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✅ How to book your XL Escape
1. Choose your dates - Use the calendar below to check live availability and prices. Dates in green show when the property is available. Most homes require a minimum 2-night stay, so some single green nights may not be bookable. If a date is green and underlined, it’s part of a valid stay.
2. Submit a booking request - Fill in your details to send a request directly to both XL Escapes and the property host.
3. We’ll confirm everything within 24 hours - The host will respond to confirm availability, the deposit required to secure your stay, the full balance remaining, and when it’s due (typically 4-6 weeks before arrival).
4. Pay your deposit and secure your stay - You’ll receive a Stripe payment link by email. Once the deposit is received, your booking is confirmed and your dates are locked in.
Kim & Chris Ewen
We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.
With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.
Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.
If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).
Meet Your Hosts
Helen Court
Helen is the heart behind Rest Easy Stays – a proud, family-run business providing high-quality, comfortable stays for holidays and business trips across the UK. With a passion for creating true ‘home from home’ experiences, Helen ensures every property is designed with care, comfort, and those thoughtful little touches that make a big difference.
It’s very much a family affair. Her dad, Gary, brings years of property management experience and a lifelong love of dogs, while her sister Eve is one of the wonderful housekeepers behind guest favourites like The Chase, Bob Hannah, and River Bank. Together, they work as a close-knit team to make sure every stay is seamless, relaxing, and dog-friendly.
Whether you're visiting for work or winding down on a countryside escape, you're in safe (and very welcoming) hands.
XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise
We protect your money — and your peace of mind.
Your payment is held securely in a separate account and only released after you’ve checked in. Every property is personally verified — whether we’ve visited it ourselves, received site plans, or had extensive conversations with the owners. We ask the questions we know matter, because as owners of XL reactive dogs ourselves, we get it! So you can book with total confidence, knowing everything is as promised.
Cancellation Policy
We know that sometimes things don’t go to plan, which is why our cancellation policy is clear and fair:
- Cancel more than 4 weeks before your stay: You’ll receive a full refund, including your deposit.
- Cancel within 4 weeks of arrival: The booking is non-refundable.
Refunds - If you ’re due a refund, we’ll process it promptly to your original payment method.
Need help? - If something unexpected has come up, just get in touch. We’ll always do our best to help.
Home Rules & Useful Information
- Check in: 4pm
- Check out: 10am
- Bookings must be a minimum of 2 nights
- Unregistered guests are not permitted
- Free parking on site.
- Pups are not allowed on the furniture.
- Clean up after them in the garden before departure.
The Hideaway - Hot Tub Getaway - Barnard Castle
⚲ Watergate Eye Farm, Barnard Castle
4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathrooms · 2 or 3 beds · 2 dogs allowed · Fully enclosed garden · 3ft fence · All breeds welcomed
Escape to pure countryside luxury in this stunning detached cottage with breath-taking valley views, a private hot tub, and two enclosed gardens—perfect for up to 2 dogs of any breed. Sleeps 4 in total comfort, with no neighbours in sight, just peace, privacy, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether you’re curling up by the log burner or stargazing from the tub, this is the secluded retreat you’ve been dreaming of.
Full Property Description:
Looking for a peaceful escape where luxury meets nature? You’ve just found it.
This beautifully restored detached cottage is tucked away in the quiet village of Butterknowle, offering complete privacy, breathtaking views over the Gaunless Valley, and no neighbours in sight—just fresh air, open skies, and the kind of tranquillity you can truly sink into.
Inside, the cottage sleeps up to 4 guests in two lovingly styled bedrooms, with a modern bathroom and a light-filled, open-plan living space. The wood burner adds the perfect cosy touch after a day exploring, while the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook, relax, and feel at home.
But it’s the outdoor space that truly sets this hideaway apart. Step outside onto the paved patio, where you’ll find a high-end private hot tub, luxury outdoor seating, and panoramic countryside views.
The patio is enclosed on three sides, with 7ft fencing to the left and right and the cottage itself forming the rear boundary. The front of the patio is bordered by a 3ft fence to allow uninterrupted views across the valley. Beyond this, the garden opens into a grassed area, which is enclosed by additional 3ft fencing and a 3ft stone wall that backs onto farmland.
