Laverock Lodge, Barnard Castle, North Pennines

🐾 On Arrival

Laverock Lodge is a beautifully restored stone barn conversion, full of rustic charm and practical comfort. Like Sheephaven, entry is via your own dog shower and boot room — a clever, purpose-built space where both people and dogs can clean up after their outdoor adventures.

The entrance is tiled throughout and fitted with a hot and cold dog shower, ideal for washing off muddy paws, plus space for coats, boots, and leads. You’ll also find a grooming table and a professional Aeolus Blaster dryer, so your dogs can dry off quickly while you unpack.

The half stable door leading into the kitchen allows your dogs to safely watch from their room as you get settled in — it’s all designed for stress-free arrivals and happy dogs.

Crates are available to borrow free of charge, and well-behaved dogs may be left in the dog shower room for short periods if you want to pop out.

🍽 Kitchen

The open plan kitchen, dining, and living area gives the cottage a lovely sense of space while keeping that cosy countryside feel. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering stays and includes:

• Full-size oven and hob

• Microwave

• Toaster

• Full-size fridge-freezer

• Ample cupboard and counter space

• Crockery, glassware, cookware, and utensils

The dining area comfortably seats four and is the perfect spot to gather for breakfast before a walk, or for relaxed evening meals together after a day of exploring.

🔥 Living Room

Laverock Lodge’s living area combines warmth, comfort, and rustic charm. The wood-burning stove, set within an original stone fireplace, makes for wonderfully cosy evenings.

Deep sofas, rugs, and tasteful country décor create a homely space where you can unwind with your dogs by your side. There’s also a comfy sofa.

A TV, books, and DVDs are provided for entertainment, and the high-beamed ceilings and exposed stonework add to the character and charm of the property.

🪜 Upstairs Layout – The Hayloft

Laverock Lodge is set over two floors, with the bedrooms and main bathroom upstairs in the original wood-beamed hayloft. This delightful space retains its rustic charm, complete with sloping ceilings and a large full-size window to admire the beautiful countryside views from your bed.

At the bottom of the staircase, a handmade wooden stairgate has been fitted to restrict any unwanted canine adventures upstairs — keeping both guests and pets safe!

Upstairs you’ll find:

• Bedroom 1 – Double: a comfortable double bed with soft linens, wooden furniture, and countryside views.

• Bedroom 2 – Twin: a bright and airy twin room, ideal for children or friends.

• Main Bathroom: a spacious and modern room with a bath, overhead shower, WC, and basin.

🚻 Downstairs Toilet

In addition to the main bathroom upstairs, there’s a second WC and washbasin downstairs, conveniently located off the hallway — perfect for quick access without needing to head upstairs.

🌳 Outside Areas & Dog Facilities

Laverock Lodge sits within a secure and dog-friendly setting, with multiple enclosed and safe outdoor areas designed for every type of dog and owner:

• 6-acre dog exercise field, fully stock-fenced, ideal for energetic runs. If you’d like exclusive use, just raise the flag at the entrance to let neighbours know.

• 8ft deer-fenced paddock, for dogs who need an ultra-secure space or are still working on recall.

• 120-foot indoor dog agility arena, available year-round for fun sessions or training lessons (agility and sheepdog training also offered on-site).

• Private enclosed garden, surrounded by a high wall and fencing for total security and privacy.

• Hot water tap and hose outside, perfect for quick rinses before heading indoors.

A high stone wall and fence (approximately 6½ft) separates Laverock Lodge from Sheephaven Cottage, ensuring full privacy for both. The front entrance and garden are your private outdoor areas to relax and enjoy.

🧺 Practical Information

• Sleeps 4  (two bedrooms)

• Unlimited dogs stay free

• Solid tiled floors and rugs throughout to prevent slipping for both dogs and people

• 50Mbps wifi

• Shared washing machine and tumble dryer available in the farm outbuilding (small honesty charge)

• Additional freezer space available on request for BARF feeders

• Cots and highchairs available free of charge

• Parking for two cars directly outside the cottage

• Guests are very welcome to join or watch our seasonal farm activities, and on-site Agility and Sheepdog Training lessons are available to book during your stay.

ℹ️ Please Note

• Non-smoking property (one of the owners is asthmatic).

• Bookings are Friday–Friday.

• Short breaks are available during quieter seasons — please contact Gail with your preferred dates for a quote.

• Dogs are welcome on the sofas — please use the throws provided.

• Dogs are welcome throughout downstairs - there is a stairgate at the bottom of the stairs :  If you can, please ensure that dogs are downstairs in Laverock Lodge

• There is no hard limit on the number of dogs; Gail will be happy to advise on the suitability of the cottage for your pack or breed size.

• A refundable £100 security bond is requested.

🌄 Summary

Full of warmth, character, and countryside charm, Laverock Lodge offers the ideal dog-friendly retreat. With its spacious two-floor layout, handmade features, enclosed garden, and acres of safe, secure areas for dogs, it’s a genuine haven for multi-dog families. Whether you’re relaxing in the beamed hayloft bedrooms, enjoying a fireside evening, or letting your dogs play off-lead in the fields, Laverock Lodge provides everything you need for a memorable, peaceful, and truly dog-friendly stay in the North Pennines.