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Blue Poppy House
Travel
July 2021
Reading time 10 minutes
The best holiday boltholes to make your own.
Hemmel House

Hemmel House

Just under a mile from the popular fishing village of Craster, this all-new, spacious and elegant holiday home has far-reaching views over the fields towards Dunstanburgh Castle. Sleeping six, there’s an open plankitchen/dining/sitting room with picture windows, a separate sitting room with cosy log burner and a study beyond. The ground floor also has a ensuite master bedroom, whilst upstairs you’ll find a double and a twin room, both ensuite. Hemmel House is within walking distance of beautiful Embleton Bay, Craster (famous for its kippers), and the popular Dunstanburgh Golf Course is just over a mile away. A great base from which to explore Northumberland’s most beautiful beaches and dunes, the Farne Islands, Seahouses, Bamburgh and Warkworth are all within striking distance, and heading inland you’ll find Alnwick Castle and Gardens, ghostly Chillingham Castle and the Cheviots.

Craster, Northumberland
Beach & Quiet
01665 576929 beachandquiet.co.uk

Sheep Dip Cottage

Sheep Dip Cottage

Tucked away in the tiny village of Gayles, this two bedroom, luxury cottage has a farmhouse-style kitchen, a useful boot room, cosy living area with a log burner, and floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the spectacular views. Both bedrooms are ensuite and have patio doors opening onto the rear garden, with its hot tub strategically placed to soak up the views. Enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace or, for the most amazing outlook, climb the path to the top of the garden for views of the valley beyond. Just off the A66 Pennine Way you are within easy driving distance of some of the best walking country, whilst the fabulous Mainsgill Farm Shop is just 10 minutes away and will provide everything you need for dining at home. If you want someone else to do the work, the local pub, The Shoulder of Mutton, is just a short walk away. In nearby Gilling West, The White Swan is the place to be on Wednesdays for burger night.

Gayles, North Yorkshire
Holiday at Home
01748 850333 holidayathome.co.uk

Water's Edge

Water's Edge

Northumbria Coast and Country offer a huge selection of properties in some of Northumberland’s most sought-after locations. Whether you’re after a quirky coastal bolthole next to one of the county’s best beaches, or a luxurious country house amid the rolling landscape of the Cheviot Hills, you’ll find a place to play host to your perfect breakaway. Water’s Edge on the sea front at the north end of Beadnell village has far-reaching sea views from its large glass balcony. With four spacious bedrooms and an open plan living area with wood-burning stove, it’s perfect for a family beach-side break. Outside there’s parking for three cars and, to the rear, an enclosed patio area with a barbecue. Beadnell Bay is a beautiful, vast stretch of golden sand and is great for water sports. From here you can walk north to Seahouses and Bamburgh beyond that, or south to Low Newton and Craster. The newly refurbished Beadnell Towers is a great spot for a pint in the busy bar or a bite to eat, or pop into the Saltwater Café for a delicious breakfast to kick start your day on the beach.

Beadnell, Northumberland
Northumbria Coast and Country
01665 830783 northumbria-cottages.co.uk

Coppice Spa

Coppice Spa

The pet-friendly Coppice Spa Lodges are designed with pets and muddy boots in mind. Each of the seven luxury lodges has an enclosed spacious veranda with outdoor washing facilities for muddy paws and even muddier boots. The utility even has a doggy shower, hairdryer, towels and a space for a dog bed and bowls, so they are as spoilt as you are. Relax in the open plan living area, which has everything you could possibly need, whilst outside each lodge is a private outdoor hot tub. Choose from one, two or three bedroom lodges, all enjoying their own private space in this fivestar holiday park set within 47 acres of stunning woodland.

Darwin Forest, Derbyshire
01629 700808 darwinforest.co.uk

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Duke of Portland Boathouse

Looking for an utterly idyllic romantic retreat? The Duke of Portland offers just that, and then some. Perched on the banks of Lake Ullswater, this boathouse has been transformed into a beautiful open-plan cottage featuring a living area with leather sofa and log-burning stove, a fully equipped kitchen and a double bedroom leading out onto a private balcony overlooking the lake and hills. The bespoke granite breakfast bar provides all you need for intimate dining  deux, before you enjoy an evening pamper in the luxurious slate shower room, complete with roll-top bath and complimentary matching robes.

