An ideal base for exploring Northumberland or just relaxing, this tastefully renovated stone built cottage sits on a peaceful site with open views of the beautiful countryside of the Till valley. Whether you want to walk, cycle, explore the border towns, castles or beaches or simply slow down and soak up the atmosphere, you will find that our cottage is centrally located, allowing you as much variety as you wish. The cottage has been in the family for some time but has undergone a total renovation (June 2015), giving it modern comforts whist keeping the period feel of the property. Each of the three bedrooms features an original cast iron fireplace, and the open fire in the large sitting room provides a wonderful focus for marshmallow toasting in the evenings. Our dining area is in front of a double sash window overlooking the large, south facing, walled garden featuring mature trees. From this vantage point you can enjoy the many different bird species which are regular visitors to the garden and surrounding fields and deer are regularly spotted. You may be lucky enough to see a badger, fox or weasel and in the evenings an owl or bats.We are equipped to accommodate five guests. There is one double bedroom, a second large bedroom with zip and link beds which can be configured as two singles or one super king size bed, and a downstairs single room. We can also provide a travel cot for a sixth, younger guest and have a stone outhouse which can take up to five bicycles.Local amenitiesThe cottage lies roughly three and a half miles from Cornhill-on-Tweed to the north or Milfield to the south, both of which have small village shops and pubs. The popular Blue Bell Inn serves lunchtime and evening meals and can be reached on foot in about 10 to 15 minutes: perhaps a little longer on the way back. Coldstream, a pleasant border town with great views over the River Tweed, is five miles away. It has a larger range of independent shops, pubs and cafes as well as a small supermarket. Kelso and Berwick-on-Tweed, both of which are well worth visiting, have large supermarkets and most things you would need.Activities and attractionsNorth Northumberland has attractions to suit all tastes. Its quiet roads make driving a pleasure and cycling even better. The Wooler Wheel Hub has developed an extensive network of cycle trails or borrow one of our maps and plan your own route. In the Cheviots, it is possible to walk all day without seeing another soul and there are ancient hillforts to explore. Descendants of Neolithic goats have also inhabited these hills for more than five thousand years and if you are fortunate you may spot them whilst out walking. Failing that, a visit to Chillingham will ensure that you see one of the rarest animals on the planet as only around 100 survivors of the wild cattle which one roamed Britain still exist, isolated in the park for 800 years.The coast is a short journey away and whilst everyone knows about the beauty of the beach at Bamburgh and the history surrounding Lindisfarne (Holy Island), consider Cocklawburn for a quieter visit, the stunning St Abb's Head or a walk to Dunstanburgh Castle. Nature lovers can take a boat trip out to the Farne Islands from Seahouses where you will see seals and, in summer, puffins and arctic terns at very close quarters!Closer to home, the Ford and Etal Estate has a range of attractions including the narrow gauge railway, the murals of Lady Waterford Hall, Heatherslaw Corn Mill, Etal Castle and the Black Bull, the only thatched pub in Northumberland. History lovers may also enjoy the nearby Flodden battlefield, Maelmin at Milfield or the Duddo Standing Stones. The local castles and country houses tell many a tale and a visit to Alnwick is a must for Harry Potter fans.Fishing for trout on the River Till or Tweed can be arranged for as little as £5 per day or visitors to Hethpool Linn in the stunning College Valley can see salmon leaping as they return to their spawning grounds in Autumn.AccommodationOur large sitting room has two sofas and a reclining chair with footstool arranged around the open fire and a dining table with five chairs in front of the window, overlooking the garden. There is a Flatscreen TV with integrated DVD player, a music system and a selection of DVDs, CDs, games and books.The kitchen contains an electric cooker and hob, a washing machine, a slimline dishwasher and a microwave, as well as a good range of cooking and baking equipment. The adjoining pantry contains a fridge freezer and has ample storage space.Bedroom one – a large room overlooking the garden with zip and link beds which can be configured as a superking size or twin beds as required. It has two bedside tables, dressing table, linen closet and a large wardrobe. Bedroom two – a double bed with wardrobe, chest of drawers and bedside cabinet.Bedroom three – a downstairs bedroom with single bed, chest of drawers and bedside table.Bathroom with cast iron bath, shower over the bath, original basin and wc.All bedrooms overlook the garden.Other Guest AmenitiesBed linen and towels included.Hairdryer, iron and ironing board.HeatingElectric heating throughout controlled by digital thermostats. An unlimited supply of coal is provided for the open fire in the sitting room.Mobile Network The mobile signal is intermittent but generally good, although networks may vary.Babies and Children A travel cot and high chair are available, as well as a higher wooden chair for younger children.GardenThere is an open, walled garden in front of the property which is mainly set to lawn and a pleasant sitting area with garden furniture. DogsAt present we do not accept dogs.ParkingThe property has two designated parking spaces.No SmokingSmoking is not permitted in the property.Short BreaksShort stays of either 3 or 4 nights will be considered outside of peak periods or within one month of stay. Please contact the owner for details and availability.
