Bel House
If you like sweeping views across fields, handsome historical sights, great walking or all three, then you’ll love Bel House.
It lies just inside the rural Coquet Valley’s beautiful Brinkburn estate. The first of four terraced cottages where workers previously lived, this was a gatehouse beyond which visitors proceeded to the 12th-century Brinkburn Priory and its later-added gothic manor house – both of which you can visit today.
Grade II listed and named after the old estate carpenter’s wife, Bel House has two first-floor bedrooms – one king-sized with fine country views and a striking silver-coloured chest of drawers; the other a super-king or twin, depending on your preference, and starring a built-in wardrobe – which share a bathroom. This large bathroom includes a curved glass-fronted shower and a deep freestanding bath for long luxurious soaks.
A classic palette of cream, ivory, white and honey-hued stone holds sway downstairs. In the sitting room this scheme is rendered cosy with rich tones, a caramel-coloured sofa and a wide fireplace fitted with a log burning stove and warm backlighting. Around the corner, hides an open-plan kitchen boasting numerous appliances, from a washer-dryer and dishwasher to an electric fan oven. The light grey cabinetry here is attractively interrupted by wicker storage baskets. To one side stands a round dining table where everyone can gather for mealtimes or a tea and cake in the afternoon.
Offering more pretty pastoral vistas over low fences, Bel’s lawned garden looks south and east. Wrapping around the home, it joins a segregated front garden of potted plants and a shrubbery. This allows dog-owners to get their pooches from car to the rear garden without entering the house – mighty handy in the event of mucky canines! In this garden you’ll also find a white wrought iron table and chairs and a Webber barbecue enabling al-fresco meals or simply another lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine at sunset.
Brinkburn Priory is a two-minute drive or ten-minute walk into the estate, secluded on a snaking, steep-sided bend of the River Coquet. Featuring distinctive witches’-hat towers, it was built in 1135 by Augustinian monks delighted at the seclusion of this wooded valley. Centuries later, the now-private residence was painted by Turner before seeing a gothic manor house added.
With the Priory now an English Heritage property, you’ll need to pay (or be a member) to enter and admire its stained-glass windows or William Hill organ. Around the wider, wonderful Brinkburn estate, there’s a gorgeous circular trail to walk along the Coquet, plus a designated spot for wild swimmers.
Ready to explore further? Alnwick Castle and the pretty market town of Rothbury are close, while Coquetdale, the Coquet’s upper section, is a wonderfully wild expanse of open moorland and rocky outcrops extending into the Cheviot Hills and Northumberland National Park. You’re also within 15 miles of Alnmouth’s bay beach, and just an hour’s drive from Hadrian’s Wall.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together, this property can be booked alongside the other three cottages in the row, Blakey House (sleeps 4), Cuthbert House (sleeps 4), and Mullins House (sleeps 4). Blakey & Cuthbert House can also be booked as a single unit sleeping 8. A further two properties, The Stables (sleeps 8) and Priory Cottage (sleeps 2), are located 0.5 miles away on the Estate. The Stables & Priory Cottage can be booked as a single unit sleeping 10.
Special Offers
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Access from the front doorway into the porch.
The sitting room is grade II listed and was originally part of the gatekeeper's cottage. It contains a three seater sofa, armchair, coffee and side table with reading lamp, wood burning stove and Smart TV. Ample amounts of tourist information leaflets are provided.
Well-equipped open-plan kitchen, around the corner from the sitting area. It contains a slimline dishwasher, countertop freezer and integrated under bench fridge, 4-ring gas hob and electric oven, microwave, 4-slice toaster, kettle, cafetiere, integrated washer/dryer combi, ample storage, and round dining table seating up to four guests.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with king size bed, bedside tables with lamps, chest of drawers, and hanging hooks on the back of the door. Window offers views over the fields to the rear of the cottage.
Bedroom two can be configured to a super king size or twins. Contains bedside tables with lamps, tall chest of drawers with vanity mirror, armchair, large built-in wardrobe with a hanging rail. This cupboard also stores the hoover, iron and ironing board. Window offers views of the side garden and estate driveway.
Large family bathroom with walk-in shower, separate free-standing bath, heated towel rail, WC and basin with illuminated mirror above.
A z-bed suitable for a child is available on request at a fee (subject to availability) for guests who would like a different bed set-up, however, the number of guests cannot exceed the stated maximum.
OUTSIDE
A South and East facing lawned garden wraps around the side of the cottage. Outside dining table with seating for four guests. Guests are welcome to explore the surrounding estate - the lovely river walk loop trail is a must. Please note that, unlike the neighbouring cottage, Bel House does not have access from the garden to the field behind the cottages.
There are two designated parking spaces opposite the front of the cottage.Location
The local village of Longframlington (2.8 miles) has a small convenience store and popular local butchers. The village also benefits from The Village Inn and The Granby Inn, both of which serve traditional pub food or head to Running Fox, a delightful artisan bakery coffee shop.
The attractive town of Rothbury is 4.5 miles away and is home to several independent shops, restaurants and pubs. It has an excellent butchers shop opposite the T-junction as you drive in or try Tulley Delicatessen for a great selection of cheeses.
Morpeth is 11.4 miles away and features a wider range of shops and eateries, including Turkish, Italian and Thai restaurants as well as a range of cosy tearooms. Larger supermarkets can be found in the market town for when you need to stock up on supplies.
You can also find some lovely characterful shopping in the village shops at Longhorsley and Belsay.
Fishing on site
Salmon and trout fishing is available on the Brinkburn Estate. Guests must bring their own equipment including rods, flies and waders. A rod license must also be purchased. Please contact us for further details.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo dogs are welcome (£35 fee per dog).
- HeatingCentral heating throughout the property. Wood burning stove in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided, with extra supplies available to purchase on-site.
- Outside space
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available and is a good speed. Mobile coverage is poor in the cottage and surrounding estate but guests will be able to make Wi-Fi calls instead.
All Amenities
Important Information
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.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
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