tours.

For Couples

Briar Barn offers couples a peaceful retreat with its private hot tub and woodburning stove. The first-floor double bedroom with en-suite provides comfort and privacy. Enjoy stargazing under Dark Sky status skies or take romantic walks directly from your doorstep. The property's stunning views and tranquil setting make it perfect for couples seeking quality time together away from everyday life.

Pet Friendly

Briar Barn welcomes two well-behaved pets. The enclosed garden provides safe outdoor space for dogs to enjoy. The North Pennines AONB offers countless walking routes directly from your doorstep. Local pubs in St John's Chapel (1.4 miles) are dog-friendly. The property's ground floor layout is convenient for pet owners.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Briar Barn

The Blue Bell Inn

Located 1.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL13 1QF

Golden Lion Inn

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL13 2EX

Chatterbox Café

Located 7 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: DL13 2PF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Briar Barn

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes, Briar Barn features a private hot tub in the garden area. It's maintained to high standards and perfect for relaxing while enjoying the countryside views.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes, Briar Barn welcomes two well-behaved pets. The surrounding area offers plenty of walking routes that are perfect for dogs to explore.

How many people can stay at Briar Barn?

Briar Barn accommodates up to six guests across three bedrooms. There's one ground-floor truckle bed and two double bedrooms on the first floor.

What amenities are provided in the kitchen?

The kitchen is fully equipped with an electric oven and hob, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. All cooking utensils and tableware are provided for your stay.

Is there parking available?

Yes, Briar Barn offers off-road parking for multiple vehicles. The parking area is conveniently located right next to the property.

What's special about the location?

Briar Barn is located in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Dark Sky status. The property offers stunning views and is just 1.4 miles from St John's Chapel.

Are bed linens and towels provided?

Yes, all bed linens and towels are provided for your stay. Dressing gowns are also included for extra comfort during your holiday.

Is there Wi-Fi at the property?

Yes, Briar Barn has broadband/Wi-Fi available throughout the property. The living room also features a 42-inch Smart TV for entertainment.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Briar Barn Reviews

A lovely property, great views and everything you could need for a weeks stay. The hot tub was great. There is lots to do locally, this place is situated right in the hub of Weardale.

Beautiful place to stay in a fantastic area

We found watching the TV was to high on the wall,we all got neck ache, the pans they have are passed there sellby date, should be replaced, the bedrooms should have blackout blinds or eye masks in all the bedrooms as when the sun is rising your woken up very early. The house was lovely and clean and the views were fabulous, the hottub was just so perfect, plenty of walks on the doorstep if that's your thing, would go back again,

Lauren

We stayed here for a girls weekend away to celebrate our birthday's. We could not fault the place, beautifully decorated, stunning views and the hot tub shed was a lovely little feature, especially looking out onto the fields. We really enjoyed our stay and it was much more equipped than other places we have stayed, it had everything there you needed for the perfect getaway. Dog friendly too which is a bonus as I take my little Obi everywhere with me, he even had his own little towel provided and dog bowls, although I brought my own. 100 recommend!

Rebecca

We were thrilled with this place. It was clean, well equipped and absolutely stunning scenery. The quality of the things like bedding, small touches with decorations Easter themed were really welcomed. We spent the week here and we would definitely come back again. There was a dog cage and stair gate supplied which we hadnt realised and brought our own but we know for next time and hopefully someone finds that useful to save a bit of boot space. The location is amazing, such a clean and well kept area. Theres a circular walk round a reservoir five minutes in the car down the road. There were footpath signs all over and we did a few close to us. We went to Hexham which was about 30 mins away, lots of shops. We also booked a Tesco delivery for the first night to have the essentials delivered. The owners should be so proud of what they have achieved with the barn and if it was mine I would be retiring there!

Christopher

We loved our stay at Briar Barn. The area is great for walking amazing riverside walks and we had a great day on Cross Fell. The accommodation was perfect. Three double rooms, a great living space with beautiful views and a modern well appointed kitchen. For a family of four it was very spacious. It could take a larger groups. The hot tub was a bonus. We would definitely stay here again.

We have been renting cottages for the past 30 years and this is by far the best, situated in beautiful surroundings, modern and one of the cleanest we have ever stayed in ! !!! This is our second visit to this property and will be definitely returning.

Rachel

What an absolutely fantastic stay we had at Briar Barn. Easy to find and great communication from the owner prior to stay. On arrival easy instructions to enter property, clean and Beautiful with no expense spared on decor and in house a gorgeous enclosed garden with an added luxury of a hot tub in private adjacent barn. A gorgeous bottle of fizz in the fridge for our arrival. Luxuries throughout the whole house . Bedrooms and bathrooms furnished to exquisite standard . Handy folder of local pubs restaurants. Lovely walks close by too. We took all food and drinks and ate in nearby pub Golden Lion. Lovely enjoyable family stay thank you.

