Otters Holt, Winston

Weve just returned from the most wonderful stay at Otters Holt at Allwent Hall Farm, and we genuinely couldnt have asked for more. It was peaceful, cosy and comfortable, with beautiful views, and incredibly dogfriendly. Our two little chihuahuas loved it just as much as we did! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcome. Mary greeted us when we got there, and Mary and Stephen had thought of so many lovely little touches. There were blankets and bowls waiting for the dogs, milk in the fridge, teas, coffees and sugar, and even a couple of bottles of prosecco for us to enjoy. Theyd also lit the logburning hot tub before our arrival, so it was already lovely and warm and ready for us to get in. Sitting in the hot tub with a glass of prosecco, surrounded by the peace and those views, was just perfect. The cottage itself was gorgeous. Warm, cosy and snuggly, with really comfortable sofas, a lovely kingsized bed and a fantastic hot, powerful shower. Theres central heating as well as a logburnerstyle fire, so we were never cold. Theres also a little veranda where you can sit outside with a morning coffee and take everything in. For anyone travelling with dogs, we honestly couldnt believe how dogfriendly both Otters Holt and the whole area were. Theres a securely fenced field next to the cottage and Mary told us we were welcome to let the dogs have a run around in there. We visited several local attractions during our stay and found everywhere incredibly welcoming to dogs. The guide provided in the cottage was one of the best weve seen. It was so thorough, with recommendations for pubs, restaurants, attractions and dogfriendly places, including telephone numbers and postcodes, as well as information about the surrounding area and the fascinating history of Allwent Hall Farm. It made exploring somewhere new so easy. The farm itself is beautiful and full of character. Its a working farm with different breeds of goats and sheep, as well as Shetland ponies and horses, but it certainly isnt the sort of farm where youre greeted by unpleasant smells! Its simply a lovely setting and adds to the whole experience. Theres also private parking with room for two cars, and everything about our stay was just easy. We even received a phone call before we arrived to let us know that the cottage was ready and we were welcome to check in earlier if we wanted to, which was another really thoughtful touch. Mary and Stephen were perfect hosts. They were welcoming and helpful without being intrusive, and it really felt as though theyd thought of everything their guests might need. We loved it so much that we were already looking at coming back for Christmas, only to discover it was fully booked, which probably says it all! We had a fabulous time and there genuinely wasnt anything more we could have wanted. A very easy 5 out of 5 from us. We will absolutely be returning to Otters Holt, and I think our little chihuahuas will be

Our stay at Otters Holt was everything we hoped it would be and more. Mary and Stephen were extremely friendly and informative and nothing was too much trouble. The accomodation was clean and well equipped and we immediately felt at home. The parking was spacious and close by. We would love to return at a future date.

The place was awesome, so peaceful and nice to have farm animals round about you. It has everything you need for a chilled out break, cant wait to get back again.

Had a lovely stay. All the small touches made this place great. Thank you for the lovely stay.

We had a lovely time. The cabin was perfect, and the log fired hot tub was lovely. The views across the field were lovely, we enjoyed watching a Kestrel out over the field. We didnt manage to see the Otters down and the river but we only wandered down there once. There is a cute little owl that sits on the cabins at times. We spotted it once, we named it Alwyn the Owl! There was everything we needed in the cabin. The information file was great. Mary and Steven were lovely, Mary came and explained some bits about the cabin and hot tub when we arrived which was helpful, we then had her number in case we needed anything else. Considering it is a working farm, it was peaceful will very little noise from the farm animals, and no offensive smells. It is a walk into Staindrop, or a 20 minute bus ride into Bernard Castle. The bus stop is right out side the farm, but be careful as it isnt sign posted we just found this by searching online. We absolutely couldnt fault our stay. 5 plus for cabin, surrounding and owners.

What a great place! Nestled into the field, it was peaceful, secluded and just what we needed. Stephen, the owner, was extremely helpful, lighting the hot tub prior to our arrival. There was a quiet walk down by the beck, past a disused mill race, to the mill and ford. The chalet was small but perfectly formed with everything you needed, anywhere bigger would have seemed extravagant for the two of us. Would definitely recommend.

