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Chaffinch Cottage

Rothbury, Northumberland

For lovers of the great outdoors or those seeking a blissful escape from it all, the beautifully secluded location of Chaffinch Cottage offers good-life living where the landscape takes centre stage.

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Chaffinch Cottage

10% discount on remaining holidays throughout April 2024 (3 nights minimum).

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Overview

For lovers of the great outdoors or those seeking a blissful escape from it all, the beautifully secluded location of Chaffinch Cottage offers good-life living where the landscape takes centre stage.

A true off-grid experience

Sitting 1400 feet above sea level deep in the heart of the Northumberland National Park, this is a place of big sky views and never-ending walking and cycling from the doorstep.

A true off-grid experience, this two bedroom cottage is truly sustainable with solar and wind power renewables together with a biomass heating system. The sitting room features warming oak and a real fire for days when a good book and a slower pace beckons, while a dining space for four leads into a smart kitchen with high quality granite work surfaces.

The two bedrooms (one double, one twin) are presented in a calming palette of greys and whites and a family bathroom has a sleek finish and luxurious guest toiletries for a little pampering at the end of a busy day.

Outdoors, the ever-changing light bathing bracken and hillside in colour across far horizons will take your breath away, or why not sit back as night falls and end a perfect day with a truly spectacular star gazing treat under the unpolluted dark skies of this designated sky park.

Property details

Ground floor

Sitting room with large sofa, armchair, flat screen TV with Freeview, DVD player, dining space with seating for six. Wood burning stove.

Kitchen is equipped with single gas oven, gas hob, fridge with small freezer compartment, microwave, washing machine. Please note there is no dishwasher since the off-grid power supply is unable to support both a dishwasher and washing machine.

Bedroom one with fixed 5’ king size bed, chest of drawers, built-in wardrobe.

Bedroom two with 3’ twin beds, wardrobe.

Family bathroom with bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.

Outside

There is a private enclosed garden to the rear of the property with outside furniture. An Outback barbecue will be available in the spring and summer months. The garden terrace to the front of the cottage is shared with adjoining Dipper Cottage.

Parking

There is private parking to the front and side of the cottage.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

For safety reasons, we do not permit electric vehicle or hybrid car charging at this property. If you’re travelling by EV, discover your nearest electric vehicle charging point here.

Babies & Children

A travel cot and highchair are available on request.

Dogs

Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at a cost of £20 per dog per stay. They must be clean before access into the property and are not permitted on the furniture or in the bedrooms.

Guest amenities

High quality bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.

Stargazing Kits

Experience a midnight picnic under the stars!

As an optional extra, Stargazing kits are available to hire at this property. Take your basket down to the garden, set up your midnight picnic and have fun stargazing.

Due to its rural location within a dark skies area, the property is ideally placed to experience the full magnificence of the night sky. Set up your telescope to look for galaxies and planets or see which constellations you can spot using the handy guide.

The basket will include:

A flask for two, Choc Affair hot chocolate, Choc Affair chocolate bar, Northumberland Bakery cookies, two hot water bottles, Stargazing for Beginners guide, Annual Guide to the Night Skies, a practical guide to the key constellations, 10x50 Binoculars, travel telescope, large picnic rug, and two fleece blankets.

Stargazing kits can be booked for use during your stay at a charge of £20.

Holistic Healing at The Cabin

Take some time to fully relax and rejuvenate and book a treatment with a fully qualified Complementary Therapsit at The Holistic Healing Cabin.

The rustic cabin on the estate, heated with wind felled logs, is a warm and inviting space where guests can enjoy spa treatments. There are various treatments available, such as a soothing aromatherapy massage, a Swedish deep tissue massage, a facial, reflexology or crystal therapy to name a few. Further details will be sent to you before your arrival. Booking in advance is required, subject to availability. Please contact us for further information.

Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage

Fibre Broadband is available at Chaffinch Cottage.

Mobile reception is patchy depending on the network, with Vodafone offering the best connection. There is a landline at the nearby owner property for emergency use.

Heating & Electricity

LPG gas central heating throughout the property. Wood burning stove in the sitting room with initial supply of logs provided and extra supplies available at cost price on site.

Please note that Chaffinch Cottage is not on the national grid and is dependent on wind and solar power, with a generator for back-up. This means that the number of electrical appliances in the property is more limited to the key essentials and a dishwasher cannot be supported.

