The Shepherd’s Hut | A romantic 'hot tub' shepherd's hut hideaway in the Durham countryside

Wake up to sweeping country views at this luxury retreat made just for two. The Shepherd’s Hut rests in the gorgeous Tees Valley, between County Durham and North Yorkshire – with beautiful views around and stars above. It’s an ideal retreat for those who want a peaceful week away, with a few treats, including a cosy log burning stove and your own outdoor roll top cast iron bath - a great alternative to the usual hot tub!

The Shepherd’s Hut is a bespoke hideaway, set on a 330 acre working farm in Lower Teesdale. It’s a great place to stay if you’re searching for fresh air, as it’s situated close to some of England’s most beautiful scenery – the North Pennines, Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, as well as the historic sites of Hadrian’s Wall, Barnard Castle and Durham.

From the outside, this romantic retreat looks like an authentic hut, with its wooden exterior blending in with the trees around. There’s parking, making the hut accessible, and a sweet south- facing garden where you can enjoy your morning coffee by the fields.

Step inside, and you’ll find this cosy retreat has been created to impress. The kitchen area includes everything you might need for self catering, with a Neff Hob and combined grill and oven, as well as a fridge and essentials for cooking. The granite worktop extends into a breakfast bar, so you can dine out facing the fields and hedgerows.

In the evening, you can chill out on the luxury two-seater sofa, in front of the hut’s own log-burning stove. The hut also has full central heating so is great all year round. A sliding designer glass door within the Shepherd’s Hut reveals an en suite shower room with cosy towel warmer. Across from here, you’ll find an elevated king-size bed, complete with views of the countryside (and the HD TV!).

One of our favourite features at this retreat is the Shepherd’s Hut’s outdoor roll top cast iron bath - just imagine, here you can soak up the suds while watching the stars.

The Shepherd’s Hut owners have created a handful of other cottages around the farm, so if you’re headed away with friends there’s a chance they could stay at the Mill Granary and Mill Byre – which are all within the vicinity.

There are great days out to be found from this Northern escape. Owners recommend you explore the atmospheric medieval ruins of the rather grand 12 th century Barnard Castle. Then, there’s a pretty epic waterfall walk at High Force in Teesdale. Or, for fans of art and history, the Bowes Museum in Teesdale looks like a sight to behold, inside and out. Fans of fine dining will find a happy second home here too, the Black Horse village pub is just a 15 minute walk away, serving excellent food and so friendly. Other recommendations including The Fox Hole, with its al fresco dining terrace, along with the rather historic reclaimed lodge at The Coach House and a selection of fine cuisine at The Black Bull.

This property is no longer available but please click on the link below for a very similar romantic shepherd’s hut near Barnard Castle.