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

Exclusive use for groups of up to 16 — two private properties, one 6-acre estate, entirely for your group. No shared spaces and no splitting everyone across separate hotel rooms.

Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations and group stays where everyone can stay together.

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 distinctive properties, three private wood-fired hot tubs, a woodland play park, landscaped grounds and nature trails.

The Estate Oakenshaw 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 and woodland views. Inside, there’s a pool table, retro arcade machine and huge 83” retractable TV screen — perfect for relaxed evenings and movie nights. Outside, the cabin has its own private wood-fired hot tub.

Together, the two buildings blend heritage, character and contemporary comfort, giving larger groups plenty of space while still allowing everyone to stay together on one private estate.

Outdoors, guests can enjoy three private wood-fired 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 a combination of traditional bedrooms, elevated sleeping lofts and sofa beds, offering flexibility for larger 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 with foam mattress topper

The Log Cabin – Sleeps 6

• Elevated sleeping loft: King-size bed
• Elevated sleeping loft: King-size bed
• Open-plan lounge: Exceptionally large luxury sofa bed (3.2m x 2m), frequently described by guests as “sleeping on a cloud”

⚠️ Please Note

The two king-size beds in the Log Cabin are in open, elevated sleeping lofts accessed by ladders, with restricted headroom due to the pitched roof. These quirky loft spaces are a fun and distinctive feature that many guests love, but may not suit guests with limited mobility, young children or those who prefer conventional bedrooms.

Photos, floor plans and 360° tours are available to view before booking.

This layout works particularly well for families, couples and mixed-generation groups.

🌿 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 (approximately 5 minutes from the accommodation)

✨ Highlights

🛌 Sleeps up to 16 guests across two separate buildings
🛁 Three private wood-fired hot tubs
🎱 Pool table & retro arcade machine in the Log Cabin
📺 Huge 83” retractable TV screen – perfect for movie nights
🌳 Woodland play park with swings & sunken 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 Estate Oakenshaw for your next celebration or countryside escape — a hidden gem offering space, privacy, entertainment 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.