A romantic, rural retreat for two, this former boat house sits in an idyllic spot overlooking the lake on the Middleton Hall Estate. Whether from a deck chair on the viewing platform in the summer months or from the comfort of the cosy seating area in the cooler months, many an hour can be spent watching the ever-changing vista of the lake and its many inhabitants including ducks, moorhens, a family of otters and roe deer.

The magnificent timber-framed building has been lovingly restored by the present owners after the original boat house was destroyed by fire. The resulting building is entirely harmonious with its surroundings and delightfully quirky. The accommodation is all at first floor level and open plan (with the exception of the bathroom) with exposed oak beams, wooden floors and floor to ceiling windows providing fabulous 180 degree views over the lake. Patio doors lead to a first floor decked patio area with an additional decked platform set over the lake providing a fabulous spot for a barbecue on summer evenings.

For the more energetic, a rowing boat and oars are provided for exploring the lake or why not try a spot of fishing; the lake is stocked with carp, sturgeon and tiddlers.

The Boat House is a stone's throw from Northumberland's magnificent coastline, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Whether for walking, kite-surfing, riding, sandcastle-building, dune-surfing or just sitting and enjoying the views, the Northumberland beaches are well worth a visit. One of our favourite spots, only a few miles from The Boathouse, is Bamburgh Beach, with miles of pristine sand, nestled behind huge sand dunes and overlooked by the impressive Bamburgh Castle. Also close by is the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.

The Boat House is close to the pretty village of Belford with a golf course, an excellent farm shop, coffee shop and a couple of restaurants, one with a AA Rosette award. Food fans will be delighted by the wealth of local goodies on offer including Doddington Dairy ice cream, Northumberland cheeses, Lindisfarne Oysters, Chainbridge Honey, Craster Kippers and Alnwick IPA to name but a few.

Floorplans for The Boat House will be available soon. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any queries in relation to the layout of the property.

Accommodation

The accommodation is all on the first floor accessed via an external staircase and open plan other than the bathroom.

Sleeping area with 5' double bed, bedside tables and optional screen. Bed linen and towels are provided for all guests.

Bathroom with freestanding roll top bath with handheld shower, basin and WC.

Seating area with sofa and arm chair, flat screen TV with blue ray, DVD player and Freeview. Ipod docking station and CD player. Wi fi is also available throughout.

Dining area to seat four.

Well-equipped kitchen area with electric double oven and 4-ring hob, microwave and dishwasher.

Ground floor storage room with washer/dryer and space to store bicycles and outdoor clothing.

Outside

Patio doors lead to a decked seating area on the first floor level in additional to a fabulous decked area set over the lake with outside seating and barbecue.

Parking

Guests have use of a dedicated parking space which is about a 50 yard walk down shallow decked steps to The Boat House. This path is fully lit at night.

Welcome hamper

A welcome pack of basic provisions is provided.

Catering and housekeeping

Homemade meals delivered daily to the house. Alternatively, we offer a food-shopping and wine delivery service. Daily housekeeping is also available. Please contact us for further details.

Facilities for babies

A travel cot and high chair are available on request.

Dogs

We regret that dogs are not allowed at The Boat House.

Fishing

Rental of The Boat House includes fishing rights to the lake on a catch and release basis. Rods are not provided but can be hired from a local tackle shop.

Rowing boat

The rowing boat is for use entirely at guests' own risk. Life jackets are provided.