A lovely stay from start to end, So clean and bright, a perfect blend. With views that stretched both far and wide, A peaceful place to rest inside. The hot tub hummed, pure delight, A cosy soak each peaceful night. A little escape, a perfect day We wished we never had to go away. Thank you to our hosts who never fail to make us feel welcome.

Beyond fantastic! Thank you for a wonderful stay, it has now become our happy place! Highly recommend staying

We really enjoyed our stay at Otter's Holt, it was truly beautiful and magical, as my partner, me and our dog stayed for Christmas. Mary and Steven made everything look so lovely for us and it was a pleasure. We will definitely be staying again soon, thankyou again, Amanda, Scott and Cooper

We stayed at Otters Holt between Christmas and NY, with our dog. We had the best time. Steven had the hot tub ready for our arrival. Everything we needed for bringing our dog, and some fizz and biscuits for us! The cabins are amazing, they still look brand new. Mary and Steven are the best hosts! We can't wait to come back.

Wonderful, the accomodation was perfect, so clean, warm and inviting. We had everything we needed for a great weekend. The attention to detail was grand, the place is set out to offer so much space and comfort. The hot tub was perfect and so relaxing, it was great to relax and enjoy the utter peace and quiet. Steven was lovely, so helpful and very generous, started the hot tub off before we arrived which is always a nice gesture. Really happy with how our weekend went and would recommend this place 100

Lovely stay, very helpful friendly owners and great escape with our dog from the madness of fireworks at home. Also enjoyed exploring Teesdale. We hope to return Otters Holt is very cosy and fully equipped for a comfortable stay.

Steven & Mary were very helpful host's. Steven had the hot tub ready for our arrival. Otters Holt was very comfortable, cosy and had all that we needed for our stay. It was an ideal location to allow us explore the local villages Staindrop & Winston , following local walks, and places further afield, Barnard Castle, Durham, Darlington, High Force Water fall Recommend a stay here and we hope to back sometime in the future. Emma & Douglas.

Best place ever and lovely owners

What a lovely place, peace and quiet with great hosts. Great position for visit some fantastic places nearby. Would definitely be looking to organise a trip back.

Helpful and welcoming hosts. Thank you Steven and Mary, we had a lovely time unwinding. Very peaceful and yet plenty to do nearby.

This is by far my favourite place to stay. We booked all 3 lodges. Each one to a high standard as always. Steve and Mary are so wonderful and helpful. Its tranquil and so relaxing. A good place to be for many places to visit without all the hustle and bustle. Its not my first time here and it wont be my last. You wont be disappointed.

Lovely private little hideaway x

I visited in August for a few days of quiet so I could relax and write. This place is perfect attentive and kind hosts, quiet location and nearby by car to lots of great things to explore. I brought my dog with me and he had a fantastic time. Highly recommended and Im looking forward to returning!

Excellent holiday highly recommended, Steve , Mary made us and our dogs Molly , Nancy very welcoming. Clean comfortable hot tub amazing and very relaxing holiday thank you so much we definitely, be back .

Our 3rd visit to these fabulous lodges. There are 3 lodges set in a very private, peaceful location. The lodges are really well equipped, lovely shower room, large bed, wood fired hot tub. The hosts Steven and Mary are extremely helpful and such a nice couple, nothing is too much trouble. We will definitely be back.

Otters Holt was very nicely presented, clean, comfortable and very peaceful. We had a very enjoyable few days there and Steven and Mary were great hosts.

Superb location, very quiet and peaceful, hot tub was a bonus. Everything we needed was there. Steven and Mary were fantastic hosts both helpful and friendly.

Mary and Steven were incredible and the cabin itself was better than we could have ever imagined! We will definitely be returning!

Would highly recommend anyone to stay at the Otters Holt, very friendly owners and extremely helpful in showing us around to ensure we knew how to operate all equipment. Even had some milk, biscuits, and fizz left for us, will definitely be booking a return visit very soon.

