If you’re dreaming of escaping with your family to switch off and reconnect with each other, then Crowdy Hall is the place you are looking for. You’ll find an off-grid retreat sitting in 200 acres of land nestled within the beautiful Durham countryside. With views for miles and nothing but the sheep for company, this is an ideal space to step back from life and create some special memories together.
Crowdy Hall has been designed with great consideration for the environment and every detail has been meticulously thought out. Good for your soul and good for the environment.
As a solo parent of two teens, it is often difficult to find glamping cabins that can accommodate us, meaning we often miss out on experiencing gorgeous getaways and quirky cabins. The beauty of Crowdy Hall is that they have created a bolt-on cabin within metres of another larger cabin, meaning a family of three or four can stay and enjoy the glamping lifestyle together.
We booked out Cinnabar Nest and Pipistrelle. Cinnabar was the largest with the addition of the kitchen and Pipistrelle had all the same facilities minus the kitchen and was slightly smaller. We used the larger cabin as a base for eating and spending time together, then used the smaller cabin as an extra bedroom. I loved that this option was available to us as it meant we could experience the excitement of cabin life as a family of three .
The cabins – what to expect
After making our booking, we received a welcome email and a very detailed video from owner Alisdair who explained what we would need to bring with us and what would be provided. He also showed us how everything worked, how to access our key and where to get logs for the log burner and fire pit. I really liked this personal touch, it meant we knew exactly where to find everything and how everything worked, it made settling in really quick and easy.
Absolutely everything we needed for our stay had been carefully planned out and blended seamlessly into the environment, perfectly connecting the outside and inside. The large beds were raised from the floor (to allow for clever hidden storage underneath) and had an abundance of pillows and cushions providing a cosy nest in which to sleep. At the side of the bed were cleverly built-in shelves which provided USB charging stations and a place to put a drink or snack. The huge window at the foot of the bed meant the cabins were flooded with light and also gave a stunning view of the surrounding countryside. We loved going to sleep and waking up to the uninterrupted views across the fields. They were the perfect place to stargaze, watch the sunset and listen to the heavy rain we had one afternoon.
The kitchen was equipped with everything we needed to cook during our stay. We had a two-ring hob, a whistling kettle, a sink and all the utensils and accessories needed for a stress free stay. There was even olive oil, salt and pepper and tea bags – it was those little extras that made the trip a total winner.
The shower room had a wet room style shower which was beautifully made from copper piping, had great power and plenty of hot water whenever we used it. There was a composting toilet which was so easy and hassle free to use and a good size sink. Toiletries were provided which again added a touch of luxury to our stay.
Out on the deck, our view was of a golden corn field, all we could hear was the sound of the corn rustling in the breeze, the birds chirping and the sheep munching grass behind our cabin fence. We made fires both nights, toasted marshmallows and made smores. There were reclining chairs and also a small table and chairs for extra seating or to use for an alfresco meal.
My favourite part of the day was waking early, hearing the kettle whistle, making a cup of tea and standing out on the deck with no-one around and no sound. Pure bliss.
We spent our evenings playing games of Monopoly, we read, chatted and made plans for the rest of summer. The evenings ended by watching the sun go down before we headed off to bed, relaxed, grounded and with happy hearts.
Great places to eat near Crowdy Hall
We happily prepared our own food on an evening, a delicious grazing platter the first night and chilli and rice the second. Both were really easy and hassle free. However, if you prefer to have someone cook for you, there are some great local places to eat. We headed out for lunch to Wynyard Hall gardens, a beautiful location about fifteen minutes away. You can enjoy a light lunch in the garden cafe or for a more substantial lunch, the Glasshouse restaurant serves a wide variety of seasonal dishes. There’s also a deli style shop selling lots of delicious goods which are perfect for sharing back at the cabin.
There are plenty of places to eat in Sedgefield itself which is minutes away, including the well renowned Impeccable Pig restaurant, The Pickled Parson, and Julia and Sofia’s Italian restaurant. There’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
If you’re feeling like you need to step away from life, take stock and re-energise, I can highly recommend a couple of nights at Crowdy Hall. A place to reconnect with those you love and a place to clear the mind. You’ll leave with an increased feeling of wellness and wellbeing and as you drive along the driveway I can guarantee you’ll be planning your return.
Review and images by Maria Davison @girlabout_thenortheast
