Nine Self Catering Farmhouses, Apartments and Cabins to Escape to This Winter
Unwind in a relaxing retreat this winter
Bram’s Lair
In brief: A stylish ground-floor apartment within an 18th century Georgian house.
Our highlight: As the name suggests, Bram’s Lair is reputedly where Bram Stoker wrote Dracula when he stayed in Whitby.
Insider guide: With views across the garden to the sea, this open-plan apartment is ideal for families and friends seeking a coastal retreat. The open plan living space includes a shaker-style kitchen, dining area and sitting room. There are two bedrooms, a king-size with a dresser and a double bed with a single bunk above. After spending the day exploring the town, head back and relax on the sofa with a cup of tea or curl up on the armchair to lose yourself in a book, before heading back out for fish and chips at Whitby’s famous Magpie Café.
01244 356655
sykescottages.co.uk
Hygge at Vallum
In brief: These modern cabins are the ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our highlight: Enjoying dinner at the nearby Michelin-star restaurant, Pine, which offers an innovative tasting menu inspired by the flavours of Northumberland.
Insider guide: ‘Hygge’ means an atmosphere of warmth, wellbeing and cosiness, and that is exactly what guests will experience staying at these cabins. Surrounded by beautiful countryside it’s the ideal setting in which to unwind in both luxury and nature. The modern and contemporary cabins are fully equipped with everything you could need including a fully-equipped kitchen, luxury bathrooms and outdoor decking.
Military Road, East Wallhouses NE18 0LJ
07307 187992
hyggeatvallum.co.uk
Grey Hens
In brief: A design-led boutique hideaway in the Coquet Valley.
Our highlight: The extensive gardens are separated into ‘rooms’ and there’s even the owner’s private vegetable patch to explore.
Insider guide: Family-run since 1998, Coquet Cottages offer more than 140 privately-owned luxury lets. Stretching right across Northumberland, they have properties in the most enviable locations, including Grey Hens. Nestled between Rothbury and Felton, this stylish yet cosy cottage provides an oasis of calm. Just for two, this converted barn is ideal for couples while also welcoming two well-behaved dogs. The perfect mix of classic and modern, large glass windows cover one whole wall to make the most of natural lighting, while the Scandi-style wood burning stove makes it ideal for a winter getaway. There is plenty of space for you to relax after a day exploring, before hopping into the four-poster bed. The bathroom is just as luxurious, containing a roll-top bath with original claw feet and a large walk-in shower.
01665 710700
coquetcottages.co.uk
Shirley Cotes Farmhouse
In brief: A Grade II-listed property dating back to the 1830s.
Our highlight: Sleeping eight, plus two well-behaved dogs, this farmhouse is perfect for a family getaway.
Insider guide: Whether it is countryside walks or coastal rambles you’re looking for, Cottage Escapes offer a selection of self-catering getaways across North Yorkshire and The Lake District. Shirley Cotes Farmhouse is a true home away from home at the heart of the Shirley Cotes Farm estate where you’ll find a collection of eight beautifully restored Georgian cottages. The farmhouse sleeps eight, and guests can make the most of the well-equipped kitchen, the fabulous dining room and the large living room with multi fuel burning stove. Surrounded by 21 acres of manicured grounds complete with wildlife and woodland, Shirley Cotes Farmhouse also has a private hot tub and south-facing garden.
01723 871782
cottage-escapes.co.uk
Waters Edge
In brief: A striking luxury property with far-reaching coastal views.
Our highlight: The French doors leading onto the large glass balcony overlooking the sea.
Insider guide: Northumbria Coast & Country offers a superb selection of holiday cottages along the heritage coastline fr om Bamburgh to Amble, and within the wonderful Northumberland National Park. One of those special properties is Waters Edge, a striking modern holiday home only a few minutes walk from the beach in Beadnell. Recently renovated, it is finished to a very high standard with four spacious bedrooms, an attic room and beautiful open-plan living space. The kitchen area is fully equipped, while the dining area has a large table and bench seating for 10 guests. After a long day exploring the coastline, guests have a choice of places to unwind whether that be reading a book in the lounge in front of the wood burning stove, or getting cosy in front of the TV in the snug area.
01665 830783
northumbria-cottages.co.uk
Osprey Meadows
In brief: A relaxing home away from home in the North Yorkshire countryside.
Our highlight: There are several electric charging points should your car require a top up.
Insider guide: With panoramic views of the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, Osprey Meadows is the perfect place in which to relax and recharge. Guests can choose between six cottages, each with king-size beds, LazyBoy sofas and fully-equipped kitchens. Or simply pitch up a tent on the meadow camp site where facilities such as shower blocks, washing machines, tumble driers and secure mobile phone charging lockers are on offer. Whether you’re having a picnic or enjoying a game of rounders, all visitors can also enjoy the Yorkshire air in the three-acre recreational field on site, making this the perfect place for a family getaway.
High Grange, Exelby, Bedale DL8 2HQ
01677 422740
ospreymeadow.co.uk
Samphire Barn
In brief: A luxury barn conversion within the coastal hamlet of Tughall Steads in Northumberland.
Our highlight: The barn’s interiors take inspiration from the beach and coast – think coral, grey, blue and samphire green, combined with driftwood and sea shells.
Insider guide: Whether you’re longing for a romantic escape, a memory-filled family adventure or an unforgettable getaway with a group of friends, with more than 5,000 places to stay across the country, Original Cottages have a propriety to suit you. One of our favourites is Samphire Barn, a coastal retreat for six. Following a refurbishment in 2020, the barn retains its original roof timbers and has a very spacious feel. Guests will be wowed by the double-height living area with log burner and velvet sofas, before noticing the unique mezzanine bedroom with glass wall overlooking the lounge.
03332 020899
originalcottages.co.uk
Chesters Stables
In brief: Seven seriously luxurious self-catering suites in a renovated stable block, all part of the Walwick Hall Estate.
Our highlight: Guests at Chesters Stables can make full use of the nearby Walwick Hall Hotel’s facilities.
Insider guide: This luxury accommodation is a real rural retreat. With handmade kitchens, marble bathrooms and toe-warming stoves the suites are a real home from home – but better! Each suite sleeps between two and eight guests. Our favourite? The quirky one-bedroom suite The Stallion, with its exposed brick walls and original stable partitions, is dog-friendly too. Delicious meals can be delivered to your suite, or collected from the Hall to finish in the oven.
Walwick Hall Hotel, Humshaugh NE46 4BJ
01434 620156
walwickhall.com
Week2Week
In brief: An award-winning collection of serviced apartments across the North East.
Our highlight: Aerial House, a modern apartment with incredible views of Newcastle’s Quayside.
Insider guide: The luxury of a hotel suite with all the comfort you would expect from your own home – Week2Week offer a selection of serviced apartments for both business and leisure. Reasonably priced, they have properties all across the Newcastle area, with prime locations such as the city centre, Gosforth, Jesmond and Tynemouth. With maid service and amenities that go above and beyond that of a hotel, a fully serviced apartment is a great, cost-effective alternative for short or long stays no matter your reason for visiting.
Ouseburn Gateway, Newcastle NE1 2BE
0191 281 3129
week2week.co.uk
