Blacksmith's Cottage
Formerly the smithy which served Howick Hall – the ancestral home of the Earls Grey, of eponymous tea fame – today Blacksmith’s Cottage is a characterful dog-friendly retreat which is ideal for relaxed country gatherings. Set between the charming fishing village of Craster and the historic market town of Alnwick, the cottage enjoys an enviable position on the Northumbrian coastline and is the perfect base for a holiday spent exploring this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Encompassed by trees and tucked away beyond a gravel drive, the cottage is laid out entirely on the ground floor. Enter through the side door into a hall leading to the open-plan kitchen and dining area which formed the heart of the original forge, with a handy cloakroom and WC lying next door. The vaulted ceiling with original beams contributes to the airy sense of space in this room, while the wooden dining table below is accompanied by six spindle chairs and a warming log burner in the inglenook fireplace. The kitchen itself is beautifully designed with an induction hob, smart white countertops and deep forest green cabinets.
The vaulted ceiling continues in the living room which lies through double doors, bathed in sunlight through large windows and featuring doors which lead directly out into the garden. With plush blue velvet sofas and an ultra–HD Smart TV on the wall, it’s also an equally inviting place to cosy up in the evening.
The first of the three bedrooms can be found through a door in the inner hall and is home to twin beds, which can also be configured as a super king size double. This bedroom is served by a family bathroom which lies down a step into an inner hallway, fitted with a separate bath and rainforest shower. The second bedroom is situated next door and is home to a king size bed and an ensuite bathroom with a rainforest shower, as is the master bedroom which can be found at the end of the hall, with a super king size bed which can also be configured as twins. The sensitive restoration of the smithy’s original features is evident in the exposed stone wall which boasts a beautiful arched coach window, allowing immediate access out to the garden and patio.
The large lawned garden flanks the side and rear of the cottage and is enclosed by a wooden fence, providing plenty of safe space for dogs and children to play. The outdoor seating on the patio creates an idyllic spot to enjoy a quiet coffee in the morning, while the summerhouse is a useful place to store bikes and outdoor gear – as well as providing several garden games for you to enjoy. For days out, a short drive will take you to the grand rooms, gardens, and arboretum at the neighbouring Howick Hall, to which guests can enjoy complimentary access, while the equally stunning Alnwick Gardens and Castle and the dramatic beaches and ruins along the coast are also at your fingertips.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
If you are looking for a property in a similar style, Littlehoughton Hall, sleeping 6, and Littlehoughton Farm Cottage, sleeping 4, sit under the same ownership as Blacksmith's Cottage and are positioned approximately 1.2 miles away from the property.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
All ground Floor - with one internal step.
Side access door directly off the gravelled parking area.
Entrance hall with one step up into the open plan kitchen/dining area.
Kitchen with electric oven, induction hob, large fridge/freezer (3 drawer), full size dishwasher, microwave, Philips Barista L’Or coffee maker, four slice toaster. Washing and drying facilities in the large utility room off the master bedroom en suite.
Dining area with large table and seating for six guests, wood burning stove set within the original forge fireplace (initial basket of logs; further supplied at additional cost). Direct access to the sunroom/sitting room off the dining area. Door to the front enclosed patio off the kitchen.
Sunroom/sitting room with vaulted ceiling, two sofas, large wall-mounted ultra HD Smart TV, coffee table and access to the front enclosed lawned garden and patio area.
Cloakroom with WC and wash hand basin directly off the kitchen.
Bedroom three - with two single beds with zip and link option which can be configured to a super king size bed, side cabinets, chest of drawers, hanging rail, full length mirror.
One step down to:
Family bathroom with bath, separate shower with rainforest head and separate mixer, (step height into the shower 24cm), heated towel rail, underfloor heating, basin and WC.
Bedroom two – with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, full length mirror.
En suite shower room with shower with rainforest head and separate mixer (step height into the shower 24cm), heated towel rail, underfloor heating, basin and WC.
Bedroom one - master bedroom with large coach window and access to the garden and patio (one step down). Super king bed with zip and link option which can be configured to two single beds, bedside cabinets, chest of drawers, occasional chair, full length mirror, and hanging rail.
Large en suite bathroom with bath, separate shower (rainforest head and separate mixer), heated towel rail, underfloor heating, basin and WC.
Utility room accessed from the master en suite bathroom, with washing machine and separate dryer. Access door to the rear garden.
OUTSIDE
Private enclosed garden to the front of the property, off the sun room, which is a combination of patio and lawn. Outdoor tables and chairs for six.
Large lawned garden to the side and rear which is fully enclosed when the front access gate is closed.
There is a summerhouse available for guest use. This has a lock and is suitable for the storage of bikes and outdoor gear. A number of garden games are available.
Small table and chairs on the patio by the master bedroom.
An outside tap and hose is provided for guest use.
A BBQ is not provided but guests are welcome to bring and use disposable barbecues with care and at own risk.
Important – during certain seasons, there will be cattle in the field directly opposite and dogs must be closely supervised during this time.
Guests have complimentary access to the stunning gardens and arboretum at nearby Howick Hall (approx 1 mile). Please do check seasonal and opening times on their website.
The nearest beach is approximately 1.4 miles by foot from the doorstep.
Ample private parking on the gravelled courtyard for 3-4 cars.
Location
The property is set in an excellent location just a short drive from the village of Craster (3.6 miles) with its pretty harbour and local amenities, including the highly-regarded Jolly Fisherman pub and restaurant and the Mick Oxley Gallery, where you will discover wonderful artworks and artisan gifts. You will also find Robson's Smokehouse overlooking the harbour, home of the famous Craster Kippers. Pop into their shop to purchase a selection of smoked delicacies as well as fresh fish, shellfish, cheeses and other delicious local produce from the Northumbrian heartlands.
In the opposite direction, you will find a greater range of amenities in nearby Alnwick (5.5 miles) with an eclectic selection of specialist shops, including a deli, bakery, award-winning butcher’s, charming coffee and gift shops, as well as a number of supermarkets for holiday provisions. It is also home to the extraordinary Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand book shops in Europe where you can spend a blissful few hours browsing or relaxing in a comfy armchair in this characterful and beautifully restored former railway station. Also not to be missed is the wonderful Treehouse Restaurant at Alnwick Gardens set high in the treetops for a very unique dining experience.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Bath
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo well behaved dogs are welcome (£25 fee per dog). We ask that dogs are kept off the furniture and out of the bedrooms. We also ask that dogs are clean before entering the property, an outdoor tap and hose is available for use. Please note, at certain times of the year livestock may be in the field directly opposite the property. Dogs must be carefully supervised during this time.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
- HeatingOil central heating throughout and underfloor heating in the bathrooms with the addition of a wood burner in the dining room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedAnti-allergy duvets and pillows are provided.
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveAn initial supply of logs and kindling is provided. Further logs can be provided at additional cost.
- Outside space
- Walking distance to a beach (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiSuperfast fibre broadband is available. Mobile reception is reasonable on most networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
The property is private, not overlooked, and has no immediate adjacent properties.
A small stream runs through the woodlands nearby, but this is outwith the boundary of the property.
Access to the property is a farm track to the neighbouring farm and is a no-through road, however, this track will be occasionally used by farm traffic. The final stretch of road to the property is a little rutted in places and care should be taken.
Please note, at certain times of the year livestock may be in the field directly opposite the property. Dogs must be carefully supervised during this time.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
Accessibility
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