Originally built in 1560 on the site of an earlier medieval castle, with sheltered courtyard gardens

Scargill Castle nestles in the beautiful Teesdale landscape close to the Yorkshire Dales, Lake District National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built in 1560 on the site of an earlier medieval castle, it has recently been restored from a crumbling ruin into a delightful retreat for two, combining historic character with all the cosiness and comfort of the 21st century. Private parking leads through a gate into your own sheltered courtyard gardens, created from the old Tudor manor house. From the garden, the arched entrance hall leads into a dining hall with long oak table; take a moment to admire the ornate roof beams carved from oak trees felled over 400 years ago! From here you can wander into the sunny kitchen which overlooks the Tudor gardens. The stone spiral stairs lead up to the living room with oak floors and a wood burning stove set within a Tudor fireplace. Two deep set windows pierce the ancient thick walls and overlook the Tudor courtyard gardens to the east and the rolling landscape of Teesdale to the west. Further up the spiral staircase is the romantic bedroom with double bed on an oak floor adorned with Persian rugs. The rich colours reflect the Tudor love of golds, reds and rich greens which are highlighted with mood lighting enhancing the exposed timber beams above. Windows to east and west provide views of the walled garden and the high moors beyond. This holiday at a glance Sleeps two guests. One bedroom and one bathroom. Wood burning stove. Enclosed, courtyard gardens. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome at the property (small additional charge per dog). The property is situated on the edge of a working farm so please keep your dogs under careful control when outside the castle grounds. Two designated parking spaces are available. Minimum of a three night stay. Additional features Ideal for a Romantic Retreat. Roll top bath. Window seat. The historic building means that surfaces can be uneven and rooms are spread over 3 floors with the bedroom on the top floor and the bathroom on the ground floor. Original exposed, roof beams. Garden furniture, barbecue and herb and vegetable garden. For an extra special treat why not get local cook Rachel Markham to make you a Tudor meal at Scargill? Click here for details. Stone floors to ground floor with underfloor heating, central heating, solid oak floors to first and second floors, antique furniture. Digital TV, DVD player, iPod Dock. Microwave, fridge/freezer/ dishwasher, electric cooker. Laundry room in external byre with washing machine and tumble dryer. Attractions and nearby amenities Among many of the excellent places to eat and drink is The Morritt Arms at Greta Bridge, an 18th and 19th century coaching inn, but the quirkiest and a ‘must visit' is the Milbank Arms in Barningham, one of only eleven pubs in England which still have no bar! Barnard Castle has a number of eating places - why not try Blagraves on The Bank, once a stopping off point for Oliver Cromwell? Further afield, the picturesque village of Romaldkirk has the Rose and Crown for delicious lunches and evening meals or just enjoy a drink in front of the roaring fire. Scargill is very rural with beautiful walks from the front door, many linking with the Pennine Way. Maps will be provided so that you can find your own route. Teesdale's landscape was painted by J.M.W. Turner, Thomas Girton, John Sell Cotman and Thomas Herne and it inspired the poetry of Sir Walter Scott and the less appreciated poetry of local man Richard Watson. You are also within a short drive of the Yorkshire Dales, The Lake District and the North Pennines where amazing walks abound.