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15% launch discount on stays throughout May and June 2024 (3/7 night stay minimum).
Overview
This handsome 19th century house combines period elegance with stunning interior design, offering a tranquil retreat on the historic Twizell Estate in Northumberland.
Just a few miles from the glorious white sands of Bamburgh beach
Originally home to the Head Gardener of Twizell Estate, this three-bedroom house has been beautifully renovated to create an elegant escape that’s ideally positioned for exploring both coast and countryside. The house sits alongside the estate’s listed walled garden that dates to 1819 – indeed, the original 200-year-old vines that were planted at the garden’s inception are still growing here.
Twizell Estate has a fascinating history as it once belonged to the eminent botanist, ornithologist, and artist Prideaux John Selby. Fellow ornithologist and renowned artist John James Audubon visited Selby and painted many birds during his inspirational stay at Twizell, and several of Audubon’s distinctive artworks are showcased in Gardener’s Cottage. Filled with warmth and personality, many features of the newly-renovated interior reflect this rich heritage – not least the striking wall mural in the dining room that references both the wild trees of Northumberland and the arboretum that Selby planted on the estate.
On arrival, you’ll find parking in the rear courtyard with the entry leading to an inner hallway and onto the kitchen. Dove grey Shaker-style cabinets and marbled quartz worktops reflect the natural light streaming through the windows, while the range cooker is recessed into the chimneybreast, creating a hardworking heart to this beautifully designed kitchen – the perfect spot to rustle up a delicious meal after a day spent exploring.
The dining room adjoins the kitchen and oozes sophisticated style with its intricately carved period fireplace, treescape mural, and dado-height wall panelling. The sitting room lies across the hallway and is another elegant space with plaster wall detailing showcasing the artworks, including two pieces by Audubon. The fireplace features a wood burning stove, creating a cosy ambience, while plump sofas invite you to curl up with a book and simply enjoy the peace.
The ground floor bedroom is a relaxing haven with a carved wooden and upholstered bed to sink into at the end of the day, while the neutral walls are offset by the flourish of botanical print in the curtains. The equally stylish en suite shower is lined with soothing green scallop tiles, while intricately detailed tiles add a subtle vintage touch to the basin and floor.
The staircase leads to the two bedrooms and shared bathroom on the first floor. Each bedroom has its own distinct character: one is light and airy with neutral walls, a French-style rattan bed, and a delicate chandelier exuding a sense of tranquillity, while the second echoes this in the furnishings, but with a moodier palette of warm greens with midnight blue and amber accents.
The bathroom is simply stunning. The freestanding copper tub is positioned by the window, so you can enjoy a long soak while taking in the leafy views. The large walk-in shower is lined with floral tiles and the green tones are reflected in the peppermint walls and the botanical-print curtains, creating a relaxing sense of the outside spilling indoors.
Gardener’s Cottage has an enclosed garden and dogs are welcome to stay here, while the wider grounds of woodland and parkland are literally on the doorstep – including the historic walled garden. A public footpath leads around the estate, while private estate walks can also be organised for guests. If you’re keen to try something new, Twizell Estate is also home to the outdoors activities business Northern Outdoor, offering everything from canoe trips and archery to courses in wilderness skills, while the scenic coastline is just waiting to be explored, from Bamburgh’s famous beach to the sweeping beauty of Embleton Bay.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Rear access into inner hall.
Kitchen with Cookmaster Range cooker with double oven and five burner ceramic hob, fridge, three drawer freezer, dishwasher, microwave. There's a washer/dryer in the cloakroom.
Dining room with mahogany dining table seating six guests, side board, decorative fireplace.
Sitting room with two large sofas, Smart TV, wood burning stove.
Off the rear hallway is a ground floor bedroom and a separate cloakroom.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, large mirror.
En suite bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Cloakroom with WC and a washer/dryer.
Central stair positioned between the dining room and sitting room leads to the first floor.
FIRST FLOOR
The two first floor bedrooms sit either side of the central stair. From the first floor, there are a further three steps to each of the bedrooms. The family bathroom (two steps up) sits between bedroom two and bedroom three.
Bedroom two with king size bed, two side tables, chest of drawers, two occasional chairs, cupboard with hanging rail and storage, decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with large shower unit with rainforest head and hand held mixer, large copper bath tub, heated towel rail, decorative fireplace, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with super king bed, two side tables, chest of drawers, chaise longue, cupboard with hanging rail and storage.
OUTSIDE
There is a large gravelled access drive to the rear. To the front of the property is an enclosed patio and lawned garden leading out into the old walled garden of the Estate.
This extends into wider woodland and parkland with designated walks in the immediate area. A private tour of the Estate can be arranged directly with the owner to see more extensive and private areas of the Estate.
