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Overview
In deepest Northumberland, this small space is perfect for outdoorsy couples seeking rural seclusion and serenity.
Close to Hadrian’s Wall, an old fairground travelling van dating to the 1940s with country views and big skies
Built just after World War I, this retro wagon spent the 1940s transporting circus performers between riotous fairs. These days, it leads a much quieter life. After transporting the vehicle from Land’s End in Cornwall — about as long a journey as is possible in England — owners Charles and Dee have lovingly renovated their find into the loveliest of small homes.
It joins three stone cottages and a hayloft as accommodation options around 38-acre Southlands Farm, an idyllic smallholding in the village of Gunnerton in central, deepest Northumberland. Expect tranquility by the trough-load. Especially amid your pretty paved garden: from here, you can gaze across open fields as birds swoop around, farm animals whinny or moo and, after dark, the county’s famously star-filled dark skies put on a spectacular show undimmed by light pollution.
Though bijou, this isn’t a holiday let lacking for luxuries. The amenities include crisp linen sheets, a welcome basket of local treats, a cosy wood-burning stove, a small Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker and complimentary Wi-fi.
Between the bedrooms at either end – one a comfy double, the other actually a snug whose daybed can convert into a single or a twin – is a small but complete kitchen enlivened whenever light shines in through its etched-glass ceiling windows. The bathroom sits in its own separate shepherd's hut which is immediately adjacent, meaning a few steps outside are required (bathrobes are provided), and contains an incinerating loo, a characterful Victorian basin and spacious shower.
Both owners’ creative flair is evident in the interiors. Dee painted every colourful landscape; Charles impressively hand-crafted that sunny kitchen. Look out as well for some enchanting original features, including a Samuel Withers & Co safe cleverly reinvented as a bedside table and those etched-glass windows amid the curving ‘Mollycroft’ roof.
Determinedly eco-friendly, down to using renewable energy and tree-planting, the surrounding farm pairs pastures with more gardens, a lily pond and an ornamental vegetable patch. Selling home-reared meats, its shop is only open on Saturdays for passersby – but wagon renters can pop by at any time to make a purchase.
Dee and Charles can not only arrange horse-riding (using stables on site), salmon fly-fishing in the Tyne and clay-pigeon shooting, but sporadically host painting, food or floristry courses. The Northumberland National Park begins just three miles east, with hikes to Hareshaw Linn’s mossy, tree-flanked waterfall recommended, while Chipchase Castle’s Victorian garden and classic Pele Tower are within walking distance. Only a little south is the ruined Temple of Mithras on Hadrian’s Wall.
Alternatively, just roam about: enjoying the gentle countryside pace, and generally doing as much or as little as desired. The hubbub of normal life will become a distant memory…
Property details
Accommodation
External steps with a handrail lead up to The Showman's Wagon.
Compact kitchen with gas oven, gas hob, fridge. A dishwasher is not provided. Table with drop-leaf and seating for two or four. Wood-burning stove, small Smart TV, bluetooth speaker.
Bedroom one - with 4'6" double bed. The original safe in The Showman's Wagon is a characterful feature, now used as a side table. Shelving at the end of the bed, with under-bed storage area.
Snug/Bedroom two - with day bed which converts to a single or two low 3' twin beds. The beds are suitable for children under 10 years only.
Please note the bathroom sits in a separate Shepherd's hut which sits immediately adjacent, off the patio area.
Bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower with rainforest head, heated towel rail, basin and Cindi incinerating toilet.
Guests are welcome to use a communal drying room that sits a short distance away at the main farmhouse. This has a washing machine, a sink and a drying pulley.
Outside
Patio area with outside furniture. Charcoal barbecue available on request. This extends to a wider lawned garden and paddock. This is not enclosed.
Parking
Guests may park to the front or side of The Showman's Wagon for unloading, and should then park on the gravelled area a short distance away.
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
Babies and children are welcome. Due to size limitations, The Showman's Wagon is restricted to two adults and two children (under the age of 10) only. A travel cot and highchair can be made available on request.
Dogs
Sorry, dogs are not permitted at The Showman's Wagon but there are a number of adjacent properties - East Cottage, Middle Cottage and West Cottage - for those looking for pet friendly.
Guest amenities
Bed linen, towels and bathrobes are included, along with guest soaps and a hairdryer. High quality hollowfibre duvets and pillows are provided but other options can be provided by arrangement.
There is an honesty freezer for use by guests containing locally produced meats from the farm.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile signal can be variable but is generally good on the Vodafone and EE networks.
