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The Willow

Rothbury, Northumberland

Discover unbroken countryside vistas and tranquillity in abundance at this timber-clas hilltop lodge

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Overview

Off-grid and surrounded by nature, this sustainable lodge includes a spectacular outdoor bathtub.

Discover unbroken countryside vistas and tranquillity in abundance at this timber-clad hilltop lodge

In a far fold of the Northumberland National Park — England’s emptiest — amid the eco-conscious Kidlandlee estate stands this luxurious, timber-clad lodge. 

Because it’s positioned at the highest point of Kidlandlee, The Willow commands glorious views over Upper Coquetdale’s mottled green flanks as far as the Simonside Hills. Such vistas are on offer from every room but the most memorable perch is the outdoor, copper bathtub. 

Six feet long and secluded on its three other sides, this Shaanti — a Sanskrit word for calmness — bath is part of Kidlandlee’s provision of holistic breaks. Together with a treatment cabin nearby on the estate, the abundant wildlife and quiet setting will help relax and rejuvenate far from stressful daily life or urban strife.  

Set across a single floor, The Willow is spacious enough for families or friends. Bright and uncluttered, the open-plan living and dining room is furnished with a rich leather sofas and two armchairs positioned around a chic log-burning stove. To one side is the kitchen area and a table and chairs where homecooked dinners or competitive rounds of cards can be enjoyed. Light floods in through large bi-fold doors, which afford more glorious views and lead to the patio, with furniture, and enclosed garden. 

The bedrooms similarly boast spectacular views. Influenced by the owner’s trips to the Himalayas, the décor is minimalist and punctuated by rich woven pillows and intricately carved console tables. Both bedrooms contain king-sized beds — one converts into twin beds; while in the master bedroom you’ll find a stylish, minimal four-poster bed — and enjoy direct access to the patio where you can enjoy a morning cup of tea or soak up the sunshine in silence. The bedrooms share a bathroom, from which another door leads to that memorable outdoor bathtub.  

As you relish nature, relish also Kidlandlee’s numerous efforts to lower its carbon footprint — everything from the determined usage of solar power to cushion covers and throws made from recycled plastic bottles. 

The estate has long been a remarkable place, though. Set some 1,400ft above sea level, it once housed England’s “highest mansion”: the Kidland shooting lodge, whose owner Christopher John Leyland established a lake and croquet lawn, both still in use today.

Numerous walking and cycling routes are available, with some passing right by. The nearest village, Harbottle, has a shop, while it’s a dozen miles to Thropton’s highly-regarded Three Wheat Heads fine-dining inn and the riverside town of Rothbury, a little further on, has independent stores to rummage. Many guests will simply stay put, however: drawing, daydreaming or watching for red squirrels. 

Inside, lots of memorable extras enhance your stay: Penhaligon’s of London toiletries; underfloor heating throughout; and a complimentary hamper full of local goodies plus Berry Bros. & Rudd sparkling wine. 

The Willow sits next door to The Maple - another two-bedroom retreat. Located further down the hill, The Elm and The Oak both sleep two guests. All four properties are cleverly positioned to ensure peace, privacy and pretty panoramas, yet are handily close by for groups holidaying together.

Shaanti bath available from 30th October 2023.

Property details

GROUND FLOOR

Enter from the back of the cottage into a bright and spacious hallway with coat hooks, bench seating, umbrella stand and large mirror.  

Open plan living room and kitchen with two two-seater leather sofas, coffee table, modern log burning stove (initial supply of logs provided), Smart TV, DVD player and Bluetooth speaker 

Dining area with wooden dining table and seating for four.

Kitchen equipped with four ring gas hob, gas oven and electric grill, integrated dishwasher, integrated fridge and freezer, washing machine, built in microwave, toaster and le creusets hob kettle. 

Open plan living space has large bi-fold doors and windows with gorgeous views over the valley. The doors open out to the patio area.  

Bedroom One with Kingsize bed, bedside tables and lamps, chest of drawers with mirror above, open clothes rail and shelf storage. Door out to outdoor patio area.  

Bedroom Two with with zip and link beds, which can be configured as a king size double or two 2'6" twin beds, bedside tables and lamps, chest of drawers with mirror above, open clothes rail and shelf storage. Door out to outdoor patio area.  

Family Bathroom with rainfall shower head and additional hand-held attachment, basin with an illuminated mirrored cabinet above, WC.  Door from bathroom leads directly out to the outdoor Shaanti Bath area to the side of the cottage.

OUTSIDE

Patio area with picnic bench and two wooden lounging chairs. Access around to the outdoor Shaanti Bath area, to the side of the property. 

SHAANTI BATH

A 6 ft long, luxurious copper bath, enclosed on 3 sides with the garden side open to allow views over the valley and stargazing.

 

SHAANTI BATH BASKETS

Shaanti Bath Baskets can be added for £20 as an optional extra. The baskets will have two bathrobes, four battery operated lightbulbs in jars, six battery operated tea lights and two bath melts or bath bombs from The Holistic Healing Cabin, and a bar of chocolate.

PARKING

There is private parking to the rear of the cottage for two cars. 

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, 2023 Guide to the Night Sky, 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.

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.

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE

Broadband Wifi is available.

Mobile reception is 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 from the dedicated log store outside at no extra cost.

Please note that Kidlandee 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 more limited to the key essentials.

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 ACCOMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside ten other properties at Kidlandlee. 

Leyland Barn (sleeping 4), The Old Barn (sleeping 4), Tutor's Lodge (sleeping 4), The School House (sleeping 4) and Chaffinch Cottage (sleeping 4), which adjoins Dipper Cottage (sleeping 6), The Hemmel (sleeping 2), The Maple (sleeping 4), The Elm (sleeping 2), The Oak (sleeping 2).

RETURNING GUEST DISCOUNT

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 House, The Willow, The Maple, The Elm, Tutor’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!

When the days grow shorter and outdoor activities give way to slightly gentler pursuits, a qualified holistic therapist can bring the spa experience to you with relaxation treatments and therapies for the holiday ultimate indulgence.

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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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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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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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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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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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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Museums, galleries and culture

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

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

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

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

Shooting

For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.

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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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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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Beauty and spa treatments

Beauty and spa treatments

Everyone needs some pampering, whatever the occasion.

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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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Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers

Fresh cut flowers delivered to your holiday home.

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Holiday photography

Holiday photography

Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.

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Reviews

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
  • Arrival time: 4pm
  • Departure time: 10am
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The Willow, Kidlandlee
THE LITTLE THINGS WE LOVE...
"A soak in the bathtub at night, to capitalise on its position inside Europe’s largest designated dark sky park."
Kat - Crabtree & Crabtree
email us or give us a call on 01573 226711 for details.

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