Historical Cottages in East Durham
Our 3 beautiful dog friendly self catering holiday cottages, located on the east Durham heritage coast, provide the perfect home away from home for a restful break in complete luxury. With all the comforts of home, from flatscreen tv and WiFi to washer dryers and dishwashers, comfortable furnishings and linens and for cosy nights in a wood burning stove; you’ll find it hard to leave.
We have lovingly renovated and restored our historic 13th century grade 2 * listed tithe barn and created 3 fabulous luxuriously appointed holiday cottages.
The Tithe Barn Cottages
The Farmhouse
Located to the west side of the old medieval longhouse, the Farmhouse is the largest of our cottages.
It was used for many years; up until 1974, as the Farmhouse of Rectory Farm.
Prices start at: £420 for 4 nights
The Hayloft
The Hayloft Our first floor apartment, located at the east of the longhouse. It was originally, as the name suggests, used as a storage area on our family farm. The main space is a wonderfully bright, airy, spacious area containing a modern fully fitted kitchen, dining table and comfortable living area with wood burning stove. … Continue reading “Historical Hayloft Apartment”
Prices start at: £400 for 4 nights
The Byre
The Byre Our smallest and cosiest cottage with all the comforts and conveniences of home.Located on the ground floor at the east of the longhouse it is ideal for those with slight mobility difficulties.It was, as its name suggests, previously used to house cattle on our family farm. The main area contains a fully fitted … Continue reading “Historical Byre Cottage”
Prices start at: £416 for 4 nights
Our History
Our cottages are housed within a grade 2 * listed, historically important, medieval longhouse situated on the edge of Easington Village which was originally a Saxon settlement.
It is believed the building may have been built by the Prince Bishops of Durham as a place of worship whilst the nearby Norman church was being built, however expert historical opinion is divided on this. It is generally accepted that it dates back to the 13th century despite there being a Saxon window in the east gable end, (which can be seen from the garden and parking area).
Throughout its long history it has had many purposes, including being a retreat for the monks from the nearby Durham Cathedral world heritage site. It is believed that the first floor was used as accommodation (most likely dormitories) whilst underneath on the ground floor livestock would have been housed. This was fairly common place, as the rising heat from the animals helped to warm the first floor – a kind of medieval central heating system.
There is some suggestion that it was home to the only English pope, Pope Adrian IV (born Nicholas Breakspear) for a short time, however we are not altogether sure whether this holds up to historical scrutiny. You can read more on Pope Adrian IV on Wikipedia
The Longhouse would almost certainly have been part of the Seaton Holme (the oldest domestic Manor House in England) manorial complex which at one time had its own fish ponds and orchards.
Where does the name come from?
A tithe was one tenth of annual produce or earnings, formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy.
It seems that until fairly recent times the building has had close links with the church and Durham Cathedral.
Family Farm
Our family moved onto Rectory Farm which like most farms in the area at this time was rented from the owners the South Hetton Coal Company.
Deemed Uninhabitable
Sadly the building was rather unloved and neglected and by the time our grandmother died in 1974 the local authority condemned the building as being unfit for human habitation. Unfortunately the new owners the National Coal Board did not invest in the old building and it remained empty and quickly began further deteriorating.
Farm Purchace
Our father bought the farm by which point the building was derelict and the cost of repair was unrealistic.
East Durham Groundwork
A charitable organisation, East Durham Groundwork, purchased the building and with the assistance of grants began the lengthy process of renovation, after which the building was used as one of their offices.
Moving forward
We became aware of the opportunity to reacquire the building and following purchase.
Tithe Barn Cottages
Conversion started on our 3 separate holiday lets
We genuinely feel great affection for this wonderful building, and its history and we take great pleasure in being able to share it with our guests whom we hope will also love and enjoy it.
Out & About at Tithe Barn Cottages
The cottages adjoin our family farm which is within Easington Village itself.
Tithe Barn Cottages are located approximately 2 miles from the Durham heritage coast and the National Trust coastal path which runs the entire length of Durham’s coastline.
