Cambridge House - Cottage Number One
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Overview
A perfect retreat for two on Holy Island - where nature, culture and spirituality converge.
Once home to St Cuthbert, this tidal island pairs its priory and castle with white-sand beaches and seals
Island stays are exciting enough as it is, but this isn’t any old island. Oh no: it’s mystical, castle-crowned Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, the tiny place from which Celtic Christianity spread like fire across Europe. And you can stay right on it.
Twice a day, this two-square-mile speck is cut off from mainland Northumberland as sea water floods its sandy causeway. Yet that only adds to the magic of Holy Island, which has just 180 permanent residents.
A ground-floor property accessed via two steps, Cottage Number One is part of a row of stone buildings amid Lindisfarne village. Inside, all is stylishly contemporary, beginning with an open-plan living and dining space. To one side, the kitchen includes bold, dark navy cabinetry; opposite, a sitting room area sees a light grey chaise longue sofa top a stripey blue rug beside garden doors.
The smart interiors continue in the adjacent bedroom. Cushions and lampshades feature matching, attractive patterns in different shades as floral window blinds and small coastal watercolours establish a calm atmosphere. That’s also true of a white-tiled en-suite bathroom, arranged around its capacious walk-in shower cubicle.
Enclosed by six-foot-high wooden fences, that private back garden allows for al-fresco dining, reading and relaxing away from the gaze of curious passers-by. Additionally, there’s room to securely store two bicycles by the gravelled front drive.
Bikes might come in handy, with so much to see. One of Holy Island’s undoubted headline attractions is its ruined 11th-century priory, built after Vikings attacked an original building where the likes of Saint Cuthbert were based. Then there’s the renovated castle, hosting 1900s-style society rooms and visible from miles away thanks to its raised position.
Also here is the award-winning Gertrude Jekyll Garden and a pretty harbour around which characteristic upside-down herring boats form sheds. You might also sip some Lindisfarne Mead, concocted from a secret recipe, plus walk across to Hobthrush, a smaller tidal isle supposedly frequented by Cuthbert and popular with seals.
While the priory and castle can swarm with tourists, other parts of Holy Island tend to lie empty. That includes some starkly beautiful white-sand beaches to explore on foot or by horseback, and two obelisk-style lighthouses. Back in Lindisfarne village there are one or two enticing cafes, pubs and shops.
Shadowed by a pilgrim’s footpath, the causeway road is safe to cross long enough to easily enable drives to Bamburgh Castle or Coast Path pub walks on days out – do keep an eye on the changing tides though to ensure you have ample time to return!
Property details
IMPORTANT - TIDE TIMES
Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice a day during high tide. During high tide, the causeway is completely submerged and it is impossible to cross. It is imperative that you adhere to the safe crossing times and do not attempt to cross during the unsafe periods when travelling to and from the island. Please check timings carefully.
Ground floor
This is a ground floor property.
Two steps to main access door.
Small utility room with hanging rail, combined washer/dryer.
Open plan living area comprising:
Kitchen with 3/4 dishwasher, ceramic hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge, three drawer freezer. Dining table with seating for two.
Seating area with chaise sofa, wall-mounted Smart TV, doors to the enclosed private garden.
Bedroom one with zip and link bed which can be configured to super king or 3' twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe with storage and hanging rail. Wall-mounted Smart TV.
En-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Outside
The property benefits from an enclosed private garden to the rear with a 6ft. close-boarded fence. This is a combination of patio, lawn and planting. Outside tap.
To the front access is a gravelled drive with private parking for one car. Secure storage for two bikes.
Parking
Private parking for one car. EV charging available - see EV section.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
There are two complimentary EV charging points in the parking bays to the front of Cambridge House. These are available for use by guests staying at Cambridge House, Cottage Number One, and Cottage Number Two.
Babies & Children
Babies and children are welcome. A travel cot and high chair can be provided on request.
Dogs
One dog is welcome but it should be clean before accessing the property. Your dog is not permitted on the furniture or in the bedroom. An outside tap is available.
Guest amenities
The bed is made up with high quality bed linen. A hair dryer is supplied. Towels and toiletries are provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Fibre broadband is available with a back-up 4G hub. Mobile coverage is reasonable.
Heating
Oil fired central heating. Underfloor heating through the ground floor.
Guest Privacy
Cambridge House Cottage Number One sits in a row of three properties. Cottage Number One is the first property nearest the roadside; Cambridge House is the middle property; and Cambridge House - Cottage Number Two sits on the far side - all available as holiday lets for larger parties who wish to holiday together.
Additional Accommodation
Cambridge House Cottage Number One (sleeps 2) can be let in conjunction with Cambridge House (sleeps 8) and Cambridge House Cottage Number Two (sleeps 4).
