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The Old Barn

Rothbury, Northumberland

Beautifully remote, Kidlandlee is a place where you can find your inner escape from it all, where the magical light of breaking dawn will give way to evenings of star gazing under the dark night sky of the Northumberland National Park.

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Overview

Beautifully remote, Kidlandlee is a place where you can find your inner escape from it all, where the magical light of breaking dawn will give way to evenings of star gazing under the dark night sky of the Northumberland National Park.

Amazing big sky views and spectacular scenery

With a beguiling history dating right back to the 12th Century, it is best known for once having the highest shooting lodge in England, positioned nearly 1400ft above sea level.

While the shooting lodge has long since been lost, its original ethos holds true, offering guests amazing big sky views and spectacular scenery with some indulgent accommodation too!

Here, we have two stylish conversions - The Old Barn and Leyland Barn - each painstakingly re-built using stone salvaged from the original site.

Each property benefits from an open plan living space, designed to take advantage of the views across the hills of the Upper Coquet valley and a perfect spot to start your adventure in the great outdoors. Walkers and cyclists particularly only have to step out the door to never-ending trails just waiting to be discovered before coming home to the warmth of a real fire.

For larger families or groups who wish to holiday together, there’s an inner-connecting door between the two properties meaning that the dining space or seating space can be arranged to meet the needs of your wider party on request.

There are two bedrooms and a bathroom with underfloor heating in each property, and the master bedroom here in the Old Barn features a sumptuous super king bed where you will wake to the views across the hillside along with the odd passing deer.

The ethos here is sustainable living with fires stocked from the nearby forests, sustainable solar and wind power and the freshest water from its own bore hole which means you can experience a true off-grid experience but with every home comfort too.

Property details

GROUND FLOOR

Access into hallway with hanging rail.

Open plan sitting room/kitchen with double sofa, two armchairs, flat screen TV with Freeview, wood burning stove. Floor to ceiling feature window with door to the patio and garden. Dining space with seating for four. Kitchen with granite work surfaces, gas hob, oven, large fridge/freezer, 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 king size four-poster bed, side tables, armchair, feature window, wardrobe with hanging and drawer space. 

Bedroom two with zip and link beds, which can be configured as a king size double or two 2'6" twin beds, as required.  Wardrobe with hanging space.

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

OUTSIDE

There is a garden to the front of the property with outside furniture, enclosed with a five bar fence. A barbecue can be made available in the spring and summer months on request. 

PARKING

There is parking to the rear of the property on a gravelled courtyard shared with Leyland Barn.

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.

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE

Fibre Broadband is available The Old Barn.

Mobile reception can be 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. Initial supply of logs provided, with extra supplies available at cost price on-site.

Please note that Kidlandlee 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 limited to the key essentials and a dishwasher cannot be supported.

GUEST PRIVACY

The cottage adjoins Leyland Barn which sits in the same ownership and is also available for use as holiday let. This has an inner-connecting door when the two properties are taken together but is fully sound-proofed and lockable when taken independently. 

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.

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.

Returning 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Services

Cooks and chefs

Cooks and chefs

Make your stay hassle-free with your own personal cook

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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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Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Fresh cut flowers delivered to your holiday home.

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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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Dog sitting

Dog sitting

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

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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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Reviews

"We had a great time, it was superb - a real treat in impressive countryside. So, thank you!"

Ms Marston

"We have just returned from a week at The Old Barn, this is a perfect venue for a very relaxing vacation. It is tucked away in the hills of Northumberland and offers the most amazing views which you can never tire of. The Old Barn is designed to the highest standard, plush, comfortable and a real home from home. Everything has been done to the highest standard and offers a wonderful base to return to from walks in the hills or beaches close by. The hosts were very welcoming and available to attend to anything required, it really is a gem and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or return in the future."

Mrs Fogarty

"We were a family of 4 with 2 collie dogs. We had a wonderful long weekend stay in this beautifully appointed cottage"

Lowe Family

"We had a fantastic time at The Old Barn - excellent facilities, beautiful property and presented to such a high standard. We shall look forward to returning before the end of the year."

Ms Milner

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, with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
  • Arrival time: 4pm
  • Departure time: 10am
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Views of the rolling hills surrounding The Old Barn
The little things we love...
"Waking to the views across the hillside and spotting the odd passing deer."
Emma, Crabtree & Crabtree
email us or give us a call on 01573 226711 for details.

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