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Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table

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Exterior
Games room
Interior
Interior
Private kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master

1 King Bed

Second Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Third Bedroom

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

En-suite

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table

Homely 3-bed cottage with hot tub in the hamlet of Walworth Gate, set in the idyllic countryside of County Durham. Ivy Cottage is, in our opinion, surrounded by some of the most beautiful and fascinating landscapes in the country. Whether it be taking long walks in Hamsterley forest, a visit to the thunderous High Force or taking part in the many activity centres in the nearby towns, there is something for everybody to enjoy.

On entering Ivy Cottage, you are welcomed by a spacious hall adjoined by a wc on the left and kitchen to the right. Within its newly fitted kitchen you will find utensils and fixtures to make your stay comfortable. Leading on into a lounge dining room where you can put your feet up in front of the fire (one bag of fuel provided, any additional chargeable) as well as enjoying a sit down meal at the dining table.

The ground floor also boasts a games room with full size pool table, 58 inch tv and bar (unstocked sorry!) to add that element of fun to your stay!

Upstairs, the spacious landing leads to a master bedroom with king size bed, ensuite with large shower and walk in wardrobe. Further on you will find a smaller second bedroom with a double bed. Next to this is the third bedroom with a kingsize bed and also the main bathroom with large shower and bath (towels provided).

To the rear of the cottage is a large garden with garden seating, BBQ area (BBQ not provided) and, 6 person hot tub.

To the front there is space for 3 cars on a single drive.

Cot bed and high chair available on request. However, no stair gates.

If you want to explore then Ivy Cottage is a gateway to an array of activities and sights. The local area offers something for everyone.

Nearby:
Archers Ice Cream Parlour (seasonal)
Walworth Castle - Bar and restaurant
Heighington - local shop, two village pubs
Redworth Hall Hotel - Restaurant and spa
Piercebridge - restaurant, river and walking
Darlington - cinema, restaurant, train station with links accross country
Newton Aycliffe - Planet Leisure for activities such as bowling, axe throwing and laser. ROF 59 for climbing. Quirky drinking establishments; Steam Machine.
Slightly further but still within an hours drive you will find Hamsterly Forest, Barnard Castle, Durham and Newcastle to name but a few.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
High chair + travel cot available. No stair gates.
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Events

No events allowed
Please no parties
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Pets

No pets allowed
Sorry no pets
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Pop the keys back through the letterbox when you check out. Thank you
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No outdoor shoes to be worn inside.
We have a septic tank so please only flush toilet roll down the toilet. Thank you.
No food to be taken upstairs please

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: Please no parties
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Darlington

Located in Darlington, this holiday home is in a rural area. Heritage Park Stadium and Woodhouse Close Leisure Complex are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Windlestone Hall Country Park and Whitworth Hall Country Park. Travelling with kids? Consider Walworth Castle Birds of Prey and National Railway Museum at Shildon.
View more Holiday homes in DarlingtonOpens in a new window
Map
Walworth Gate, England

What's nearby

  • Walworth Castle Birds of Prey - 2 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Durham University - 23 min drive - 28.4 km
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park - 29 min drive - 34.1 km
  • Beamish Open Air Museum - 38 min drive - 59.9 km
  • St. James' Park - 45 min drive - 69.9 km

Getting around

  • Heighington Station - 7 min drive
  • Durham (MME-Teesside Intl.) - 29 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Siesta - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪The County - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪The Spotted Dog - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Mowden - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table?

As of 2 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table on 6 Apr 2026 start from £220, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Home away from home, 3 bed cottage with hot tub and pool table located?

This family-friendly Darlington holiday home is located in a rural location, 0.8 mi (1.3 km) from Walworth Castle Birds of Prey, and within 6 mi (10 km) of National Railway Museum at Shildon and Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre. Shildon Sunnydale Leisure Centre and Planet Leisure are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
From the first moment of getting there to the sad moment we had to leave this had to be the best place we have been as a family over the new year period, Jane was amazing as a host very informative and let you feel at home straight away. The property is everything and more to the point we only left the house once and that was for a lovely meal in the neighbouring village. One thing i will say is we can't wait to book again thank you for a lovely stay Jane and family.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jan 2026
Thank you so much Stephen. It means a lot to me reading all your kind words. Looking forward to greeting you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very welcoming and relaxing place to stay

Ivy Cottage is such a lovely place to stay. Very homely with lots of little touches Jane has provided that help you settle in straight away. Having the pool table and hot tub was an added bonus. We absolutely loved staying here and highly recommend it for others.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug 2022
Thank you so much Elaine, it really was a pleasure to have you and your family at the cottage. Really glad you have enjoyed your stay, we hope to see you again, Jane.
Verified

