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Overview
Enjoy an impressively vast garden with an array of seating areas, raised decking, expansive lawn and all the outdoor amenities you could need in fabulous rural quietude, courtesy of this renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage.
Lashings of style await inside this fully-renovated two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage, as does much space and comfort
The Forge offers a best-of-both-worlds proposition: alongside a bucolic setting and broad, beautiful garden to enjoy, you can relish stylish interiors that wouldn’t look out of place in design magazines.
The detached stone building is part of Ancroft Southmoor, a small hamlet dating back to the 19th century, six miles and ten minutes’ drive southwest of Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Forge faces a few other ‘chocolate box’ cottages to the front, with the rear of the cottage offering enchanting views of the neighbouring woodlands and wider countryside - the sort that provide instant cheer.
Accessible via just one step if necessary for those of limited mobility, and spread across a single floor, The Forge branches off from an entrance hallway and boot room. To one side is an open-plan room combining the well-equipped kitchen, dining and sitting areas. These, respectively, include a peninsula island, a chunky wood table and brightly-coloured sofas framing a footstool-table opposite the Smart TV.
Aided by full-length windows and patio doors, this is a bright, airy and appealing space. Enhancing its charm is the ornate, homely décor: bookcases bulge beckoningly, potted plants hang from white-painted rafters and paintings dot walls. A modern log-burning stove stands ready to tackle chillier days.
A door leads to the main bedroom’s super-king bed, armchair and, for anyone fond of tinkling the ivory, a piano. Similar in size and accessed from that hallway, the second bedroom has another super-king bed which can be split into singles on request. Both sleeping quarters feature large mirrors, larger wardrobes, chests of drawers and more patio doors leading out to the back garden, and each boasts a tiled, walk-in rainfall shower in its en-suite.
Also suiting romancing couples, families or groups of friends equally well is that lawned garden. Mostly enclosed by fencing or woodland, this features much room to run or spread out, as well as a swing seat and pretty bird-table. On the adjacent, fairy-lit deck, dining and coffee tables encourage al-fresco meals or relaxation. Potted plants frame both that and a further area – this time with outdoor sofas and a bucket chair beneath a pergola – at the home’s front. You’ll find a barbecue and pizza oven (charcoal and wood are provided) here, too. Look and listen for the local bird community, whizzing about or using the feeder, even including the odd visiting woodpecker, buzzard or owl.
The nearest shop and pub is a ten minute drive away – this being rural England. On Northumberland's most northerly tip, Berwick-upon-Tweed promises riverside walks, three elegant bridges, lots of cafes and good galleries. Also within a 20-minute drive east are Cheswick Sands’ splendid beach and the causeway to Holy Island. Alternatively, continue southwest to find ruined, 14th-century Etal Castle’s exhibition about 1513’s vital Battle of Flodden or Cheviot Hills hikes to empty, gorgeous valleys and the Scottish border.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Access from the rear garden into boot room and utility area with bench seating, coat hooks and storage cupboard for boots and shoes. A shower tray and tap is provided for rinsing off sandy feet.
Entrance hall containing washer / dryer combi and full size sink with mixer tap, laundry facilities, as well as a full size fridge / freezer, pantry and microwave.
WC located off the entrance hall.
Open plan kitchen, sitting and dining room comprising:
Well equipped kitchen with 4-ring induction hob, built-in oven, dishwasher and full size fridge and freezer.
Dining area with large solid wood dining table with seating for 6 guests and cookery and literary books for guest to use.
Sitting room with large sofa, leather sofa, large foot stool and a love seat. Modern-style wood burning stove with supply of logs in the log store. A large Smart TV is provided for guest to use with their own Netflix / Amazon Prime account. A DVD player is also provided, as well as board games for guest enjoyment. Patio doors lead out to the rear garden.
Bedroom one, accessed from the sitting room, with super king size bed, chest of drawers, arm chair, full length mirror and designated work space. The room also features a dressing area with large triple wardrobe and a piano. Patio doors lead out to the rear garden.
En-suite shower room with large walk-in shower with rainforest head, WC, hand basin, illuminated mirror and heated towel rail.
Bedroom two, accessed from the entrance hall, with zip and link super king size bed, which can be converted to twin single beds on request, bedside tables, large double wardrobe, tall drawer storage and large wall mirror. Patio doors lead out to rear garden.
En-suite shower room with large walk-in shower with rainforest head, hand basin, illuminated mirror, heated towel rail and WC.
The front door of the cottage is accessed from the dining area, and has a handy porch with console table, lamp, shoe storage space and a supply of blankets guests are welcome to use in the garden.
OUTSIDE
The garden has a very large lawn area, surrounded by woodland and stunning countryside views, with swing bench situated on the grass.
The decking area has a large outdoor dining table with bench seating and lounge seating for 4 guest surrounding a firepit that has a wooden top to double up as a table.
A second relaxed seating are with outdoor sofas and chairs can be found by the gravel driveway. A charcoal barbeque and pizza oven are also provided and supplied with charcoal and fire wood.
PARKING
There is parking for 2 cars on the hardcore area to the side of the cottage (next to the owners black Golf). There is also a gravel area to the front of the cottage for 2 cars.
Please note, the gravel area to the rear of the cottage, inside the farm gate and garden walls is not suitable for parking vehicles on. It is intended to be used as part of the garden when using the BBQ and pergola.
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
Sorry, children under the age of 8 years are not permitted at The Forge.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile reception is generally good.
