'Shut the door, you have no reason to leave'

Ramside Hall Hotel already boasts three luxurious treehouses, so would the newbies be as impressive? The Staff Canteen took a look round the new A-Frames, plus, enjoyed the private hot tub and sauna - all in the comfort of the modern and stylish design.

Work on the new A-Frame treehouses started last year and they finally opened their doors to guests last month. There are four, which have been built to compliment the current, larger, treehouses and they are all named after British birds.

Chaffinch, Robin, Pheasant and Magpie sit behind the four-star hotel, on arrival you will be escorted to your chosen treehouse (the shuttle service means you can put down your car keys and simply call when you need a ride!) and given a quick tour of the amenities - then that's it, shut the door, you have no reason to leave. The treehouses have a well-equipped kitchen so you can literally take what you need and hide away for the weekend.

The interior is bold, minimalist but comfortable - built on two levels, the second floor boasts an enormous bed and what appears to be Rameside’s treehouse signature, a free standing copper bath! The front of the A-frame is glass so you can take in the sunset from the lounge and enjoy a Nespresso in bed while watching the sunrise (if you are an early bird).

In the lounge is a pull-out double bed, so if you fancy sharing these are perfect for groups of four or families. The real 'cherry on the top' is the private sauna and hot tub, when we visited it was the middle of storm Dudley and Eunice so it was a slightly windy dip in the hot tub for us but the treehouses really are picture perfect whatever the weather - make sure you take a long soak early morning, it's the perfect cure for a hangover.

If you do choose to explore, you are just a ten minute drive from the stunning city of Durham or if you want to take in the North East coast it's less than 30 minutes away. You can also enjoy the hotel spa and they have two restaurants to choose from - The Rib Room and Fusion.

John Adamson, owner of Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa, said the completion and launching of the new treehouses so soon into the year, 'really heralds a fresh new start after the upheaval caused by Covid'.

“Working on these has kept us all optimistic,” he said. “And now they are complete and ready to welcome their first guests.”

Prices for the new treehouses start at £495 midweek. To book, or for further information, visit www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk