What to expect at Laburnum Cottage
Located in the historic village of Lanchester, Laburnum Cottage is a charming Dog-Friendly stone cottage that sits right in the centre of the village. The cottage is surrounded by nearby shops, cafes, and restaurants that welcome dogs, and is conveniently located near tranquil walking and biking paths. Lanchester is a true hidden gem and the perfect destination for a relaxing dog-friendly staycation.
Laburnum Cottage is a distinctive three-bedroom property that is more than dog friendly and accommodates up to five guests.
Upon entering the cottage we were meet with two welcome packs in gorgeous wicker hampers, one for us and one for Chester & Crumble.
A welcome pack is always such a lovely touch! It had the essentials as well as a few little treats! Emily has also kindly left us milk and butter in the fridge.
For Chester & Crumble, their hamper was filled with two stunning blankets for them to use on the sofas as well as two bowls, poop bags and some tasty treats. Chester and Crumble would not stop sitting in front of the table until they has received the treats and inspected the hamper to ensure I wasn't telling the truth about the number of treats that had been left for them!
Renovated in 2024, Emily ensured this Victorian cottage retains many of its original features and includes a gas log effect fire, a six-seater hot tub, and a private games room, making it an ideal countryside retreat for families, friends and pups 🐾
Every detail and piece of furniture has been thoughtfully chosen to establish a warm, charming, and comfortable atmosphere in this cottage.
As you arrive at Laburnum cottage you will enter the private driveway offering two parking spaces. The cottage embodies all the characteristics of a Victorian home with a beautiful bay window and front planted garden, with the exception of the rear garden which features a hot tub, games room, and seating areas. While you can access the property through the gated alleyway, entering through the original front door leads you directly into the lounge.
This large but cosy room features a striking stone fireplace, a log effect fire, wooden beamed ceilings, a Smart TV, and a bay window seat, making it the ideal spot for your dogs to unwind and observe the hustle and bustle of village life (During our visit the humans didn't get much of an opportunity to enjoy the bay window seat as it was pretty much solidly occupied by a Border Collie & a Cockapoo!)
Central to the lounge is a dining space connected to the kitchen. Featuring authentic beamed ceilings, the classic wooden table comfortably accommodates six individuals and offers a view of the back garden.
The well-proportioned kitchen comes fully equipped with an electric hob, fan oven, microwave, fridge freezer, and integrated washer dryer, providing all the essentials for preparing as many meals as you want to! (We did indulge in a takeaway or two while we were staying 🤫)
Heading up the stairs, you will find three bedrooms: a luxurious master bedroom with a king-size bed, a double bedroom, and a single bedroom. Each bedroom is equipped with Smart TVs, plenty of storage space, and stylish furnishings. The contemporary bathroom features a bath and a separate shower, complete with high-end toiletries.
Provided Dog Essentials
- Complimentary Welcome Hamper
- Treats
- Dog Poop Bags
- Dog Throws
- Food and Water Bowls
- Water Hose & Bath
- Secure Garden
Outdoor Area & Hot Tub
A covered alleyway accessed by the garage style gate, connects the kitchen to the front and back of the property. This is a perfect space to store bicycles or to leave your muddy boots after a long dog walk around the Lanchester Valley walking paths.
In keeping with the relaxing qualities of the cottage, the outdoor area features a wooden sleeper seating area, a 6-person Hot Tub along with a games shed (stocked with every game you can imagine!)
And very importantly a Dog Shower! Yes a Dog SHOWER! With a thermostat for temperature, a shower head with a long hose and a metal bath to contain your dirty dog! Perfect for rinsing off those muddy paws. This was a lifesaver with Crumble as a dog who loves dirt combined with less than dry cycle routes = a very DIRTY Crumble. We used it several times during our stay and Crumble was very grateful for the warm water temperature! (She hates the cold!)
Surrounding Walks
Lanchester has an abundance of stunning countryside walks with many of the famous North East Cycle Paths crossing through Lanchester.
Of which we took full advantage of while staying at Laburnam Cottage. I have included a map of our planned route below. Although we turned round and headed back after reaching Hownsgill Viaduct. It was a stunning walk and both Chester & Crumble enjoyed the tranquility of the paths!
Of course I got a few drone shots while we were there!
If you want to explore further a field than Lanchester, Durham is just 8 miles away.
Dog Friendly Durham attractions nearby include:
Egglestone Abbey - Barnard Castle
Raby Castle, Deer Park and Gardens - Staindrop
Crook Hall & Gardens - National Trust - Durham City
Finchale Priory - Brasside
Gibside - National Trust - Rowlands Gill
Dog Friendly Places To Eat In Lanchester
The Kings Head Pub - Great Menu!
Serendipity Cafe - Grabbed a tasty take-out coffee for our walk!
The Gallery Coffee Shop - Which is just next door!
Places That We Love In Durham
The Kingslodge Inn - Staff love the dogs and great breakfast & lunch menu!
Final thoughts
Overall our stay at Laburnam cottage was very relaxing and I can't recommend Escape Beyond Holiday Lets & Emily enough. Anywhere that has countryside walks right from the doorstep, yet with so many local amenities is a 10/10 for me. The dogs had a wonderful stay! The secure garden was brilliant for them, although Chester the snob he is had to take a walk down the road for some grass for his wee! They LOVED the window seat! of the time we spent in the cottage I'd say they spent 70% off it sleeping in it!
Emily also has another two properties in Lanchester, take a look at the Escape Beyond Holiday Lets website to see more https://escapebeyond.co.uk/
Throughout November you can save 20% of any booking with the code AUTUMN24
Thanks for Reading
Sarah, Chester & Crumble xx
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