The Ecclesiastic

The Ecclesiastic: Durham

Seven minutes by car from Durham city centre, this former rectory plays host to a most luxurious home that feels a world away from urban life. In the rolling fields of County Durham lies a village called Witton Gilbert. At its heart, you’ll find local pubs, shops, and a bowling green, but a five-minute walk will take you up to your vast manor. Enter through majestic, wrought-iron gates, up your private drive, to the bright blue front door – a cheery invitation to welcome you inside. With modern, velvet furniture in the living space illuminated by enormous bay windows, the gold detailing truly shimmers in the afternoon sun. Pad across the plush carpet to the flagstone floors of the kitchen, where you can rustle up a wholesome Sunday roast on the bottle-green Aga. The dining space has ample room for the whole family, with a rustic table made from huge planks of wood, for a nod to country living. On a balmy summer evening, you might even want to trade the dining table for a picnic on the lawn, followed by a game of tennis on your private court (and a gin and tonic after sunset).

Home truths:
*Your host can provide a cot or a high chair upon request for the little ones
*Parking is available in your gated, private driveway for several cars
*As this home allows for self check-in with a lockbox, you won't meet your host
*People with strong allergies might want to check with the host in advance about which pets have been here in the past – on this note, the host only allows medium-sized, well-behaved dogs
*The fireplace is purely ornamental