Christian Holiday House, Weardale — In a Town Shaped by One of Anglicanism’s Great Minds
The Curatage stands on Front Street in Stanhope, a market town Stanhope’s own parish council describes as sitting “at the heart of Weardale,” one of the loveliest of the Durham Dales, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This Grade II listed, late eighteenth-century house takes its name from a long tradition of clergy housing on this street, and Stanhope’s own church history turns out to be rather more distinguished than its quiet, green setting might suggest.
For fifteen years in the early eighteenth century, the rector of Stanhope was Joseph Butler, later described as “the greatest of all the thinkers of the English Church.” Butler was born into a Dissenting family in Berkshire before entering the Church of England, and by the time he arrived in Weardale in 1725 he had already made his name as a preacher at London’s Rolls Chapel. It was during his time here that he wrote much of his most influential work, The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, a defence of Christian belief that became the standard Anglican response to religious scepticism for generations afterwards. From Stanhope, Butler went on to become Bishop of Bristol, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, and finally Bishop of Durham itself, having earlier turned down the Archbishopric of Canterbury on the grounds, according to family tradition, that it was “too late to try to support a falling Church.” It’s a remarkable thought that one of Anglican theology’s most important books was largely written in this small Pennine dale.
The Curatage itself reflects the practical side of that same tradition: a wealthy living like Stanhope’s needed not only a rector, but a curate to help serve so large and scattered a parish, and Front Street still holds the houses built for both. The grander Rectory stands nearby, and the parish church of St Thomas, an imposing building with much older roots, faces onto the market place at the top of the street, alongside the town’s fossilised tree stump and old market cross. It’s the kind of detail easy to miss on a first visit, but it means guests staying at The Curatage are, in a small way, lodging in a building shaped by the same church community that Joseph Butler once served, on the same short street he would have known well.
Beyond its history, Stanhope remains an excellent base for exploring the wider dale, with the Weardale Railway, outdoor swimming pool and surrounding Pennine hills all within easy reach, alongside the wider North Pennines already recommended nearby. The whole valley has long attracted people seeking a slower pace of life amid dramatic, unspoilt scenery, and a stay at The Curatage offers exactly that, with the added texture of genuine church history running through the very street it stands on. For more options in the area, HolyHols lists further Christian holiday accommodation across Northumberland and the North East.
Perfect for:
- Larger families or groups needing five bedrooms and space to spread out
- Church history enthusiasts interested in Joseph Butler’s Weardale years
- Walkers based in the North Pennines AONB, with trails from the front door
- Those exploring Durham, Hexham Abbey and Hadrian’s Wall on day trips
- Anyone wanting a characterful, listed period house rather than a modern let
Location
The Curatage, 54 Front Street, Stanhope, Bishop Auckland, DL13 2UE.
How to get there:
Normally by car.
Rail: Train to Durham, plus 45 minute cab ride.
Air: Newcastle airport, plus 45 minute cab ride.
Local Area
Front Street is lined with shops including a baker, butcher, grocer and Co-op supermarket, all a short walk from the house.
There is an Indian and a fish and chip takeaway in the town centre, as well as Chinese and Mediterranean takeaways a little further out. Eat-in restaurants include the Pack Horse Inn and Bonny Moorhen, as well as the Dales Centre.
Stanhope is in the heart of the beautiful Pennine mountains. There are good hill walks straight from the front door. Raby Castle, Killhope mining Museum, Beamish Museum and Barnard Castle are within half an hour. The historic town of Durham is also accessible, as well as Hexham with its famous Abbey. To the North, Hadrian’s Wall with its historic Roman forts is less than an hour away.
In Stanhope, there is an outdoor swimming pool, children’s playground and the Weardale Heritage railway line with operates leisure rides in the summer and autumn. The river is nearby and provides opportunites for paddling and swimming.
Facilities
The Curatage is a grade II listed period house with five spacious bedrooms sleeping 10 in all.
Downstairs: Large sitting-room, and dining-room, both with wood-burning stoves.
Smart TV, DVDs, games and toys.
Separate library.
Kitchen with Aga oven, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave.
Downstairs toilet.
Upstairs: Three double and two twin bedrooms, one with ensuite shower, one with ensuite toilet and basin. Family bathroom.
Large garden.
N.B. The house is subject to a very unusual right of way, which gives our neighbour the right to pass through our conservatory , across the front lawn and into his garden. Although this is rarely used, it means that the conservatory and front garden have shared access, and the way through must be kept clear. If any guests do meet the neighbour in this way, the day’s rent will be refunded.
Some council and other rules: please no stag or hen parties, no noise or use of the garden after 10 pm. The garden has many uneven paths – please use at your own risk. Parking is in the street, though you are welcome to unload in the front yard.
Additional Photos
Click to enlarge
Costs
Jan-Feb: £700 per week.
March-May: £840 per week.
June-August: £1050 per week. Bookings for the school summer holidays will only open in July.
Sept: £840 per week.
Oct-Dec £700 per week.
Short stay and low occupancy: £40 per person per night, minimum 3 nights. Not June-August.
Energy Provision: All electric – charges included in tariff.
Availability
All year round. Not available at Christmas/New Year/Easter.
Arrival and Departure times:
Leave by 10 am, arrive 4 pm.
Booking arrangements:
Changeover on Fridays.
Pets: Sorry -no pets.
Contact the Owner
If you are interested in making a booking, or you would like further information, please get in touch using the following contact details:
Name: Barbara Rundell
Phone Number: +44 7792628714. (Please use Whatsapp if possible, as I am out of the country.)
Email Address: pandbrundell@yahoo.co.uk