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The Old Clubhouse
Holiday Home
⚲ Butterknowle, County Durham
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom · 3 beds · 2 dogs allowed · Enclosed garden · 4ft fence · All breeds welcomed
A warm and welcoming 2-bedroom retreat in the peaceful village of Butterknowle, with stunning countryside views, an enclosed dog-friendly garden, and two cosy pubs just a stroll away. Sleeps 4. All dog breeds welcome.
About This Listing:
This listing for The Old Clubhouse is based on information provided and confirmed by its owners, who remain responsible for its accuracy, including that they welcome XL Bullies and have reviewed their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
Last confirmed on 14/05/2026. XL Escapes shares this information to help you make informed decisions but does not own or manage this business.
Full Property Description:
Welcome to The Old Clubhouse — a cosy and characterful holiday home nestled beneath the historic fell land of County Durham. Ideal for couples, small families, and dog lovers, this peaceful escape offers everything you need to unwind and explore the beauty of the North East.
Step inside and you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for slow mornings and hearty home-cooked meals. The living space is relaxed and homely, with countryside views that change beautifully with the seasons.
The enclosed garden features a 4ft fence, making it a safe and secure space for dogs to enjoy. All breeds are warmly welcomed, and we allow up to two dogs per stay. With two dog-friendly pubs in the village, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax with a pint after a long walk.
Just a short drive away, you can discover the winding trails of Hamsterley Forest — a haven for cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers. Or head to the grand Raby Castle, just 3 miles away, where you can visit the deer park and explore the gardens, café, and seasonal events.
Whether you’re after countryside rambles, pub lunches, or simply a quiet base to reconnect — The Old Clubhouse offers a restful, dog-friendly getaway you’ll want to return to.
Full Property Description:
Welcome to The Old Clubhouse — a cosy and characterful holiday home nestled beneath the historic fell land of County Durham. Ideal for couples, small families, and dog lovers, this peaceful escape offers everything you need to unwind and explore the beauty of the North East.
Step inside and you’ll find two comfortable bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for slow mornings and hearty home-cooked meals. The living space is relaxed and homely, with countryside views that change beautifully with the seasons.
The enclosed garden features a 4ft fence, making it a safe and secure space for dogs to enjoy. All breeds are warmly welcomed, and we allow up to two dogs per stay. With two dog-friendly pubs in the village, there’s plenty of opportunity to relax with a pint after a long walk.
Just a short drive away, you can discover the winding trails of Hamsterley Forest — a haven for cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers. Or head to the grand Raby Castle, just 3 miles away, where you can visit the deer park and explore the gardens, café, and seasonal events.
Whether you’re after countryside rambles, pub lunches, or simply a quiet base to reconnect — The Old Clubhouse offers a restful, dog-friendly getaway you’ll want to return to.
For Our Four Legged Guests:
- Dogs of all breeds are welcomed with up to two dogs allowed during the stay.
- The garden is a medium, fully enclosed and secure area, with a 4ft wall and fence surrounded the outdoor patio.
- The environment is peaceful and tranquil, however, there is a connecting garden and there are occasionally dogs walked passed the garden.
- On nights such as Bonfire Night and New Years Eve, you might hear some fireworks.
- There are not a selection of food and water bowls, therefore please bring your own.
- The Old Clubhouse does not have dog beds and ask that you bring your own.
- Hosts kindly request that dogs do not go on the furniture.
- There will always be poop bags and cleaning essentials available for you to clean up after your dogs too.
Dog-Friendly Details That Matter
- Dogs of all breeds are welcomed with up to two dogs allowed during the stay.
- The garden is a medium, fully enclosed and secure area, with a 4ft wall and fence surrounded the outdoor patio.
- The environment is peaceful and tranquil, however, there is a connecting garden and there are occasionally dogs walked passed the garden.
- On nights such as Bonfire Night and New Years Eve, you might hear some fireworks.
- There are not a selection of food and water bowls, therefore please bring your own.
- The Old Clubhouse does not have dog beds and ask that you bring your own.
- Hosts kindly request that dogs do not go on the furniture.
- There will always be poop bags and cleaning essentials available for you to clean up after your dogs too.
Local Area Guide:
The Old Clubhouse sits in the peaceful village of Butterknowle, nestled between rolling County Durham hills and rich historical landscapes. Once a mining village, Butterknowle retains a friendly, down-to-earth feel with strong ties to the area’s heritage.
There are two traditional, dog-friendly pubs within walking distance — perfect after a day of exploring. You’re only 3 miles from Raby Castle, one of England’s finest medieval castles, complete with deer park, formal gardens, and a charming café.
The stunning Hamsterley Forest is also nearby — ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, offering walking trails, cycle routes, and adventure play areas for families. Further afield, you’ll find the market towns of Barnard Castle and Bishop Auckland for shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
This is a place where countryside calm meets local charm — a perfect setting for slow mornings, scenic walks, and proper switch-off time.
Meet The Owners
Gary has been in property management for several years and has a wealth of experience managing holiday homes, ensuring every guest enjoys a seamless and comfortable stay. His love for dogs is a lifelong passion, having owned them for many years. When he first heard about XL Escapes through his daughter Eve (A wonderful housekeeper for some of the homes listed on XL Escapes), he went on a passionate 15-minute rant about how unfair it is that dogs are often considered "exempt." Gary’s own giant German Shepherd, despite the often judgmental looks, was a gentle, soft-hearted companion – proving that size and appearance don’t define a dog’s temperament.
Gary’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for guests – human and canine alike – shines through in everything he does. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, you’ll find that Gary’s focus is always on providing a relaxed and enjoyable stay for all.
Paw of Approval
Photos from XL Escapes members, with dogs who gave this business their paw of approval.
XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise
Every business you see on XL Escapes has confirmed to us that they welcome XL Bullies.
Before being listed, we ask the questions we’d want answered ourselves — from real experience living and travelling with XL and reactive dogs. That includes confirming they are happy to host XL Bullies, that their listing details are accurate, and that they’ve considered their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
We don’t assume. We don’t guess. We ask — and they confirm.
If anything changes or a business doesn’t stand by what they’ve told us, we take it seriously.
If a business listed on XL Escapes turns you away because of your dogs breed, contact us. We will review it, remove them if necessary, and refund your membership.
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