Ullswater, Cumbria
Luxury Lakes Cottages
01228 597136 luxurylakescottages.co.uk

High Mill

High Mill

For luxury and comfort in spades, look no further than Coastal Retreats. Their award-winning portfolio of stunning self-catering cottages (from modern barn conversions and cosy fishing cottages, to lakeside lodges and waterfront apartments) provides everything you need for a serene spring breakaway. High Mill, at Tughall Steads, is a large and beautiful stone barn conversion. Sleeping up to 10 guests, it has an open-plan living area which leads to a large kitchen, and is the perfect space for a family break or a getaway with friends. There’s an indoor games room to keep everyone entertained whatever the weather, and a large rear garden for letting off steam or dining al fresco. Just minutes from the sea, High Mill provides the perfect year-round escape.

Tughall Steads, Northumberland
Coastal Retreats
0191 285 1272 coastalretreats.co.uk

Blue Poppy House

Blue Poppy House

Located in the hamlet of Waren Mill on the northern edge of the popular village of Bamburgh, Blue Poppy House is only a few hundred yards from the sea at Budle Bay, with beautiful stretches of sand, and mudflats ideal for birdwatching. Sleeping up to eight guests (and two dogs), this property is ideal for families and groups of friends looking to holiday together. A beautiful cottage, recently refurbished, it has painted wooden beams, a log-burning stove in the lounge, a large kitchen and conservatory and lots of outside space, with a barbecue hut and a patio area for al fresco dining.

Waren Mill, Bamburgh
Grace Darling Holidays
01665 721332 gracedarlingholidays.com

 

The Alnmouth Penthouse

The Alnmouth Penthouse

Coquet Cottages’ award-winning collection of design-led holiday cottages is hard to beat. Be it a bright, modern seafront home with magnificent coastal views, or a cosy country cottage with a log-burning stove and private garden overlooking rolling hills, there’s plenty of choice. If you’re up for a spot of adventure, their properties are set in some of Northumberland’s most enviable locations, with everything from ancient ruins to beautiful beaches at your fingertips. The new, luxury Penthouse apartment in the pretty village of Alnmouth is spread over two floors, sleeping six guests in three bedrooms. It has stunning estuary views, a south-facing balcony with a seating area and (importantly here) off-street parking. The village has plenty of pubs, a great deli-cum-cafe. and a local shop. The beaches stretch for miles and the estuary is full of boats bobbing on the tide.

Alnmouth, Northumberland
Coquet Cottages
01665 710700 coquetcottages.co.uk

Tempest & Triumph

Tempest & Triumph

With the recent success of Bridgerton and our new obsession with period drama, this is your chance to be Lady (or Lord) of the Manor. This huge property has 17 bedrooms, sleeping 31 guests in stately-style. Sleep in a four poster, dine in the magnificent formal dining room and take coffee by the fire in the drawing room soaking up the history of the house, or relax in the book-lined library, before heading out to check over the grounds and gardens. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a vast plant-filled conservatory, and formal and informal gardens to wander through. This really is a unique property where you can live like royalty – without all the drama.

Broughton, Cumbria
plumguide.com

The Old Ale House

The Old Ale House

This cosy cottage was once the village ale house, and the owners have preserved much of its character with stripped floorboards, exposed beams and stonework and a grand inglenook fireplace. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s a gem of a hideaway, sleeping up to five guests in two bedrooms (and one dog). The cosy living room has a log-burning stove, and the deceptively spacious dining kitchen opens onto the courtyard garden. It’s a short walk (10 minutes) to the popular village of Craster where there’s a choice of eateries, an art gallery, Robson’s smokery (famous for its kippers), and a good local pub with a garden overlooking Craster’s harbour. With plenty of walking opportunities on the doorstep, you are also just a short drive away from the beaches of Embleton, Beadnell and Bamburgh to the north and Howick, Sugar Sands and Alnmouth to the south. Alnwick Castle and Gardens are just 10 minutes away too.