8/10 Good

Alan D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Home from home

Lovely base for exploring the surrounding area, House is kitted out with everything you could need for your stay. Hot tub and outside seating areas are excellent. Only niggle is the access to back garden from living room was a wee bit awkward for my wife who usually walks with a stick. Still it is a great property to stay at.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Miles L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous stay

Ivy Cottage was a wonderful home from home. Jane, our lovely host had thought of everything, from a very nice welcome pack, to garden games and lots of other small touches that made our stay such a good one. We wouldn't hesitate to stay again and would heartily recommend the place!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Apr 2023
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure having you and your family to stay at the cottage. Hope to see you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Abigail W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect, large country cottage with attentive host

Amazing cottage beautifully furnished and immaculately presented. Our host went above and beyond to ensure we had a lovely stay. Would have loved to have stayed longer.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Apr 2023
Thank you so much, it was lovely having you and your family to stay. Hope to see you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ivy Cottage

Excellent play to stay. Lovely property with great facilities. Owner very accessible and really friendly Would highly recommend and would certainly use agin if in the area
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Nov 2022
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure having you to stay at the cottage. Hope to see you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Martin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Stay

The property was superb. Extremely clean, nicely decorated and well equipped with everything that we needed. Jane the property owner was very helpful and quickly responded to any queries that we had. I would fully recommend to anyone looking to stay in this area.
Stayed 23 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Oct 2020
It was a pleasure having Martin and his family stay at Ivy Cottage. We would love to see them again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Deane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay

We got off to a great start with a warm welcome from Jane and a really good welcome starter pack which was much needed after our long journey. We found the cottage very comfortable and spacious which is just what we wanted. As well as the cottage itself we all enjoyed the garden and the hot tub was a special treat for us.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2022
Thank you so much, it really was a pleasure to have you and your family to stay at the cottage. Hope to see you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing get away

We booked the lodge as a surprise 21st birthday gift and it was just what we all needed! Perfect house with stuff to do in the house as well as being close to Darlington city centre where we got to spend time our Friday and a visit to archers ice cream parlour too! 100% recommend
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Aug 2022
Thank you much Eva, really grateful for your kind words. It was a pleasure to have you all, hope to see you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Liam E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic cottage

Myself and my friends thoroughly enjoyed our time at the property. It was very well equipped with everything working perfectly. Superbly hosted who helped out rapidly with any questions we had. Would highly recommend, cant go wrong with this property. Thanks for the fantastic stay, it was a privilege been your first quests.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Aug 2020
Thank you for your kind words, it was a pleasure to host you and your friends as our first guests. I hope to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joerg F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely cottage with a great host !

Ivy cottage is a lovely place for six persons, perfectly equipped and ideally located to explore the Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire. Check-In was without any problems. Jane is a very friendly host and supported us whenever we had questions. Thank you Jane !
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2022
Thank you so much. It really was a pleasure having you to stay. Hope to see you again. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very comfortable and well equipped

Despite the best efforts by the British weather we enjoyed some walks, knowing that we take comfort in the hot tub. The house is very well equipped and the welcome pack was a nice surprise. M&S very convenient. The 2 TVs and games room made things more civilised with the teens!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Feb 2022
It was a pleasure having you all to stay at the cottage. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again in the future. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chloe R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful!

This property is stunning! We found it very underated after viewing the photos, as it is all much more beautiful in real life! Jane was an amazing host! If we needed to get in contact during our stay, she responded quickly and even went out of her way to come to the cottage if she felt needed! She left us some welcome treats, including a bottle of prosecco and homemade brownies, which were very much appreciated, especially after a long drive to arrive... Both the home and hostess were spot on! We will definitely be revisiting!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Jun 2022
Thank you so much Chloe. So glad you all enjoyed your stay at the cottage. It was a pleasure to have you. Looking forward to seeing you again. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

The listing really doesn't do this property justice. Inside and outside it's a gem. It's spacious, comfortable, beautifully presented and full of character, yet with all modern amenities. The garden wraps around the house which means there are sunny spots all day with a lovely outlook. And I couldn't forget the new hot tub with robes and towels provided. We spent hours in the games room too. We found the house a good location for exploring this part of the world but a haven to return to. And Jane was lovely!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jul 2021
Thank you so much for your review Susan. Im so glad you enjoyed your stay at Ivy Cottage, it was a pleasure to have you. Hope to see you again in the future. Thanks again, Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kevin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Faultless cottage.

