Grand Country Estate 3 Hot Tubs Sleeps 16 near Durham City & Bishop Auckland

The Estate Oakenshaw – Exclusive 6-Acre Retreat with 3 Hot Tubs & Play Park

Exclusive use for groups of up to 16 — no shared spaces, just your group together in one place. No splitting into separate hotel rooms. No shared areas. Just your group, all together.

Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations and group stays without compromise.

Welcome to The Estate Oakenshaw, an exclusive countryside retreat near Durham offering two private homes on one peaceful 6-acre estate. Sleeping up to 16 guests, it’s ideal for family holidays, reunions, celebrations, pre-wedding stays, special birthdays, anniversaries, and relaxed group getaways.

This is a rare opportunity to rent an entire private estate in County Durham, with exclusive use of two beautifully crafted dwellings, three private wood-fired hot tubs, a woodland play park, landscaped grounds, and nature trails.

Oakenshaw Estate combines a stunning 1852 stone farmhouse with a contemporary Scandinavian-style log cabin, offering space, privacy, and tranquillity rarely found in one booking. The estate is conveniently located just 6 miles from Durham City and Bishop Auckland, with many attractions, restaurants, and events nearby. We regularly share local recommendations on our Facebook page.

The farmhouse, known as The Residence, features exposed oak beams, wood floors, a log burner, designer interiors, and generous bedrooms. The Log Cabin adds a modern rustic twist with open-plan living, floor-to-ceiling windows, woodland views, and its own private hot tub. Together, the two buildings blend heritage and indulgence seamlessly.

Outdoors, guests can enjoy three private hot tubs, landscaped gardens, nature trails, and a woodland play park with swings, climbing frame, and a sunken trampoline on a barked surface. A sculptural entrance turret pays homage to nearby Durham Castle, Auckland Castle, and the world-renowned Kynren show — all within easy driving distance.

🛏️ Sleeping Arrangements (Designed for Comfort & Clarity)

Across two separate buildings, the estate sleeps up to 16 guests across 8 generous sleeping zones, offering flexibility, comfort, and privacy for large groups.

The Residence (Stone Farmhouse) – Sleeps 10
• Master bedroom – En-suite: Emperor bed (2.1m x 2.1m)
• Bedroom – En-suite: Double bed
• Bedroom – En-suite: Double bed
• Bedroom – En-suite: Double bed
• Living room: Double sofa bed

The Log Cabin – Sleeps 6
• King-size bedroom
• King-size bedroom
• Open-plan lounge: Exceptionally large luxury sofa bed (3.2m x 2m), frequently described by guests as “sleeping on a cloud”

⚠️ Please note:
In the Log Cabin, elevated sleeping lofts are accessed via ladders and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, very young children, or anyone who prefers ground-level sleeping. If you’re unsure, please contact us before booking.

This layout works particularly well for families, couples, and mixed-generation groups seeking both shared spaces and private retreats.

🌿 Outdoor Living

Guests have exclusive use of:

Three private wood-fired hot tubs

Landscaped gardens and nature trails

Woodland play park with swings, climbing frame, and sunken trampoline

Gated grounds with a lake, mature trees, and local wildlife

A nearby nature reserve within a short walk

✨ Highlights

🛌 Sleeps up to 16 guests across two separate buildings
🛁 Three private wood-fired hot tubs
🌳 Woodland play park with trampoline
🪵 Oak beams, log burners & standout interiors
🏞️ 6-acre gated estate with lake & wildlife
🏰 Close to Durham City, Bishop Auckland & Kynren
🚗 Free secure on-site parking

🔥 Wood-Fired Hot Tub Information

Your first hot tub session is complimentary. We provide all wood and equipment — simply fill the tub, light the fire, and relax. Each hot tub is fitted with a hot water tap so you can fill it fresh at a time that suits you. Wood, kindling, paper, and firelighters are all provided.

STRICTLY NO PETS.

Please remove shoes in carpeted areas. Shoe trays are provided by the main entrance.

Book the entire Oakenshaw Estate for your next celebration or countryside escape — a hidden gem offering space, privacy, and character in equal measure.

👉 Tip: Be sure to check our other listings. Depending on your group size, one of our alternative stay options may be more cost-effective.