Northumberland self catering cottages

Northumberland self catering cottages
This accommodation in Northumberland National Park, is in a unique location 1250 feet up in the Cheviot Hills, with outstanding views across hills and deep forested valleys. Far from roads and other buildings, and with no artificial light on the horizon, this is part of the area now ‘officially’ the most tranquil in England; it is rich in bird and wildlife.

For walkers and cyclists this is an ideal spot, but for the less energetic Northumberland’s wide sandy beaches and remarkable castles are all within reasonable reach. Plenty of parking is adjacent to each cottage with level access at the entrance and throughout. Both cottages have both bath and shower facilities.

Dipper has a separate toilet and shower wet-room which can be used by less able guests. The two traditional stone cottages each sleep 4. They are very spacious, warm, practical and comfortably equipped, and have wood-burning stoves and central heating. Both have a garden area with barbecue. Linen and fuel are all included.

There are ample drying facilities for wet gear and bike storage, and the cottages have wood-burning stoves and central heating, making an ideal year-round retreat for guests wanting a short break. For sunny summer days, both have a patio area with barbecue and catch the sun until well into the evening. The accommodation is also environmentally friendly, with electricity supplied by a wind turbine and bank of photovoltaic solar panels. The cottages use energy-saving light bulbs, and environmentally friendly cleaning materials are provided. The water supply is spring-fed.

Both cottages have central heating, wood-burning stoves, colour TV, DVD, CD radio, gas cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, drying area, garden with patio area and barbecue, bike storage.

Dipper has two living rooms (one with patio doors), kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms (one a large walk-in wet area with power shower, the other with a bath and shower over).
Chaffinch has one living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a bath with power shower over.

Disabled access: Both cottages have level access, with car parking adjacent and close to the level entrance. They are both single storey and level throughout.

The larger cottage, Dipper, has a large wet-room with shower seat and grab rails and is ideal for accompanied disabled guests. The fantastic views mean that guests do not have to move at all just to enjoy the unique location.

Pet friendly accommodation: One dog welcome.

• Cycling and walking: This accommodation is a few miles from both the Pennine Way and the Pennine Cycleway. There are miles of footpaths and bridleways on the doorstep: grass livery is available for people bringing their own horses.
• It is also a perfect spot for bird-watching, both inland and on the coast (Farne Islands, Holy Island). Many large, well-preserved castles – and of course World Heritage Site Hadrian’s Wall.
• There are several historic market towns in the area with Farmers Markets, excellent local produce (Craster kippers, local cheeses, hill-reared lamb and beef, and locally-brewed ales and beers).

By air: Newcastle airport one hour.
By rail: Alnmouth railway station 45 minutes (London 3 ½ hours, Edinburgh 1 hour), taxis available from Alnmouth.
By road: No practical bus access. We are 13 miles by road from Rothbury, and the cottages are accessed by a 3 mile forest track.