Marwood House, Barnard Castle, Co Durham

Marwood House is set back from the main road with well stocked gardens to the front and rear. Trees and an access road separate it from the main Darlington/Bishop Auckland road leading out of town. The Castle and main shopping area are within a five minute walk.

Your hosts, John and Sheila Kilgarriff are former teachers who bought the property in 1991 and embarked on a series of improvements and upgrades, the results of which are a beautifully furnished and decorated interior and an exceptionally high standard of comfort, facilities and friendly service. Many original features of the old house have been retained and restored.

Attention to detail is a priority with many additional extras in the rooms such as home-made biscuits. Extensive breakfast menu including home-made preserves, guest lounge has a feature fireplace with a welcoming fire. Room enhanced by antique furniture and ornaments.

All rooms in the house have samples of Mrs Kilgarriff's embroidery and soft furnishing skills, which create a homely atmosphere. Parking facilities for cars, cycles and motor bikes.

Barnard Castle itself is a historic market town, with a wealth of craft and antique shops. Focal points of interest are the castle and the magnificent Bowes Museum, where Sheila is a volunteer guide.

The bedrooms have the benefit of either en-suite or private facilities. All rooms have colour TV with satellite and video channels, tea and coffee making equipment, clock radios, central heating and double glazing. Attention to detail is a priority with many additional "extras" such as homemade biscuits in the bedrooms etc.

Both John and Sheila love cooking and this is reflected in the quality and presentation of the highly acclaimed home-cooked food. Relax in the dining room and enjoy a three or four course evening meal and guests are permitted to bring their own wine. Special diets and all tastes are catered for. Bookings for dinner must be pre-arranged.

There is a comfortable guest lounge with a feature fireplace. An ideal place for a chat or a quiet moment. Beautiful antique furniture and ornaments help create a homely atmosphere. The cellar at Marwood House has been converted into a fitness room (for the more energetic!). It also houses a 1-4 person sauna where you can unwind and relax.

Attractions within easy walking distance of Marwood House include:-
Barnard Castle Golf Club (with nineteen holes!) We can arrange tee -off times for you. Teesdale Leisure Centre. Swimming, solarium, sports
River Tees. Popular with canoeists and trout anglers (free water)
The Bowes Museum. Magnificent treasures housed in an equally impressive Chateau style building. A typical market town shopping area rich in antique and craft shops. Bernard Baliol's 12th century fortress which gave the town its name.

Within easy driving distance on good roads can be found:-
The Lake District
The Yorkshire Dales
Beamish Museum
Durham City

Rates : From £28 per person per night.
Children over 10 years old only.
No smoking. Sorry, no pets.
Parking available.
Dinner is available by arrangement.
4 Star ETC.