Cambridge House

It was 635AD when Saint Aidan first crossed the causeway to Holy Island and – likely smitten by its beauty, remoteness and rich potential for undisturbed contemplation – decided to start a monastery here.

Expect the same seduction as you near Cambridge House. Part of a row of period cottages on the tiny village of Lindisfarne, a stay here means you can enjoy privileged access to A-List historical sights.

Behind its classic stone facade, Cambridge House delivers interiors that are chicly contemporary, yet still retains the charm and character of the original period property. That includes an airy, open-plan kitchen and dining space accompanied by slick dark navy cabinetry and furniture. And indeed the sitting room, whose vintage iron-legged coffee table contrasts with a svelte, modern log-burning stove built neatly into the wall. This cosy den is a great place for families or friends to relax together in slumberous comfort.

All four bright, spacious bedrooms – one of them on the ground floor – can be configured with twin or super-king beds as required. Two are en-suite to allow for total comfort and the others share a big bathroom with a tub.

Outside, the property benefits from an enclosed private back garden where you can relax, chat or plot your next adventure! There’s ample bike storage here too should you wish to pedal around. That might be a good idea, what with there being so much to see.

One of Holy Island’s undoubted headline attractions is its ruined 11th-century priory (built after Vikings attacked the original), offering a chance to learn about how Aidan and Saint Cuthbert pioneered Christianity’s spread across the world. Then there’s the renovated, visible-for-miles castle, with its 1900s-style society rooms.

You’ll also find the award-winning Gertrude Jekyll Garden and a pretty harbour where upside-down herring boats form sheds. If possible, sip some of the renowned Lindisfarne Mead, still concocted from a secret recipe, and cross to Hobthrush, a still-dinkier tidal isle where St Cuthbert supposedly retreated for extra peace. Seals often rest on the sandbanks here.

While the Priory and castle can be busy with tourists by day, other parts of the two-square-mile island are much emptier. That includes some starkly beautiful white-sand beaches and two obelisk-style lighthouses. Lindisfarne village also offers one or two enticing cafes, pubs and shops.Shadowed by a pilgrim’s path, the causeway road is safe to cross long enough to easily enable drives to Bamburgh Castle or Coast Path pub walks on days out – keep an eye on the changing tide times though to allow yourself ample time to return! You may however, simply prefer to stay put: resting and relaxing in this uniquely spiritual place.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

Cambridge House (sleeps 8) can be let in conjunction with Cambridge House Cottage Number One (sleeps 2) and Cambridge House Cottage Number Two (sleeps 4).