Bedrooms 1	Pets - NO		Wi-Fi
Bath/shower rooms 1	Tariff group W		Yes

Featured in Living North magazine

Half a mile down a small woodland track, this unusual stone mill renovation will suit nature lovers and style lovers alike. A real rustic bolthole, its tranquil woodland setting means that guests might sit in the conservatory and watch a deer in the woods or a red kite flying above and it is only half a mile from the famous Derwent Walk which takes ramblers the length of the valley. Internally the renovation has been completed with attention to detail to the highest standards by the owners who live in the neighbouring property - although please note that guests are assured of complete privacy and independance with their own private outdoor space and the property is some distance from the main house.

Awarded a 5 star prestigious GOLD award by VisitBritain

Accommodation

You enter through a glazed sitting area into a spacious open-plan living/dining and kitchen. Oak flooring runs the length of the ground floor accommodation. The styling, perhaps best decribed as a sort of 'comfortable chic', has muted rustic tones characterising the living area, with a log burning stove with slate tiled hearth and back and classically styled sofas. The painted kitchen has been handmade and boasts a large ceramic butler style sink, fitted ceramic hob, oven and dishwasher, freestanding fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. There is a dining table to seat up to 4 with Seagrass chairs .

The staircase leads up to the bedroom area with dual aspect windows, white painted furniture, bespoke wardrobes fitted to the eaves, painted in subtle tones and a grand feature king-sized bed.

A contemporary style bathroom leads off the bedroom with a large double-ended bath and free-standing shower cubicle.

Double doors from the conservatory to a patio with outdoor furniture and barbecue, gravelled and planted area and cobbled parking space.

Special Features and Feel of this Property

• Breathtakingly peaceful woodland setting
• Beautiful recently renovated interior
• Old timbers and exposed original stonework
• Log burning stove on slate hearth 
• Hand-made,hand-painted kitchen
• Light contemporary styling using Farrow and Ball paint colours
• Sofa bed or cot available for small child
• Courtyard-style garden with patio
• Private parking for 1 car 
• Woodland walks from the door
• Newcastle - 25 minutes, Metro Centre - 15 minutes, Durham 35 minutes
• Private spring water supply
• For the comfort of all guests, this is a non-smoking, pet-free cottage
• Chosen location for interiors feature Living North May 2010 and for fashion shoot January 2011 - featured in Luxe magazine Pages 32-38 http://www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/archive/2011/LXissue8/pageflip.html

• Listed in The Lost Mills: A History of Papermaking in County Durham

• Winter time

  The Old Paper Mill is 1/2 mile down a woodland track so access can be tricky in very snowy weather, unless you have a 4 wheel drive or are happy to park up and walk the rest of the way. Bad weather doesn't hit that often but please bear in mind if booking during the winter months.

  Luxe Fashion shoot January 2011

Children at The Old Paper Mill

Children are made welcome but there are no specific facilities for them. A travel cot (please bring your own bedding) and highchair are available on request. A sofa bed can be made up for an older child in the bedroom

What you will find at The Old Paper Mill

• Flat screen tv/dvd player (22" not huge cinema screen!)
• Tv/dvd in bedroom (26")
• Central heating and log burner
• Cd/ipod docking station(additional ipod dock in bedroom) 
• Cd's and Dvd's
• Full central heating and double glazing
• Washer/dryer, iron and ironing board
• Fully equipped kitchen including freestanding fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, cafetiere,hand blender 
• Double-ended bath and separate shower cubicle 
• Outdoor dining furniture and bbq
• Welcome tea tray with cake and complimentary bottle of wine
• All linen, towels,hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
• Supplies to get you started of tea, coffee, sugar, loo roll, dishwasher tablets, cleaning products etc.
• For those with bikes, storage can be arranged in the owner's outbuildings on request
• Phone and Wi-fi -Please note that there is no telephone at The Old Paper Mill but a pay-as-you-go mobile is available for guests by prior arrangement. There is wi-fi, but in true country cottage style it can be a little intermittent. Fine for emails and doing a little bit of holiday research but you may not wish to plan on running your business empire from there- it is an unsecured network ! If using the internet via your laptop is absolutely essential, you may prefer to bring your dongle!

Country Retreats Candid Comments   ( giving you the only down sides we can think of about a property before you book!)

The access lane is a private woodland track - no tarmac here so if you are excessively precious about your car or you have a low slung vehicle you may wish to go very slowly or find another retreat!  However, no-one has complained so far. In very snowy weather, you may not be able to park at the cottage unless you have a 4 wheel drive car which makes access a lot easier!   The Old Paper Mill is detached, but the owner's house is about 50 m behind it and up a drive and you will see the owners drive past to their house and the occasional horse and tractor.  Washer dryer rather than a separate tumble dryer. No landline but there is unsecured Wi-fi.

Location and the surrounding area

Many are amazed that such wonderful and unspoilt countryside can be found so relatively close to the city. The Derwent Valley is well known to cyclists and walkers - the coast to coast cycle route, also known as the Derwent Walk,  passes within 1/2 mile of Paper Mill.

Put on your walking boots and go in search of the recently rediscovered stones of the Pont Burn Valley, surrounding The Old Paper Mill http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8395027.stm . There are numerous walks for all ages from the doorstep, but only 5 minutes' drive away is the Forestry Commission-managed Chopwell Woods with walking routes to suit all abilities and cycle trails colour coded like ski runs to enable visitors to plan their activities.

