Stonecrop is a much loved country cottage with a beautiful garden and small orchard in a stunning part of rural Northumberland. Many of our guests return year on year.
It is within easy reach of Hadrian’s Wall whilst being secluded, and surrounded by wonderful walks, woods and fells. There is direct access from the garden, across our adjoining field to the South Tyne river, where guests are welcome to wander and explore and enjoy the peace and quiet, the bird life and the natural beauty.
The Cottage is a listed, stone built property, dating back to 1760. It retains much of its original charm and character. The cosy lounge has a beamed ceiling and an inglenook fireplace. The kitchen is light and attractive with windows overlooking the garden on three sides. There is a small cloakroom with separate WC (and adjoining utility area) downstairs with a small study and sofabed.
Upstairs there are two comfortable double bedrooms and a single room with bunk beds. The bathroom is well equipped. The Cottage also has good and reliable wifi.
The attractive gardens surround the Cottage on three sides and include a large rear garden (with sand pit) together with an established orchard - all of which are wonderfully private. From the garden, there are lovely and uninterrupted views across the valley and onto the fells above.
The property is idyllically situated in the quiet hamlet of Eals, which is a cluster of about a dozen houses, situated along a no-through road. The South Tyne river runs alongside and forms the perfect backdrop. The valley is heavily wooded with lovely, unspoilt countryside all around. The local pub is really quite special, and within easy walking distance, and offers delicious pub meals four nights a week (and an a la carte menu for celebrating those special occasions).
The valley is a haven for birds including curlews, oyster-catchers, cuckoos and snipe. The birds on the various feeders in the garden are also very special with regular visitors including siskin, woodpecker and mistlethrush. At night you will often hear owls and herons. The night skies are as good as anywhere in the Country.
There are super walks from the doorstep in all directions including along part of the Pennine Way, and also along a now disused section of the former Haltwhistle to Alston railway line - which makes for an excellent trail or cycleway.
You can take the popular South Tynedale narrow gauge railway line from its Alston terminus to Slaggyford - only 2 miles from the Cottage.
Stonecrop is located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is conveniently close to Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland National Park. It is also within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Borders and the English Lakes. Ullswater, for example, is about a 40 minute drive away.
The house has been the much loved holiday home of the present owners for the past 60 years. If you are looking to escape the madding crowds then Stonecrop really does provide the ideal retreat for adults and children alike.
We are happy for you to bring a maximum of two dogs providing they are well behaved. For further information about the Cottage go to our own website - search for Stonecrop, Northumberland. Ours is the whitewashed one.