This layout creates a peaceful and secure space for most guests and dogs, however, we recommend reading the guidance below if you're travelling with dogs who may be more energetic or reactive.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a peaceful recharge, or a countryside break with your pups, this hidden gem delivers unforgettable moments in a truly special setting.
Full Property Description:
Looking for a peaceful escape where luxury meets nature? You’ve just found it.
This beautifully restored detached cottage is tucked away in the quiet village of Butterknowle, offering complete privacy, breathtaking views over the Gaunless Valley, and no neighbours in sight—just fresh air, open skies, and the kind of tranquillity you can truly sink into.
Inside, the cottage sleeps up to 4 guests in two lovingly styled bedrooms, with a modern bathroom and a light-filled, open-plan living space. The wood burner adds the perfect cosy touch after a day exploring, while the fully equipped kitchen has everything you need to cook, relax, and feel at home.
But it’s the outdoor space that truly sets this hideaway apart. Step outside onto the paved patio, where you’ll find a high-end private hot tub, luxury outdoor seating, and panoramic countryside views.
The patio is enclosed on three sides, with 7ft fencing to the left and right and the cottage itself forming the rear boundary. The front of the patio is bordered by a 3ft fence to allow uninterrupted views across the valley. Beyond this, the garden opens into a grassed area, which is enclosed by additional 3ft fencing and a 3ft stone wall that backs onto farmland.
This layout creates a peaceful and secure space for most guests and dogs, however, we recommend reading the guidance below if you're travelling with dogs who may be more energetic or reactive.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a peaceful recharge, or a countryside break with your pups, this hidden gem delivers unforgettable moments in a truly special setting.
Paw of Approval
Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.
Amenities:
The Hideaway is proud to welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes—because every pup deserves a proper getaway. With two fully enclosed outdoor spaces, The Hideaway offers freedom, safety, and fresh air for your dog to explore while you unwind. The paved patio is ideal for lounging together after long countryside walks, and the grassed garden gives plenty of space for a good sniff and stretch.
Here’s how the layout works:
The main patio area features 7ft fencing on the left and right, and the cottage at the rear. The front-facing boundary is a 3ft fence to make the most of the stunning valley views.
The grassed garden area is fully enclosed with 3ft fencing and a 3ft stone wall that drops into farmland. These fields may occasionally have livestock during the summer months.
For well-behaved dogs with good recall, this setup is ideal. It's a peaceful, private haven where your dog can relax and explore safely, with countryside walks right from your doorstep and two dog-friendly pubs just a short stroll away.
However, we want to be completely transparent: this property may not be suitable for large reactive dogs or dogs who are likely to jump lower fences. While the setup works perfectly for the majority of guests, we trust our owners to make the best call for their individual dog’s needs and behaviour.
We allow up to 2 dogs per stay, and ask that our four-legged guests follow a few simple rules:
Please keep dogs off the furniture and downstairs only during your stay.
Clean up after your dogs in both outdoor areas.
The hot tub is strictly for humans (no matter how tempting those bubbles look).
This is your dog’s holiday too—and at The Hideaway, they’ll feel every bit as welcome as you do.
Neighbourhood Overview:
Butterknowle is one of those rare villages that feels like a well-kept secret—quiet, scenic, and steeped in history, yet perfectly placed for adventure.
Right from your doorstep, you can explore Cockfield Fell, the largest scheduled ancient monument in England—350 hectares of peaceful, open space dotted with historic remnants from Pre-Roman settlements and centuries-old industry. It’s the perfect spot for a walk with the dogs (and yes, they’ll love it).
Just a short stroll away lies Copley Woods, home to a towering brick chimney from 1832—a quirky landmark in the middle of beautiful woodland.
Fancy a little grandeur? You're only a 5-minute drive from the spectacular Raby Castle, where wild deer roam the vast parkland and the gardens are straight out of a fairytale. And if the forest calls, Hamsterley Forest is just 10 minutes away—offering miles of scenic trails, mountain biking routes, and dog-friendly picnic spots.
Back in the village, you’ve got two warm and welcoming dog- and child-friendly pubs within walking distance, perfect for a relaxed meal or a pint after a day of exploring.
It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and just enjoy the moment.
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