The valley has also recently become known for the latest release of Red Kites, which have made themselves at home in the area and have bred in the past couple of years. Red Kites can be seen circling The Old Paper Mill woodland on a regular basis. http://www.northernkites.org.uk/  Also see The Red Kite Trail .

Enjoy a visit to one of the North East's most loved National Trust properties, Gibside Hall and estate, only a couple of miles away. It's fascinating buildings, some still in ruins, some restored, and original walled garden which now supplies the on-site farm shop are dotted around the estate and there are walks for all abilities ( and many pushchair-friendly!) through the woods and parkland and riverside http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-gibside 

Also popular is Wheelbirk's Farm and Ice Cream Parlour, winner of the Silver Award in the North East Tourism Awards Taste of England category 2011, within a 15-minute drive. The coffee shop serves a good homemade lunch, fabulously indulgent ice cream made on site and the farm shop offers for sale local artwork, meat and other seasonal produce. Lots of open space, children's indoor and outdoor play areas and this farm has won awards for its attempts to diversify  http://www.wheelbirks.co.uk/home .

Another nearby Farm Shop and cafe at Knitsley Mill, Lanchester is 2011 Gold Award North east Tourism Award winner   http://www.knitsleyfarmshop.co.uk/farm_shop

The Old Paper Mill is close to the famous outdoor Beamish Museum, charting and illustrating the mining and social history of the area and is a must for visitors with an interest in history.  http://www.beamish.org.uk/Home.aspx . Very close to this is the beautiful Beamish Hall Hotel with, for the more daring amongst you, Beamish Wild, a ropes and high wire activity adventure course in the trees and the recently established Birds of Prey Centre. Finish the day with a trip to the onsite Stables Pub and Brewery for some great food and beer tasting! http://www.beamishwild.co.uk/  and http://www.beamish-hall.co.uk/Stables

In the same area, a must for foodies is the Black Horse Inn at Beamish, recently reopened after extensive renovation to high acclaim by local critics. Good food, wine, real beer and atmosphere in cart loads! http://www.blackhorsebeamish.co.uk/index.html

Also good for food and recommended by some of our guests is The Feathers at Hedley on the Hill, near Stocksfield along the Tyne Valley - well worth the 20 minute drive for relaxed but quality food in country pub surroundings http://www.thefeathers.net/index.php

To the west, the beautiful Tyne Valley offers more walking opportunities and the town of Hexham with its famous Abbey and antique shops are less than 30 minutes away. Other notable attractions nearby are Tanfield Railway (run by local enthusiasts), the historic Causey Arch viaduct and the beautiful City of Durham, a must-see for historians, architects and shoppers alike! http://www.durhamtourism.co.uk/home.html

Gateshead's Metro Centre  http://www.metrocentre.uk.com/  - shopping heaven or hell, depending on your viewpoint - is a mere 15 minutes by car and Newcastle http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/cityguideIndex.php  with its many shops, restaurants and famous quayside is within 10 miles. See our Area Information pages for further information

Winter time

The Old Paper Mill is 1/2 mile down a woodland track so access can be tricky in very snowy weather, unless you have a 4 wheel drive or are happy to park up and walk the rest of the way. Bad weather doesn't hit that often but please bear in mind if booking during the winter months.

  Our other properties in the Newcastle/Durham area

Recommendations

A couple seeking a quiet countryside haven with walks from the doorstep, but still within easy reach of Newcastle and Durham. Very close to Beamish Museum, Tanfield Railway & the Derwent Walk and even the famous

Metro Centre is only 15 minutes drive away if retail therapy is part of your holiday requirements! A great base for cyclists, walkers and nature lovers seeking a little luxury. Interesting and unusual photo shoot or film location.

Guest Comments (taken from the Visitor's Book and Holiday Evaluation forms)

'Very difficult to improve on something this good!'

'Fantastic Cottage! Beautifully decorated. A relaxed environment to chill out in....' Honeymooners

"The cottage lived up to our high expectations in every way. We had just the week we wanted...Hope to be back!"

"We loved it!. So tastefully furnished and decorated. Wish you could come and do our house!"

"What a wonderfully relaxing and beautiful place to spend our first wedding anniversary. Only wished we could have stayed longer!"

"A superbly comfortable, well equipped and delightfully situated oasis of peace......We'll be back!"

" Amazing-there is everything you need and more! I could happily move in!"

"the location is just brilliant!"

" 4 nights doesn't feel enough"

"beautifully appointed, 10/10"

"....it is evident how much Country Retreats cares about its customers"

"Excellent standard. Very comfortable and well-equipped. We loved the peace and quiet and lovely country walks from the doorstep"

" We have had a wonderful return visit. So pleased we came for a whole week this time! We even managed to see the deer as we were having our cup of tea in the conservatory!  Hope to return soon"

 " We arrived jet-lagged and world weary and left relaxed, refreshed and totally enamoured with Northumbria and The Old Paper Mill. Thank you. It was perfect"

"Imaginatively and beautifully presented - the best we have ever stayed in!

"Many thanks for our most enjoyable stay at the Old Paper Mill, we had a wonderful time and really appreciated the thought and care that  had gone into the property for the comfort of its guests. Oh that all holiday cottages could be like yours.

Floor Plan

Price Guide 2012

The Old Paper Mill £ sterling