Our Story

How Our Accessible
Cottages Came To Be

We first saw East Mellwaters Farm one snowy day in November 2001. Our son, Andrew instantly fell in love with it and the surrounding area.

We finally moved in on 1st July, 2002. We had always been involved with agriculture on the arable side but going back in time our families have always been livestock farmers either in Scotland or Devon.

When we arrived here there was an old stone built dairy/granary which was derelict and it was our son, who had always been in a wheelchair, who asked if he could convert this building into holiday cottages. Not just any ordinary holiday cottages. He wanted cottages for both disabled and able bodied people. Somewhere families and groups could all holiday together. This was the birth of the accessible and disabled friendly cottages at Mellwaters Barn Cottages as you see them today.

With our personal experience with dealing with disabilities we take great pleasure in welcoming people who may be in a wheelchair or just less able to walk without help. You can view all of the features in our accessible cottages to give you peace of mind that we’re a perfect fit for you. We’ve worked hard to make your stay the best it can possibly be if you or someone holidaying with you is less mobile.

We are situated just off the A66 Trans Pennine Road in beautiful Teesdale near Barnard Castle.

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

Stunning Views and History Surrounding our Disabled Friendly Cottages

The barn itself dates back at least 130 years and is probably a lot older. It has magnificent views down the valley to Bowes and up towards the moor. The approach to Mellwaters Barn from the A66 is down a farm lane and across a Grade 2 listed Pack Horse Bridge that at one time probably carried the road up the valley and over the Stainmore Pass. At the far western edge of the farm is God’s Bridge, the best example of a natural bridge in the whole of the UK.

East Mellwaters Farm itself is situated on the site of an old Romano-British platform settlement dating back some 2,000 years. Some of the settlement can still be seen in certain lights in the field opposite the Barn. In the field across the Beck there is a circular enclosure dating back to the Iron Age and further up towards the Trough there is a ditched settlement.

Today the farm concentrates on sheep farming running approximately a 1,000 breeding sheep on 400 acres in the uplands of the North Pennines.

We’d love to welcome you to a stay in one of our cosy accessible cottages here at Mellswater Barn. Check out our availability.

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Why choose Mellwaters Barn?

GUARANTEED BEST PRICE

By booking direct you ensure you get the best price.

QUALITY ASSURED

Previously recognised for our high standard of accommodation, with careful attention to cleanliness, comfort and guest experience.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Enjoy communicating with us directly prior, during and after your stay, ensuring that your holiday expectations are met.