Heating
The wagon has a wood burning stove, with additional back-up provided by an electric fan heater. A cool fan is also available during the summer months.
The farm has a Gold Award for Green Tourism and uses eco-friendly technology with its own wind turbine and solar panels which supply the electricity to the farmhouse and cottages.
Guest Privacy
The Showman's Wagon is detached and sits away from four other cottages which are also available as holiday lets. There is no private garden, however guests are welcome to use the owners' large lawned garden which extends to 1.5 acres. This is a communal space and sits nearby.
Guests of the other cottages are also welcome to walk and use the wider paddock which extends beyond The Showman's Wagon.
The owners live in a farmhouse to the side of the property and while they are on hand to help with any questions, they are equally respectful of guests privacy.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together The Showman's Wagon can be booked alongside East Cottage and West Cottage, both sleeping 4 in addition to The Hay Loft and Middle Cottage, both sleeping 2. The cottages all sit in a shared front courtyard, while The Showman's Wagon sits at the bottom of the lane within the paddock area.
Location
The Showman's Wagon sits in the hamlet of Gunnerton on a small 37 acre working farm in an area with a strong philosophy on good locally produced food. Here guests can help themselves to fruit and veg from the garden when in season, or purchase homemade jams, chutneys and rare breed Dexter beef from the farm.
The farm also has strong links with local suppliers such as the Pie Mill or Ridley’s Fish & Game where an order of delicious locally produced food can be delivered straight to your holiday home for arrival, or during your stay.
Just up the road is a village shop and country pub in Barrasford, or a short drive will take you to The Feathers, a fantastic artisan restaurant passionate about food provenance and renowned for its excellent regional food and relaxed friendly environment. Here you can sample the delights of Dexter beef supplied straight from the owners' farm along with a fine real ale.
A little further afield sits the pretty market town of Hexham (10 miles) characterised by its cobbled streets and historic architecture which offers quirky coffee shops, award winning restaurants and excellent local shopping. It also boasts its own racecourse, theatre, cinema, golf course and leisure centre, including a pool, running track and tenpin bowling alley.
Activities
Sitting in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, the property is the perfect base to explore the wider area. Gunnerton is located deep in Roman Wall country, surrounded by footpaths and bridleways, beautiful views, big skies and wonderful wildlife.
Starting right on the doorstep, guests are welcome to wander the land around the farm, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and children will love to spot the chickens, the Shetland ponies and the occasional newborn calf.
If you wish to explore your creative side, the lovely owners are able to run bespoke courses on request - with everything from cookery demonstrations, art workshops, flower arranging, furniture painting, artist blacksmithing or even classic car restoration! Photography workshops, fly fishing and clay shooting can also be arranged here.
For history buffs, this is a perfect base from which to explore Hadrian’s Wall, Chesters and Vindolanda which are steeped in Roman history and offer a fascinating insight into Roman life on the edge of the empire 2000 years ago. Here you can see in incredible 3D detail what life was like on the wall in the life of a Roman soldier, discover latest artefacts, including the world famous Vindolanda writing tablets.
Alternatively, explore 17th century Chipchase Castle on the doorstep; the stately home and gardens of nearby Wallington Hall; or captivating Cragside, home to the famous industrialist and inventor Lord Armstrong.
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.
A short half hour drive will take you to the Kielder Water and Forest Park, the largest man-made lake in northern Europe with something for everyone including water sports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, naturalists, artists, families and photographers. A highlight is the star gazing treat at the Kielder Observatory where you can view the outstanding dark skies of the Northumberland National Park using powerful telescopes and may even be lucky enough to see a passing comet or stunning meteor shower.
For a spot of shopping, visit some of the delightful market towns such as Morpeth, Alnwick and Hexham with their open air markets, great selection of shops and many art galleries showcasing the work of local artists. Northumberland also hosts the annual art tour in the summer and winter when many artists open their homes and studios to visitors and it provides a great opportunity to meet the artists and purchase original pieces of art.
Finally a trip to the impressive city of Newcastle with its amazing Millennium revolving eye bridge and the fantastic glass Sage building for music. Admire the wonderful architecture of the north-east’s most eminent architect John Dobson or perhaps enjoy an evening of arts at the wonderful Theatre Royal.
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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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
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- The Showman's Wagon sleeps a maximum of 4 guests, including infants. Children under the age of 10 years only.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Snuggling under blankets and sipping hot chocolates as millions of stars - plus the odd shooting star – festoon the night sky."Charles and Dee, owners of The Showman's Wagon