Location
Experience the delights of island life during your stay on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The tidal island is cut off from the mainland twice a day, but fear not as the island has a good range of shops and eateries. Although there is no supermarket, you will find 1'st Class Food' which is a one-stop post-office, shop and café stocking a good supply of basic grocery essentials and local foods as well as tasty ready meals for those times when you want a quick meal. Coffee and light lunches can also be enjoyed at the popular Pilgrims Coffee House & Roastery, or try Island Oasis coffee shop. For hearty evening meals on the island, you can choose from two traditional pubs - The Ship Inn or The Crown & Anchor.
The island also offers a number of small independent shops. Holy Island Crafts and Celtic Crafts both have a delightful range of handcrafted gifts and jewellery, and a trip to the island wouldn’t be complete without calling into Lindisfarne Mead shop. Inspired by meads of the 7th Century and the island's rich history, the famous Lindisfarne Mead is a unique drink produced on Holy Island and can be purchased in the shop.
Just over the causeway, you will find The Barn at Beal for lingering lunches savouring the catch-of-the-day or informal dining and a craft beer at The Bothy bar (please check seasonal opening times).
You can get ‘corner shop’ provisions from the Londis Lindisfarne Service Station on the A1 (5 miles), or 11 miles will take you to the village of Belford which offers a range of local amenities including the Sunnyhills Farm Shop which sells fabulous local produce as well as serving excellent coffee and tasty food. Food fans will be delighted by the wealth of local goodies on offer here including Doddington Dairy ice cream, Northumberland cheeses, Lindisfarne Oysters, Chainbridge Honey, and Craster Kippers to name but a few.
More extensive amenities can be found in the Elizabethan walled town of Berwick-upon-Tweed (14 miles) which has a mix of high street and independent shopping, as well as two large supermarkets, a Marks & Spencers food outlet and a good selection of cafes, pubs and restaurants.
The town of Berwick-upon-Tweed is also served by the main East Coast rail line with regular services to Edinburgh and Newcastle for a city day out.
Activities
The whole area is bursting with things to do, dotted by a trail of castles and fortifications interspersed with pretty seaside villages all the way up and down the coast.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne has plenty to offer itself. It is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined 11th-century priory, built by monks nearly 1,400 years ago. Call into the Heritage Centre to discover the legend of St. Cuthbert, and the fascinating medieval manuscript – The Lindisfarne Gospel. Arriving on the island it is hard to miss the distinctive 16th-century castle perched on the crag top. Owner by the Nation Trust, the castle offers visitors spectacular views as well as a chance to step back in time. Nearby you will find the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, a beautiful tranquil spot, bursting with colour during the summer months.
The majority of the island sits within Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers will be captivated by the vast variety of wildlife and birdlife right on the doorstep. This is a spectacular stretch for migrant and wading birds, as well as seals which you may spot hauled out onto the sands around the island. Learn more about the island’s rich nature and wildlife at the superbly designed visitor information building located near to the castle.
For walking and relaxation, the beaches on this stretch of Northumberland coastline are an absolute delight. Holy Island itself offers some spectacular beaches to the north of the island and in the evening, you can wrap up and head outside to experience big sky views and some amazing sunsets.
On the mainland, nearby Cheswick and Goswick offer vast, deserted stretches of golden sands where you can wander to your heart's content, or head to Bamburgh (12 miles) with its glorious curves of white sandy beach backed by the dramatic outline of Bamburgh Castle as the stunning backdrop.
For cycling, the Northumberland Coast has plenty to offer with an abundance of trails and waymarked routes suitable for all ages and abilities from family routes, leisure routes, and mountain biking trails with everything from easy coastal stretches to high energy treks along the course of the Sandstone Way.
Take a boat trip from Seahouses to the outstanding Farne Islands nature reserve and seabird sanctuary; head to Craster to sample their legendary oak smoked kippers; or head inland to experience the medieval splendour of Alnwick Castle with its fantastic child-friendly activity programme inspired by the wizardly magic and broomstick antics of Harry Potter.
Walk the outstanding Elizabethan walls of the Old Town in Berwick-upon-Tweed taking in ancient bastions, watchtowers and gun batteries whilst enjoying stunning views of the coast and Tweed estuary, before stopping off for a tasty bag of fish and chips.
For a city day out, Berwick Station offers an easy day trip to the magnificent sights of Edinburgh, just 45 minutes journey by train.
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
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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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
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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Nannies and babysitters
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring a fully qualified registered and experienced nanny or babysitter to come to your house.
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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
- One dog is welcome.
- This property is on Holy Island so it is cut off from the mainland twice a day by high tides. Visit the Property Details page for further details.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Wandering, listening, looking and generally relaxing in this utterly unique, restful place."Sue, Crabtree & Crabtree