Danielle

The barn was absolutely beautiful. It was clean and well maintained with nearly everything you could need. The only small issue we found was that we were only supplied with 1 full and 2 half toilet rolls, which for 6 adults for 3 nights did not go very far. Also there was no plug near the tree this year to switch the lights on. But thats very minor as everything else was amazing!

Shelley

Absolutely stunning property, so much thought has gone into making it an amazing place to stay. The owners have thought of everything, we could not fault it. We will definitely be booking again. Thank you

Property was clean and tidy and did not disdain t from the pictures. As a base for exploring we found it great with the lovely pennine drives to some really quaint villages and towns. The hot ring with the window slats open lets you relax whilst taking in the fabulous views which was amazing. Will definitely be saving this property to our list of must visit again.

Elizabeth

Great place with fantastic views, very warm, comfortable and well equipped ... Great place with fantastic views, very warm, comfortable and well equipped Ideal location for walking the Pennine Way Would thoroughly recommend this property

Stephen

The cottage was amazing, great views and very comfortable. The hot tub was an added bonus. Great location for a quiet relaxing break. Great dog walks nearby.

Vanessa

We absolutely loved our stay at Briar Barn and have already booked to return next year! The views are stunning and there are lots of lovely places to explore in the area. We can't wait to come back next year! We would definitely recommend Briar Barn to family and friends.

Thomas

Leuk huisje , mooie omgeving . Bedden zijn top

Ashley

Lovely barn, clean and comfy with plenty of room for the 6 of us plus our 3 dogs. Equipped with everything you need for your start. Perfectly placed with plenty of walks a short walkdrive away, finishing the day off with a lovely dip in hot tub.

Lovely location, this is what we were after. Property itself, nice and clean, plenty of cutlery, possible could have done with some bigger pans caters for 6 plus baby maybe a pizza tray? Little things. 2 sets of stairs, well lit, but again, with toddlers, maybe an option of a stair gate? The slabstiles on the garden edging are coming loose, certainly a fall risk as they are in the area where you step onto the lawn. Great walks from the front door rspevially with our dogs and locals friendly. One word of caution....we tried to get DPD to make a delivery twice they failed in spectacular fashion stating the property does not show on their mapping systems. The houses nearby had deliveries by DPD! Oh, and TV feels a little too high on the wall, mainly due to the sofa having lost its firmness maybe a larger TV may alter the viewing angle?. Overall, we did enjoy the stay, the first week there was myself and my wife and our dogs, second week the family joined us. Made good use of the hottub which is in a standalone shedgarage, open the window shutters and the view is great.

Loved the location and view from the property and the abundance of wildlife around the barn was for us a real pleasure to see and hear. The barn was also beautifully decorated throughout and all facilities were of high quality.

Just got back from a week here celebrating my 60th birthday. We also had some our children and grandchildren staying along with 2 dogs. The barn is beautifully decorated and had been decorated for Easter too. We were left crme eggs for the adults and small Easter eggs for the kids. There was also a bottle of bubbly waiting for us in the fridge. The property is actually over 3 floors with the kitchen dining room in the basement level. Has a huge fridge freezer which is really essential. Lots of cutlery and crockery. We had every intention of using the log burner but the house was really warm with the central heating so we didnt bother. The views were amazing from the living room and also while sitting in the hot tub with the shutters open. Sheep and lambs in the surrounding fields.There are fabulous walks from the door or a short drive away. As others have said you do have to be careful exiting the property in the car due to the limited visibility from the current position of the entrance but I understand this is expected to be changed in the near future. The owners didnt bother us at all but did drop us a couple of messages by text. All in all one of the nicest properties we have rented and would very happily come here again. Thank you for a very memorable Easter and birthday xx

The property is absolutely beautiful with plenty of room for families and pets and the bedrooms have loads of room and the kitchen is massive and the bathroom downstairs has plenty of space. The view's from the property are stunning and the outside area is beautiful to sit outside. If I had to be niggly only two minor things We're the downstairs bedroom is very cold during early months but should be lovely in the summer and also needs blind's on the roof windows in there. And just be careful pulling out of the property need someone to watch you really or a mirror on the wall so you can see what traffic is coming from the right of the property. But really would highly recommend it to anyone with families and pets it's beautiful and hopefully will be going back there next year.

Thank you so much, we had a lovely holiday

Briar Barn was lovely. Location is great to access many places of interest in the North East. The views from the property are stunning with the hot tub being a perfect addition. Would definitely recommend and stay again. Thank you

Just spent a lovely relaxing 4 days at Briar Barn, the property is outstanding! Immaculately clean, everything you could wish for is provided though it did take us 10 minutes to find where the cutlery was lol. The view is to die for and the hot tub was the cherry on top, perfect. Can't recommend it highly enough and we shall definately be making return visits!

