Duneside House

After days spent rock-pooling, sand-castling, swimming, or surfing on Beadnell Bay beach, return to Duneside and you’ll find a handy shower room right by the front door, where salty, sandy monsters can immediately clean up.

Such a provision exemplifies the thoughtfulness anchoring this airy, contemporary two-floor home. Another continuous feature is easy style, epitomised by abstract watercolours. Yet this certainly isn’t one of those luxury homes you hesitate to touch; as indicated by the sitting area’s trio of sofas, Smart TV, chic log burner and board game-filled cupboard, you’re here to relax.

That sitting area is part of a mammoth, open-plan living space where everyone can gather without any squash. Opposite is a long dining table, below ambient pendant lighting; next to that, svelte bifold doors can be pulled back on warm days to open up the landscaped garden and seating deck – featuring its own furniture – beyond as indoor and outdoor living merge together.

Completing the room is a big, focal kitchen hand-painted in grey-blue. Its island breakfast bar here provides a more casual venue for snacks or coffees while the many perks include a cookbook-filled cabinet, an instant boiling water tap and, cleverly stowed inside a fitted cupboard, a coffee bar complete with Nespresso machine.

Upstairs, across four sleeping quarters, soothing blue and green hues emphasise the coastal location. There’s much flexibility too: a triple room, plus a family bedroom where an additional single bed aids young families. One is en-suite while the other trio share another bathroom containing a large tub and larger walk-in shower.

As for Fido, a warm hose is provided outside so that guests can clean their dogs before coming inside.

That might be after returning from Beadnell Bay’s two-mile horseshoe of sand, along which canines are welcome. Situated at one end, the namesake village is known for watersports such as surfing, sailing and scuba diving. Within equally easy walking distance are restaurants and a grocery shop, plus two great pubs. Beside its lovely beer garden, The Craster Arms occupies a medieval defensive Pele tower, while recently-refurbished Beadnell Towers is ever popular among guests for its great food.

Just up-coast is Seahouses, from where guided small-boat trips chug off to the Farne Islands in search of dolphins, seals and seabirds galore. Coast Path walks across dunes to Low Newton’s atmospheric Ship Inn or ruined Dunstanburgh Castle are other options for days out, as is Alnwick Castle – of Harry Potter film fame.

Complimentary membership of the private Seafield Ocean Club is available for guests to use during their stay (entrance fees will apply). Based in nearby Seahouses, offering a range of health and well-being facilities including a swimming pool, gym and spa.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

Duneside House (sleeps 8) can be let in conjunction with Seaside House (sleeps 8). A gate in the adjoining gardens allows for easy access between the two properties.