Grey Barns
Grey Barns ticks pretty much every box we can think of for large groups of family and friends: the spacious, freshly refurbished house boasts an enclosed garden that leads directly down to the beach, a convivial kitchen with adjoining dining area, a fire-warmed sitting room plus a light-filled morning room, and no fewer than nine bedrooms. It even has its own beach hut!
The large stone barn is set at the end of a road that leads from the picturesque village of Alnmouth (known as the Tobermory of Northumberland for its pretty painted houses, clustered along the River Aln estuary) to the beach and Alnmouth Golf Club. Entering the sprawling barn through the front door, you’ll find the kitchen to your left, complete with an Aga, double oven and panoply of appliances, which leads through an arched recess into the dining room, capable of seating 14 guests comfortably. A door leads from here to the elegant sitting room, which features an open fire, large bay window overlooking the garden and sea beyond it, and a door leading out to the terrace.
Entirely enclosed, the walled garden is secluded and safe for dogs and children to explore and further benefits from plenty of furniture for al fresco dining and relaxing. Pass through the gate at the end of the garden to follow a grassy, wildflower-flanked slope down to the beach, pausing before you kick off your shoes to hit the sand to pick up your beach toys from Grey Barns’ dedicated beach hut. Once you’re suitably equipped, step through a gate and you’ll find yourself looking at the six miles of pristine white sands that make up Alnmouth Bay.
Returning to Grey Barns itself, you’ll discover the light and spacious morning room in the centre of the house with its enormous L-shaped sofa and television. Kids invariably gravitate to this room, particularly as it's closest to the two bunk rooms and two single rooms. The four spacious double bedrooms (one of which features an additional single bed) and the bunk room with two sets of bunk beds are positioned at either end of the house, providing privacy for two families holidaying together.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Large, open-plan kitchen and dining area;
Extensively equipped kitchen with two-oven AGA, electric double oven with four-ring hob, large fridge, large freezer, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and tumble dryer. Both a Bosch Tassimo coffee machine and Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine are available along with a milk frother and two cafetières. Plenty of good quality cookware, utensils, crockery and glasses for large groups.
Dining for 14 guests.
Sitting room with large TV with Sky Q (basic package), open fire with logs provided, selection of books and games, window seat and door to garden.
Morning room with ample seating, large 82 inch TV with Sky Q (basic package). Also serves as a good playroom with books, games and jigsaws provided.
Grey Barns has nine bedrooms sleeping at least 10 adults plus up to an additional 9 children. The accommodation comprises four double bedrooms (one of which has an additional single bed), two single bedrooms and three bunk bedrooms (one of which has two sets of bunk beds). All of the principal bedrooms are spacious with plenty of storage space. The single bedrooms are smaller and the bunk rooms have limited space. The bunk rooms are best suited for children, though all adult parties are welcome to make use of these rooms if required.
Bedroom one with 6’ double bed, large fitted wardrobes and chest of drawers.
Bathroom with bath, walk-in shower, basin, bidet and WC.
Bedroom two with 4’ 6" double bed, fitted wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bathroom with bath with handheld shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with two sets of full size bunk beds, fitted wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bedroom four with 3’ single bed, fitted wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bedroom five with 3’ single bed, fitted wardrobe and WC.
Separate WC. Shower room with sink and walk-in shower next door.
Bedroom six with full size bunk beds.
Bathroom with bath with handheld shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom seven with 5’ double bed, and 3’ single bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Bedroom eight with full size bunk beds and chest of drawers.
Bedroom nine with 5’ double bed, wardrobe and chest of drawers.
Please note that there are some steps between different floor levels and steps to the beach.
OUTSIDE
Grey Barns has a fully enclosed garden with terrace with picnic benches and outside furniture. There is a drying area with rotary line. A gate from the bottom of the garden leads directly to the beach. Please note a barbecue is not provided. Grey Barns benefits from a beach hut which guests are welcome to make use of.
There is private parking for at least 5 cars on the driveway. There is an additional parking bay for one car adjacent to the cottage and driveway. Marked off by a locked chain, this space is exclusively for Grey Barns guests, with a key provided in the property.
Location
Something of a hidden gem in the Northumberland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the pretty coastal village of Alnmouth is nestled along the north bank of the River Aln estuary. Dubbed the Tobermory of Northumberland, pastel-coloured cottages line the waterfront while the sweeping golden sands of Alnmouth beach are perfect for walks away from the crowds amidst diverse birdlife.
The village offers a lively selection of pubs, restaurants, independent shops, and galleries and hosts numerous events through the year, including the summer Arts Festival and the Beer Festival in October. Fast trains from Edinburgh and London stop at Alnmouth train station just over a mile outside the village, making it an ideal place for a coastal getaway without a car.
The historic town of Alnwick lies just five miles down the road, where you’ll find several welcoming pubs, a farmer's market, and the popular attractions of Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden. Further popular spots along the Northumbrian coastline are also within easy reach, such as Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands which is seasonally populated by hundreds of seals and puffins.
Amenities
- AGA or Everhot stove
- 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 friendlyThree well-behaved dogs are welcome. Guests wishing to bring more than three dogs should please contact us as arrangements may be possible depending upon the breed.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is supplied in bedrooms one and eight.
- HeatingThere is oil central heating throughout the property, which can be thermostatically controlled.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic, hollow fibre duvets and pillows are provided.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveLogs provided.
- Outside space
- Walking distance to a beach (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available and a booster system is in place to boost the signal throughout the house. There is good mobile reception on most networks.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
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
Accessibility
Things to See & Do
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Boutique Shops
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National Parks & Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Rewilding
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Experiences
Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
Find out moreServices
With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
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