Otters Holt is the most wonderful place to stay, it is on the grounds of a working farm, but set out so well, the owners Mary and Steve were so welcoming, there is everything you need for your stay, it is a must to stay I am recommending it to all my friends and we will definitely be back.

What a fantastic lodge, everything you need and more, the hosts are on hand if you need anything and are a lovely couple. Highly recommend and we will be back x

Another lovely stay at Otters Holt, this time for a week. Thanks again to Mary and Steven for being such great hosts they couldnt do any more to make their guests feel so welcome and enjoy their holiday. Cant wait to be back!

Great cabin for the New Year. A lovely location and good area to have a break, lots of local sites to see and then of course relax. Hot Tub lovely.

This was our second stay at Otters Holt and we loved it just as much as the first time. It was our intention to just stay put and chill and thats exactly what we did. The lodge was lovely and cosy and the hot tub just added to the complete relaxation we were looking for. We had a lovely welcome and farewell from the owners too.

Everything was as promised, complimentary goodies were a nice touch, so quiet and peaceful and special thanks from EVA the dog for the comfy blankets. Returning in the summer, thanks to Mary and Stephen

Great place to stay! Quite, private and all out relaxing. We've stayed in a lot of different types of cabins and locations and think this one was probably the best! Great host welcoming, with a fantastic hot tub set up ready when we arrived. We've already said we'll be back.

Weve just returned from a fantastic stay, the cabin had everything you would ... Weve just returned from a fantastic stay, the cabin had everything you would need, was spotless and extremely comfortable the hosts were fab , seriously the most relaxing fabulous break weve had cannot rate it high enough , we will be returning for sure x

We absolutely loved every moment. The hosts were so welcoming and friendly, the freebies and welcome treats were really thoughtful. The hot tub was new to us, but the host took the time to show us how to best use and was always available for any questions. The cabin was so clean and cosy, the wood burner was in use almost every night and really makes the whole thing a wonderful and private experience to relax and enjoy the space and quiet. Our dog loved it too! We will definitly be back!

Seconding the other reviews that this is a lovely spot and well hosted. We chose it for the location and the treat of the hot tub. With mixed weather for the week we did a mix of walking and visiting the sights. There is lots to do within a 10 minute drive and we took a longer drive out to Cumbria for a day. The lack of oven means that cooking facilities are limited for a longer stay, but there are lots of options for eating out nearby and pasta and rice dishes are easy to cook on the hobs. We have an anxious dog and she didn't bark from within the lodge, it was so quiet, even with other people staying and it being a working farm. Outside the lodge was also very quiet. Thank you for a wonderfully relaxing break.

We had a lovely holiday, upon arrival we were greeted by Stephen, and he showed us around, it was peaceful and relaxing, would definitely stay thier again.

Just stayed 4 nights at otters holt and it was better than we expected hot tub was ready on arrival the owners steven and Mary had called us before our arrival to tell us it would be and what to do before getting in it , log cabin was clean and well set out with everything you need for your stay bed was comfortable shower and toilet were lovely and clean , the way the cabins are situated means you've got maximum privacy the owners were there if you needed anything or info and were very pleasant lovely walks around the farm and plenty to see and do within a half hour drive views from the cabin were lovely no road noise at all day or night all in all very relaxing break will be booking again .

On arrival we was greeted by the lovely Mary who showed us round the lodge which was impeccable and the hot tub which Steven had already contacted us to see if we would like it fired up and ready for arrival. Great customer service even before arrival. The lodge was warm and cosyand fully equipped with everything we needed for the weekend. As well as some welcome bubbles and biscuits for us to enjoy. Even Bowser had a welcome bag which made his tail wag! The farm has great walks for the dog as well as the enclosed field so he could have off lead time. If your looking for a relaxing, quite, romantic place to stay then this is the perfect place to stay. It also has some great places to visit locally if your looking for days out to. We will definitely be returning as soon as we can.