Dunstan, Northumberland
Coastal Retreats
0191 285 1272 www.coastalretreats.co.uk

Chesters Stables

Chesters Stables

Hidden away in the heart of Northumberland, these seven historic stables on the Walwick Hall Country Estate have been converted into luxurious private suites sleeping from two to six people, perfect for couples and families alike. With beautiful open-plan living spaces, ensuite bedrooms and king-sized beds, you can spend the day exploring local beauty spots, visiting quaint market towns and villages or walking the famous Hadrian’s Wall (which is right on the doorstep), before retiring to your own personal paradise. You’ll find everything you need to cook up your favourite meal in your fully-equipped kitchen area, but guests at Chesters Stables are also welcome to take advantage of the neighbouring Walwick Hall’s spa and dining facilities, and indulge with their decadent seasonal menus.

Humshaugh, Hexham
Northumberland NE46 4BJ
01434 620156 walwickhall.com

The Old Chapel

The Old Chapel

This contemporary converted chapel in Ruswarp, just two miles from the centre of Whitby, is full of quirky charm. It even has a generous indoor spa area, sauna, and Jacuzzi. The Old Chapel offers spacious accommodation, sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms with two bathrooms. The living/dining area has a cosy log burner (and the original piped chapel organ), there’s a snug for some quiet time, and a well-equipped kitchen and boot room. From the kitchen there is an original arched chapel door which opens to reveal the spectacular spa. There is a Jacuzzi spa bath with coloured lights and numerous jets and sprays, the sauna will happily seat up to eight, and there is an open rainfall shower for you to cool down in afterwards. Spa robes, slippers and towels are provided. Outside, there’s a large enclosed garden perfect for dining al fresco, and a fruit orchard.

Ruswarp, Whitby
Yorkshire Cottage Holidays
01947 600700 yorkshireholidaycottages.co.uk

The Lodge

The Lodge

This cottage sits at the top of the peaceful village of Elsdon. A cosy retreat for two (and one dog), it has a sun room at the front to take advantage of the far-reaching views, and a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Elsdon, the historic capital of Redesdale, on the very edge of the Northumberland National Park, is often described as the ‘perfect Northumbrian village’. Along with its ancient parish church, there’s an ancient pele tower (one of the best examples left in Northumberland) and the remains of a motte and bailey castle. An ideal retreat for walkers and cyclists, the cottage has plenty of walks and trails which start on its doorstep.

Eldson, Northumberland
Northumbria Coast and Country
01665 830783 northumbria-cottages.co.uk

Border House

Border House

This gorgeous stone-built holiday home in the village of Harbottle has a host of original features; an inglenook fireplaces in the lounge and kitchen, original sash windows and a tiered south-facing garden with views of the forests and hills of Northumberland National Park. It’s a walker’s (and cyclist’s) paradise. The cottage sleeps seven (and three dogs) so is perfect for a family break or a group getaway. The large garden with its barbecue for use all year round and an outside dining area is totally private and enclosed. Watch the stars from the comfort of your own back garden (Harbottle is in the designated International Dark Sky Park) and the vast expanse of Kielder Reservoir and Forest are on the doorstep. The local pub, The Star Inn, serves good food and also acts as the local village shop for necessities.

Harbottle, Northumberland
Coquet Cottages
01665 710700 coquetcottages.co.uk

Dale End Loggia

Dale End Loggia

In an elevated position with stunning views looking out over Grasmere Water and Heron Pike, Dale End Loggia is the perfect retreat for two. Restored from an old cow byre, this contemporary studio accommodation has large windows and outdoor decking, great for taking in the beautiful scenery. Sleeping two (and two dogs) the L-shaped, open-plan room has a bed tucked away at one end and a kitchen and lounge area with uninterrupted views over the lake at the other. Grasmere is the ideal location for a walking holiday, with some incredible walks, and a huge array of attractions nearby. Dale End Loggia can be booked with Dale End Farm and Dale End Barn to accommodate 17 people in total.

Grasmere, Cumbria
Good Life Lake District Cottages
01539 437417 goodlifelakedistrictcottages.co.uk

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