Michelle

We booked this property two years ago and couldnt wait to get here. The location was definitely worth the 7 hours to get there. Definitely had the wow factor when we entered the property. On going to the hot tub on the first night unfortunately due to lack of lighting I fell down the high step by the gate to get to the hot tub, then getting into the hot tub enclosure we couldnt find the light switch. Considering a day before we got there there was a text message with 11 do,s and dont,s I thought this would have been mentioned. The hot tub was excellent and we did make use of it. I do have back issues and as always staying in a rental, accommodation was abit wary but the bedmatress was so comfortable. The lack of kitchen trays etc made it difficult to make a meal, even if it was only two of us. The mats in the front room were dangerous as they kept rising and easy to trip over. We brought our own towels etc inc shower mat as I can only assume the shower would become extremely slippery. We do like, as Im sure a lot of your holiday makers do , want to clean up after ourselves and would probably appreciate a rechargeable hoover so it could be taken upstairs and downstairs as the one provided was very heavy considering the steepness of the stairs. Also coming out of the drive was abit dangerous could probably do with a mirror. We only hope this is constructive criticism rather than being negative.

Andrew

Great accommodation,high end finish. Any concerns in relation to repairs and hot tub hygiene need raising immediately with Sykes

Great set up. Extremely comfy beds. Very enjoyable stay log burn very nice and warm. Would recommend to others. Village pub only one open now only does food on Fridays so be aware and this, pies one week pizza the next. Hot tub chemicals were strong too strong really. Two keys would have been nice eg. if someone is inside sleeping you cannot lock key in lock box and secure the property.

Kirsty

Good location. Nice house. The Christmas tree was a nice touch

Superb cottage with everything you could need The view from the bedrooms on a winters morning are stunning

Had a fantastic time at briar Barn stayed in a couple of days to take time to relax, Hot tub is fantastic best one I've been in it's in a cabin all lit up it's amazing, The Barn is excellent was lovely and clean.

This is a beautiful property well maintained and in a wonderful location. We had a relaxing time using the hot tub and enjoying the view. Owners on hand via text if needed . Would reccomend a visit and we will be definitely be returning.

Charlotte

This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it ... This was the best place we have ever stayed, this place just everything about it has the WOW factor, the barn is so spacious and really well presented, the decor the grounds are kept beautiful

Richard

Nice barn in a rural setting clean well maintained had a wonderful time with family would definitely recommend. Enjoyed some good days out enjoyed the alpaca trekking just down the road

Stephen

Just back from our week at Briar Barn and overall we had a terrific week . First time we've been down Weardale way and it's just the kind of place we like. As for the property it was ideal for our needs barn was clean enough and pictures did it justice . Hot tub was used daily and was a lovely to use at the end of the day. Only downside is the stairs to upper bedrooms is steep and stairs down to kitchen which is really a cellar are extremely steep . Wouldn't be ideal for older people or people with mobility problems . Apart from that it's a lovely place .

Andrew

Absolutely ideal for a relaxing break couldnt of picked a better place.

Sandra

This was our 1st time at Briar Barn and we enjoyed our stay. Well appointed and spacious accommodation for 6 adults and we were given permission to take 3 dogs, for a small extra fee, all nonshedding, housetrained and well behaved. One 1st floor bedroom is ensuite, the other 1st floor bedroom shares the ground floor main bathroom with the ground floor bedroom, nicely fitted out except that there is nowhere to put toiletries, which means if you're upstairs in the bedroom without the ensuite, you have to remember to take all your things with you every time you want to batheshowerclean teeth, or put them on the floor in the corner of the bathroom, which isn't really ideal. We would also strongly advise taking an eye mask if visiting during the summer months, as the rooms are very bright.

Beautifully appointed and extremely well equipped. Garden was better than picture suggested as rather than a fence it was a wall which meant secure for my dog. Very relaxing and peaceful holiday with the bonus of a hot tub.

We had a lovely peaceful stay at briar barn the views and scenery were amazing . I was however a little disappointed with the cleanliness there was quite a lot of dust on banisters and the glass on both sets of stairs had finger prints on , also the patio doors were dirty inside and out , although this didnt effect our stay I do think this is something that should be done during the change over especially with such a stunning view out . The local pub in St Johns Chapel was also never open so if youre looking for somewhere for drinks and food dont rely on this being open . Ruth

Property was beautiful, clean and in a lovely location. The only thing I would say is that it lacked toilet roll and hand wash. It also could do with blackout blinds in the bedrooms. We were all awake very early as it's so light. I think one room didn't have any blinds at all. Apart from that it was idyllic and we had a lovely time.

Edward

Thank you for letting us stay in your amazing home. It felt very luxurious over the 3 levels with all the mod cons you could need. Beautiful place and fabulous scenery would highly recommend

Katherine

Beautiful well maintained cottage in an idyllic location. Will be retuning!

Leave a Review

Briar Barn, Ireshopeburn

About Briar Barn

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

What Guests Love

Stunning Views

Immaculate Property

Well-Equipped Kitchen

Private Hot Tub

Beautiful Garden

Perfect Location

Getting To Briar Barn

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is Briar Barn Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Blue Bell Inn

Golden Lion Inn

Chatterbox Café

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Briar Barn Reviews