PARKING
There is ample private parking on the gravelled courtyard to the rear of the property.
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 high chair can be provided on request and the owner will make every endeavour to accommodate any requests for other child friendly items. Please do ask.
DOGS
Two dogs are permitted at a charge of £15 per dog.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided along with guest toiletries. The beds are made up with duck and goose down duvets and pillows but hypoallergenic can be provided on request. The mattresses are high quality memory foam. A hairdryer is available in each of the bedrooms.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-fi is available. Fibre broadband is expected to be installed later in 2024. Mobile coverage is good.
HEATING
Oil fired heating with radiators throughout. Wood burning stove in the sitting room with generous initial supply of logs.
GUEST PRIVACY
The property is detached and sits in private grounds which is not overlooked.
ACCESS
The access road to the property is a B class road off the A.1 which extends onto a private farm track after approximately 1.6 miles. Care should be taken when driving the final section, particularly through the winter months, when the farm track becomes more heavily rutted. Please contact us should you have any concerns.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Gardener's Cottage sits in the same ownership as South Lodge, Twizell and may be suitable for larger parties who wish to holiday together. Please refer to the location information and area map on each of the property pages. It should be noted that South Lodge sits on the other side of the A1 in the village of Warenford, and is approximately 1.8 miles from Gardener's Cottage by car, or is 0.8 miles on foot as the crow flies through the estate grounds and under the A.1.
Location
The village of Belford (4.8 miles) offers a good range of local amenities including a Co-op supermarket open 7 days a week until 10pm, and the excellent Sunnyhills Farm Shop which sells a wealth of local goodies including Doddington Dairy ice cream, Northumberland cheeses, Lindisfarne Oysters, Chainbridge Honey, and Craster Kippers to name but a few.
For essential provisions, the Purdy Lodge service station on the A.1 (approx 1.8 miles) is also a handy stop-off. Gardener's Cottage is also within walking distance of The White Swan pub in Warenford, popular with locals and visitors alike, and sits 0.8 miles as the crow flies, accessed via a footpath through the estate and under the A1.
There are also a number of excellent local pubs in Chatton and Bamburgh (6.8 miles), including the Potted Lobster which comes particularly recommended for their seafood and warm, friendly atmosphere. A little further afield, the delightful Ship Inn at Low Newton is famous for their crab dishes and microbrewery.
Inland, the charming village of Wooler (12 miles) offers good local amenities, including small independent shopping, cafes and restaurants, including the highly regarded Milan Restaurant reviewed by renowned food critic AA Gill. For provisions, it has a bakery, a high quality butchers shop as well as ‘The Good Life’, a wonderful deli selling cheeses, cured meats and health foods.
Activities
The stunning heritage coast is just a twenty minute drive with miles of pristine sandy beaches, jolly pubs serving the freshest fish and chips, and picture postcard coastal villages with charming galleries and gift shops waiting to be explored. Experience the exhilarating thrill of kitesurfing at Bamburgh, coasteering at Beadnell or perhaps just enjoy the simple pleasures of a picnic and a game of beach cricket on sands which remain almost deserted even in the summer months.
History buffs will be enchanted by the rich heritage of the area, where dramatic castles and grand stately homes punctuate the landscape - Bamburgh, Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Warkworth and Chillingham to name but a few..
With Northumberland National Park just a short distance away, Gardener's Cottage is ideally placed for walking, cycling and enjoying the great outdoors. The outstanding countryside around the property offers gentle walks in scenic surroundings and the wider area enjoys a large number of designated walking routes, including more challenging hikes amidst the dramatic scenery of the National Park.
Wooler is at the heart of one of the richest archaeological landscapes in North-west Europe and spectacular Iron Age hillforts and settlements rim the Cheviots, while the enigmatic prehistoric cup & ring markings abound across the rock surfaces in this area. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne to complete the final journey of St. Cuthbert, or simply sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views from the sheltered dune-fringed sands of this uniquely special place
For cycling and mountain biking, you will find everything from gentle low-level meanders to big hill country treks including trails for family-friendly recreation. For more challenging terrain, you can join long-distance routes such as the Pennine Cycleway, or try the Sandstone Way which meanders down the coast and has shorter sections for those with just an hour or two to spare.
For family friendly activities, head to Alnwick Castle where you will find an activity programme brimming with adventure. Children can take part in all sorts of magic and mayhem inspired by the characters of Harry Potter; test their knightly courage in the Dragon Quest; or explore a world of wobbly rope bridges and treetop walkways within the stunning setting of Alnwick Gardens.
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
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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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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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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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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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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Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
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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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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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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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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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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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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Availability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £15 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Friday, with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Sinking into the beautiful copper bath after a day spent exploring."Charlie and Elizabeth, owners of Gardener's Cottage