Guest Privacy

The cottage adjoins Dipper Cottage which sits in the same ownership. The rear garden area offers guest privacy, however the front terrace is an open shared space. The owners live in a nearby property and while they are on hand to help guests with any aspect of their stay, they are completely respectful of their privacy.

Access - Important

While the cottage is situated in a fabulous secluded position, it is important to note that this is accessed by a three mile long Forestry Commission track used by logging lorries which comprises loose gravel and cattle grids. This is steep in places and care should be taken, especially during the winter months, as adverse weather and heavy goods vehicles can leave the track rutted and pot-holed. Please drive slowly paying particular attention to the road surface. Sports cars and low suspension vehicles should be avoided. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required in winter conditions. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

Additional Accommodation

For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside ten other properties at Kidlandlee. 

There are four cabins in close proximity; The Maple (sleeping 4), The Willow (sleeping 4), The Elm (sleeping 2) and The Oak (sleeping 2). Nearby sits Chaffinch Cottage (sleeping 4) and adjoining Dipper Cottage (sleeping 6), then The School House (sleeping 4) and adjoining Tutor's Lodge (sleeping 4). Close to these are The Old Barn (sleeping 4) and adjoining Leyland Barn (sleeping 4), while The Hemmel (sleeping 2) sits on its own a little further away.

Retruning Guest Discount

From July 2023, upon departure, guests who stay at this property will be offered a 10% discount for use on a future booking at any of the Kidlandlee properties (Chaffinch CottageDipper CottageLeyland BarnNumber One Clayport StreetThe HemmelThe Old BarnThe School HouseThe WillowThe MapleThe ElmTutor’s Lodge) This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

If you have previously booked one of the above properties and wish to book another, please contact us providing the lead booker’s name and cottage for the returning guest code.

Location

A drive of 3 miles will take you to Clennell Hall in Harbottle which has an excellent bar and restaurant for eating-out, along with the occasional music evening which brings locals and visitors together for a little entertainment!

Alternatively the village of Thropton (11 miles) has a small village shop selling general provisions and also has two pubs including the highly regarded Three Wheat Heads, a traditional 300-year-old coaching inn which has a cosy lounge bar and fine dining restaurant serving a varied and interesting menu using fine local produce from the Coquet Valley.

For a wider variety, head to the charming village of Rothbury (14 miles) which has a super selection of independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafes as well as a deli, bakery and butchers shop.

Activities

This is frontier land, full of history, heritage and wild, natural beauty; where walking and cycling routes have been shaped by ancient Romans, drovers and plundering Border reivers through the ages. Through it, the River Coquet meanders through vast stretches of moorland and picturesque valleys.

Clennell Street follows the ancient drover road where you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views over the Coquet Valley and Cheviot Hills, dropping down to the tiny village of Alwinton where you can rest tired legs and enjoy a pie and a pint at the Rose and Thistle pub. Alwinton is also a designated Dark Sky Discovery site so it’s also a perfect spot to indulge in a spot of stargazing. Stargazing kits can be hired for use during your stay at an additional charge.

Alternatively the Street or ‘clattering path’ is a Roman road where you can walk the Border Ridge and look for iron age hill forts and enigmatic rock carvings, or why not take a ranger led walk from Harbottle to see the fabled Drake Stone.

If you prefer to spend your days on two wheels, why not explore nearby Kidland Forest and Upper Coquetdale which is a super loop involving lovely woodland tracks and long riverside trails, or for something a little more high energy the Reivers Cycle Route will tick the right box.

The area is also a fantastic spot for climbing and bouldering with crags at Simonside and to the north and west of Rothbury, while fell runners will simply be in their element here.

For those looking for a more relaxed option, enjoy a pampering treatment by Catherine Phillipson from Loved Up Aromatherapy at your cottage or in Kidlandlee Estate's own Holistic Healing Cabin.

Nearby Cragside House and Gardens offers a fascinating day out for the family where you can discover the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. Crammed full of gadgets developed by Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape genius, Lord Armstrong, Cragside is truly a wonder of its age. The adventure playground with its network of paths and tunnels will be a huge hit with children and the gardens are an absolute delight.

Also within easy reach are the award winning Alnwick Gardens and Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland and one of Britain’s most iconic castles. With its rich history, exquisite art, beautiful gardens, and film location for Harry Potter, there is plenty of wizardly magic and mayhem to keep all ages entertained.