HEATING
There is a modern log burning stove in the open-plan sitting room, dining room and kitchen area. The second bedroom has an electric wall heater and both en-suite shower rooms contain heated towel rails. There is no central heating in The Forge. With large velux windows, large patio doors and numerous south-facing windows, the cottage is always warm as the sun heats the stone floors, which retain the heat throughout the property even through the winter months. There is a ventilation system to provide fresh air without needing to open the windows, so the cottage is cleverly designed to retain the heat when needed in the winter, and allow fresh air to flow through the large patio doors in summer.
Location
The Forge offers guests an excellent base to explore the wider Northumberland and Scottish Border area.
The Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is just fourteen minutes by car, making it easy to pick up provisions from one of the many supermarkets located on the outskirts of town. There is a good mix of high street and independent shopping, as well as a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants, including The Maltings, a vibrant theatre and arts venue for an evening of entertainment.
There is a village shop, post office and tea room in at The Lavender Tearooms in Etal village (5.8 miles) or the Ford village shop and terrace cafe (7.9 miles) which has a super selection of everyday essentials and will also prepare packed lunches and picnics.
The area has a rich food heritage and there is something to cater for all tastes and budgets here from tasty fish and chips on the coast to cosy pubs, characterful cafes or bistro restaurants. The Black Bull Inn in Lowick, just 7.5 miles south of the property and the similarly name Black Bull thatched pub in Etal (5.8 miles) are both very good pubs for lingering lunches and informal evening dining. Or head towards the coast to the very picturesque village of Bamburgh where you can enjoy fantastic seafood at The Potted Lobster for a superior eating experience.
Alternatively, why not pop the wine in the fridge and arrange for a platter of seafood to be delivered straight to your door by the Berwick Shellfish Company - oysters reared in the clear North Sea beds of Lindisfarne, lightly smoked kippers from traditional local smokehouses, or perhaps some freshly dressed lobster or langoustines.
The town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is also served by the main East Coast rail line with regular services to Edinburgh and Newcastle for a city day out.
Activities
The Forge is located in the heart of North Northumberland and is exceptionally well placed for exploring the wider area. 6.5 miles north will take you to the bustling town of Berwick-upon-Tweed where you can walk the outstanding Elizabethan walls of the Old Town taking in ancient bastions, watchtowers and gun batteries - a testament to Berwick’s turbulent past defending England from the Scots. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the coast and Tweed estuary before a visit to the Hawksmoor-designed Berwick Barracks with museums showcasing its military history, as well as the nearby Berwick Gymnasium Art Gallery.
Six miles in the opposite direction will take you to Ford & Etal Estates where you can visit a working corn mill and browse the delightful local craft shops at Heatherslaw before catching the 15” narrow gauge steam train to Etal village where you can explore Etal Castle. Alternatively head to Ford Village and the exquisite Lady Waterford Hall museum or hire bikes at Ford Village Shop to experience the delights of the surrounding countryside.
The property is also located close to Northumberland National Park, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty with over 400 square miles of stunning landscapes, crisscrossed by over 700 miles of walking, biking and riding trails. It is also England’s first, and Europe’s largest, International Dark Sky Park, which means that it is perfect for a spot of stargazing. On a clear night, you will see stunning Meteor Showers, the Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy - an astonishing 2.5 million light-years away!
The dramatic beauty of the Cheviot Hills can be accessed from Wooler (15 miles) where walkers and mountain bikers can follow the routes of ancient cattle drovers, taking in Iron Age stone fortifications and traces of Bronze Age hillforts amidst the tranquil and rugged landscape. Follow the legend of St. Cuthbert with a visit to the Cuddy’s Cave (16 miles) a short walk exploring the area around this historic feature, or head to Ingram Valley (25 miles) and follow the trail to Linhope Spout waterfall. For cycling, you will find everything from gentle low-level meanders to big hill country treks, including long-distance routes such as the Pennine Cycleway or the cycle challenges of the Wooler Wheel Hub.
The stunning heritage coastline is just a short drive away 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. 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 that 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 here. Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims to the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne (15 miles) 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.
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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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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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.
Find Out MoreReviews
“We have had a wonderful, peaceful time here. Such a lovely setting with all that you need for a holiday. We even had the chance to sit in the blue chair and star-gaze one night! Thank you.”
Mr & Ms Kadansky“We’ve had a wonderful stay at this beautiful home. Thank you! We visited lots of lovely beaches, castles and a few pubs! We hope to come again.”
Mr & Ms Baker“A wonderfully peaceful stay, Beautiful scenery, long rides on the bikes and endless beach walks – a true tonic!”
Mr & Ms Lockwood“We have had a very lovely week at The Forge. The proximity to Berwick and its restaurants and shops is a big plus. As is being so close to the beaches. We visited old favourites – still as beautiful as ever (Cocklawburn Beach, Coldingham Bay, St Abbs etc.). Head to the beach where you may be the only ones there! Bliss.”
Ms Stead“Thank you, it really has been an amazing place to stay. Highly recommended, we will certainly come back and look forward to sitting in the lovely garden in the summer.”
Lane Family"I just wanted to let you know that The Forge was the perfect holiday property. Stylish yet comfortable, with everything you might need, and in a beautiful quiet location, very close to the coast and places of interest. The garden of the property with the different seating areas has been thoughtfully planned and is a wonderful place to relax in the sunshine. Did not get the opportunity to use the pizza oven or barbecue but hope to make up for this next visit as I have just made a booking for a week in Summer 2023!"
Ms SilverAvailability
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed
- Sorry, children under the age of 8 years are not permitted at The Forge.
- Typical arrival day: Friday and Monday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The great sense of space, the wind in the trees and on a clear night, the amazingly vast starscape. We love watching the birds play in the garden from under the pergola, waiting for the odd celebrity appearance: woodpeckers, buzzards and owls."Simon and Ellen - Owners of The Forge
