Aisling House. A cosy 1890's three-bedroom retreat, a home with a story to tell.

Welcome to our cosy two-bedroom retreat, a home with a story to tell. Built in 1890 and transformed into the village bank in 1905, this charming stone house still carries little hints of its past—thick walls, deep windows and the feel of a place that’s seen more than a century of life.

Nestled at the head of the River Wear in the peaceful village of Wearhead, the house sits right where the river begins its long journey to the sea. Step outside and you’re surrounded by open moorland, gentle hills and that wonderful quiet you only find in the Durham Dales.

Fun fact: Wearhead is one of the very first places where the River Wear appears above ground—its source is just a short stroll away. From here, the river flows almost 60 miles before reaching Sunderland and meeting the North Sea.

Whether you’re here for walking, exploring, or simply unwinding, our little historic hideaway is the perfect base. Let the slow pace and fresh upland air welcome you in.

About the areas

Weardale is a peaceful, scenic valley tucked into the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Durham. Known for its rolling green hills, ancient drystone walls, and patchwork farmland, the dale feels both timeless and warmly lived-in. The River Wear winds gently through villages like Wolsingham, St John’s Chapel, and Stanhope, each with its own quiet charm, stone cottages, and community spirit.

The landscape is the real star: vast heather moorlands that glow purple in late summer, dramatic fells that catch the changing light, and miles of footpaths that invite slow wandering. There’s a long history of lead mining, too—its traces woven into the scenery as old workings and rural museums that tell stories of resilience and craft.

Weardale is the sort of place where nature sets the rhythm: curlews calling over open fields, clear night skies sparkling in near-silence, and cozy pubs offering rest after a day outdoors. It’s a valley that feels both expansive and intimate—a lovely blend of wild beauty, heritage, and heartfelt northern welcome.