Finally the stunning beaches of the Northumberland coast can be easily reached in under an hour - perfect for picnics with a bucket and spade. Visit Bamburgh Castle and its amazing dog friendly beach where you can walk for miles on white sugary sands, stopping off for an ice-cream along the way, or why not follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne to complete the final journey of St. Cuthbert and enjoy the breathtaking views from the sheltered dune-fringed sands of this uniquely special place. Simply magical!

 

C&C experiences

C&C experiences

We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.

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Children and families

Children and families

Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.

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Cycling & mountain biking

Cycling & mountain biking

Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.

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Historic houses and castles

Historic houses and castles

With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.

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Walking

Walking

From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.

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Wildlife

Wildlife

Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.

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Fishing

Fishing

Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.

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Golf

Golf

There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.

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Shooting

Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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Ancestral history research

Ancestral history research

Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.

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Adventure Sports

Adventure Sports

If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.

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Services

Cooks and chefs

Cooks and chefs

Make your stay hassle-free with your own personal cook

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Additional housekeeping

Additional housekeeping

Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.

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Dog sitting

Dog sitting

Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.

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Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Fresh cut flowers delivered to your holiday home.

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Beauty and spa treatments

Beauty and spa treatments

Everyone needs some pampering, whatever the occasion.

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Holiday photography

Holiday photography

Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.

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Wine delivery

Wine delivery

Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.

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Reviews

"I wanted to write and let you know that we had an amazing stay at Chaffinch cottage. We loved it up there. We went for wonderful long walks everyday - it is truly stunning scenery. The cottage was perfect too, such great size rooms and really beautifully but simply set out. We met the owners too who were really friendly and very kindly helped us when our car battery died! We would love to come back soon."

Ms Perkins

"We absolutely loved our stay at Chaffinch Cottage. The furnishings are lovely and it was very clean. It was beautiful staying in such quiet and gorgeous surroundings. Could do with a 4x4 to negotiate the track up to the accommodation. We are definitely planning to return next year. Didn’t want to leave."

Ms Parkin

"We have had the most wonderful stay in Chaffinch Cottage. We have loved everything about it. Very comfortable and we have slept like logs! The most peaceful place we have ever stayed. From the thoughtful Welcome gifts, to the great quality toiletries..there is absolutely nothing we would change. We will definitely return!"

Mr & Mrs Beck

"Just had to write to let you know what a wonderful time we had at the Chaffinch which is a credit to the owners. The location is outstanding. We look forward to returning to the Chaffinch in the future and please pass on our thanks to the owners for making such a special place available for us to experience such a special location. Lastly I think it will also help with your promotion of this special place to highlight that it is one of the best places we have ever been to to observe the night sky with the Milky Way never looking brighter due to the total lack of light pollution from street lights etc. I am sure it must give nearby Kielder a run for its money as a designated Dark space for viewing the night sky."

Shayler family

"We had such a lovely time at Chaffinch Cottage, the views from there were wonderful. We were welcomed with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a hospitality basket of lovely locally sourced goodies. The cottage was very cosy and welcoming with lights left on for our arrival. So much thought had gone into the decor and comfort of the guests and every single thing you would ever need was there. The beds were so comfortable and there were lovely dark blinds in the rooms keeping warmth in and light out. Chaffinch cottage was a beautiful place to have a break and we enjoyed seeing deer and a fox whilst walking our dogs. The towels and toiletries supplied in the bathroom were very good quality and plentiful. We were grateful the heating was on and did not need to use the log burner with a full basket of logs supplied. We have previously stayed in cottages with log burners with no logs to use! We thoroughly enjoyed our break at Chaffinch cottage and would recommend to anyone as a lovely place to enjoy the countryside."

Ferguson family

Availability

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Location Very rural - 14 miles from Rothbury.
Dogs
  • Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £20 per dog.
Returning Guest Discount
  • Guests who stay at this property will qualify for a returning guest discount at any Kidlandlee property. Please see property details for further information.
Arrival / Departure
  • Typical arrival day: Friday during high season with the additional option of Monday out of high season
  • Arrival time: 4pm
  • Departure time: 10am
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The cosy wood burner in the sitting room of Chaffinch Cottage
The little things we love...
"The sitting room provides an inviting combination of cosy wood burner and big sky views."
Emma, Crabtree & Crabtree
email us or give us a call on 01573 226711 for details.

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