This has been the best property we have stayed at. Everything you could need for a holiday, if it isn’t here you probably don’t need it. The attention to detail in the cottage is excellent from the welcome items,fixtures/fittings to the decoration and equipment in the kitchen and the games room,everything is there. Jane has put together a fantastic family destination. The cupcakes were excellent too. My family really enjoyed this property. Jane was easy to contact throughout our stay and information prior to arriving was superb and we were greeted by Jane on arrival. If I could give this property more stars I would. Thank you very much from us all. Would not hesitate to recommend this property.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept 2023
Wow! Thank you so much for your kind words, receiving reviews like this is why we do what we do. So glad you all enjoyed your stay, it was a pleasure having you. Hope to see you again. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chantelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing stunning Property

Wow what can I say, this is an amazing property, Jane is a wonderful host, answering numerous questions & queries prior to our arrival. The size of this cottage is absolutely wonderful, more than enough ample space for my growing family. Kitchen has all the facilities and lots of extras, we especially loved our fresh farm eggs delivered to us Saturday morning (best eggs my 12 year old has ever tasted). Myself, hubby & children loved the games rooms, we all spent so much time in there having fun. The hot tub is just perfect, our weather was not the greatest, although this did not matter. We do hope to return in the future. Thank you for a much needed family break with so many little extras, robes, towels, shampoo/conditioner, tea, coffee, sugar, foil, oil & a lovely bottle of wine * chocs for children to name a few. Thank you I have been highly recommending this property to all our family & friends, our 1st cottage holiday & most definitely not our last , love the Martin family
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 24 May 2021
Thank you so much for such kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and your family. I hope to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Christmas break

Lovely location, fab hosts, amazing cottage and my son loved the games room! Hot tub was perfect and all you need is a short drive away. Can't wait to come back. W x
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan 2023
Thank you so much! It was a pleasure having you and your family to stay. I look forward to seeing you all again. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pictures don’t it Justice

A wonderful place. Ideally situated for trips and walking. Jane was most welcoming, with the little touches and welcome packages were a lovely added bonus. The photos are lovely but really don’t do this place justice. There is plenty of room for the group and all the amenities you could wish for. The games room and hot tub are great too. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jun 2022
Thank you so much Andrew. Im pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay at the cottage. Hope to see you again. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicky B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely house amd host

We had a fantastic stay at Ivy cottage. Me, my parents and my 12 (almost 13) year old twin boys. The boys loved the game room - what a brilliant addition to the property, it kept them entertained for hours! The hot tub was a hit with us all. Property was lovely and clean and really was home from home - great welcome pack that was really appreciated. It is a great base to explore the local area. Our stay did not feel long enough so we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 May 2022
Thank you for your kind words, it really was a pleasure having you and your family to stay at Ivy Cottage. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ronnie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway

Had a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable time at the cottage. Jane is a great host and we had everything we needed. The hot tub and pool table were a great and well used addition to the stay. We would definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Thank you for your kind words, it was a pleasure having you and your family to stay. Hope to see you again in the future. Jane.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The beautiful Ivy cottage

We booked this beautiful cottage for Christmas, and it definitely didn't disappoint . From booking with Jane to leaving, everything was exactly as we needed it .. beautiful clean house with friendly owner.. I would definitely recommend booking this cottage and will definitely return soon
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Jan 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words Kerry. It was a pleasure having you and your family staying at the cottage over Christmas.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerry A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful home. The hot tub and games room were such a hit with the children,!

Great place to stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Nov 2021
Thank you Kerry! Im so glad you enjoyed your stay. Hope to see you again. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Cottage

Absolutely loved our break at Ivy Cottage, beautiful with every home comfort. There is a bonus of a games room and hot tub. Jane is a wonderful host and left us a fantastic welcome basket. Would definitely recommend
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2021
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to have you and your family to stay at the cottage. I hope to see you again in the future. Jane
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jan L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hot tub cottage

Cottage was cosy but plenty of room. Bedrooms well equipped to store and hang clothing. Wonderful warm duvets. Kitchen well equipped, welcome pack was a lovely bonus. The hot tub was clean and the provision of specific hot tub towels and robes was a nice luxury
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2021
Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to have you all at the cottage. I hope to see you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Suzanne Q.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brilliant stay.

Excellent cottage in a lovely location, Jane the host was very welcoming. Good facilities, pool table and hot tub were great. Easy access to surrounding areas of Darlington, Durham, Beamish etc. Only downside is that both showers couldn’t be run at the same time.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2021
Thank you so much Suzanne, it was a pleasure to have you at the cottage. Glad you enjoyed your stay! Hope to see you again, Jane

About the host

Hosted by Sam Elwell

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

Ivy Cottage has been a home for myself and family for
over 60 years and will always be a place close to our hearts.

Languages:

English
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