Easington Villages’ origins are agricultural. There is a large green still at the heart of the village. On a clear day the view from the top of the green down the coast towards Whitby is spectacular.
The adjoining village is Easington Colliery, which as its name suggests grew up around the coal mine. The film Billy Elliot was shot here.
We are centrally located between world heritage site Durham, Sunderland and Hartlepool – all approximately 15 minutes drive away.
Newcastle Upon Tyne and the Metrocentre are both approximately 30 minutes by car.
There is a train station at Seaham, with a local services to Sunderland and Newcastle to the North and Hartlepool and Middlesbrough to the South.
There is a train station in Durham which is on the main east coast line, with direct services to London, York and Edinburgh.
We are blessed with numerous glorious beaches both locally and also a little further afield in Northumberland and North Yorkshire.
Seaham and its world famous sea glass beach is approximately 5 miles away although it is worth mentioning that the beach at Easington is also an excellent place to collect sea glass and not nearly as busy. The beaches at Seaburn in Sunderland and South Shields are both excellent with vast, clean stretches of sand.
Explore Further
Northumberland (approx 1 -1.5 hours drive away) has a huge choice of clean sandy beaches. Our favourites are Bamburgh and Warkworth, both with magnificent castles and picturesque villages as a backdrop.
North Yorkshire (approx 45 mins – 1 hour away) has quaint fishing villages clinging to the cliff sides. The beaches are well worth the walk down (and unfortunately back up) the seemingly never ending steps. As well as the ever popular Whitby and Scarborough, Staithes and Ruswick Bay are also lovely.
Having excellent transport links, many of the regions attractions are within easy reach:
Local Attractions
Beamish Museum
Beamish is a world famous open air museum, telling the story of life in North East England during the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s & 1950s.
Durham Cathedral
Set on a rocky promontory next to the Castle, with the medieval city huddled below and the river sweeping round, the profile of the World Heritage Site is instantly recognisable to travellers on the East...
National Glass Centre
It was in the nearby St. Peter's Church glass making was introduced to Britain by Benedict Biscop, this was to make windows for the Monkweremouth-Jarrow Priory built in 674AD.
Durham Castle
Sitting at the heart of Durham's World Heritage Site and occupied continuously since the 11th century, the Castle is now home to the students of University College, part of Durham University.
Alnwick Castle
Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover, and the origins of the Castle date back to the Norman period. Since 1309, its story has been intertwined with that of the Percy family.
Sea Glass in East Durham
Sea Glass can be found on many of the beaches of East Durham, many are just a short walk from Tithe Barn Cottages
Tithe Barn Cottage Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews
Contact Us
For general enquiries and further information,
please contact us;
Tithe Barn Cottages
Rectory Farm
Hall Walk
Easington Village
County Durham
SR8 3BS
+447582 347 432
info@tithebarncottages.co.uk
Alternatively, use the contact form and we will respond
as soon as we can.
Getting Here
Navigate with:
Directions from the South
Travel north on the A19 taking the Easington turn off to the B1283.
Follow the slip road from the A19 to the roundabout. At this roundabout take the first exit onto the B1283. Travel along this road for about a quarter of a mile where you will come to Easington C of E primary school on your right hand side. Just past the school turn left into Essen Court then travel straight into the parking area at the rear of Seaton Holme. Tithe Barn Cottages is located 20 yards north of Seaton Holme and has its own private car park to the right of the building.
Directions from the North
Travel south on the A19 taking the Easington turn off to the B1283.
Follow the slip road from the A19 to the roundabout. At this roundabout take the first exit. Travel along this road for about half a mile where you will come to a T junction at Seaside lane.Turn left at the T junction. Travel up the hill towards the church at the top. When adjacent to the church turn right into Essen Court. Then drive straight forward into the parking area at the rear of Seaton Holme. Tithe Barn Cottages is located 20 yards north of Seaton Holme and has its own private car park to the right of the building.