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Overview
A magnificently restored Georgian house set on Berwick’s Elizabethan Walls with sophisticated interiors and unrivalled views.
The highest building in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Lions House affords wonderful views of this historic town, the Tweed estuary and the Northumberland coastline down to Holy Island
You could say that Lions House is the one that got away from the celebrated painter L.S. Lowry. The Manchester artist frequently holidayed in the historic seaside town of Berwick-upon-Tweed and fell for the Georgian charms of Lions House in 1947. He was, however, deterred from buying it by talk of ‘rampant damp’ and the imposing building, guarded by two seventeenth-century Venetian lions set on plinths by the front entrance, fell into disrepair.
The current owners of Lions House have sensitively restored the Grade II* listed property – named ‘an icon of the Berwick skyline’ by the Berwick Civic Society - to its full glory. Set on the bastioned Elizabethan town walls, Lions House is an imposing house with six-over-six double hung sash windows and a grand central front door topped by a fanlight. Step inside to discover an eye-popping entrance lobby with an exquisite ornamental plaster ceiling, rose and arch (created by a local craftsman of the period using real shells, which remain intact beneath the plaster coving) leading to a sweeping staircase.
The lobby’s soft grey walls, pristine white plasterwork, inky blue staircase and cast-iron radiator set the pared-back design tone of the entire house. The owners are avid art collectors, and their eclectic art and antiques collection decorates the property with impeccable taste while clean, neutral interiors keep the focus on the house’s period features and its breathtaking views.
It’s well worth tearing your eyes away from the antique maps of Berwick in the fire-warmed snug and the vibrant Barbara Rae abstract landscape that hangs above the freestanding bath in the master bedroom’s bathroom to soak up those views. The highest building in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Lions House delivers panoramic views across the Tweed Estuary, Berwick’s wide sandy beaches and out to the North Sea; framed to maximum effect by the large, white painted timber shutters that flank the lofty paned windows.
When viewed from the front, Lions House appears to comprise three storeys yet when you approach it from the rear, through a pretty walled garden, an additional lower ground floor level is revealed, complete with its own entrance. Guests will enjoy three expansive dual aspect en-suite bedrooms and a wealth of living areas, with a garden-view living room on the ground floor, a cosy snug/study on the first floor and a large, light-filled sitting room on the second floor.
All three bedrooms and much of the living space benefit from views both over the sea and over the town, creating a wonderful flow of light throughout. But, as is so often the case, it’s the kitchen where groups tend to congregate most: set off the entrance lobby, with two vast windows overlooking the town walls and the sea beyond them, the bespoke deVOL kitchen is the perfect spot for prolonged meals gathered around the rustic timber dining table.
Property details
Ground floor
Back door to garden and access to town.
Large access hall / boot room with plenty of storage space for outdoor wear.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Large utility room with sink, washing machine and separate dryer.
Living room with large sofa and armchairs, Smart TV, selection of books. Views over the rear garden.
First floor
Large hall leading out to the front access door with views over the ancient Elizabethan town walls and coastline.
Kitchen – bespoke deVOL kitchen with integrated appliances, double SMEG oven with grill, six burner gas hob, large fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher. Sonos wireless sound system. Dining table with seating for six. Sea views.
Study/snug with antique table with space for six, two armchairs, selection of books, wood burning stove. Sea views and garden views.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Second floor
Bedroom one with Colonial mahogany king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe. Sea and garden views.
En-suite bathroom with corner shower (with rainforest head), roll-top bath, heated towel rail, basin and WC. Sea views.
Sitting room with large sofa and three armchairs, decorative fire, Smart TV. Sea views and coastline views.
Third floor
Bedroom two with with zip and link which can be configured to super king double or twin 3' beds as required. Side tables, chest of drawers. Sea and town views.
En-suite shower room with rainforest head shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC. Sea views.
Bedroom three with super king bed, side tables, large writing desk, chest of drawers, peg rail with hangers. Sea and town views.
En-suite shower room with corner shower and rainforest head, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Outside
There is a fully-enclosed lawned garden with patio and garden furniture to the rear of Lions House. A barbecue is not supplied.
Lions House is accessed from a shared courtyard and despite its elevated position, the rear garden area is overlooked by the immediate properties to the left and right.
Parking
Please note there is no private parking, however, there is 24-hour on-street parking available outside the property and two resident visitor parking permits are provided. There is an additional parking disc provided which allows parking in the public car parks around the town.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
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.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
Dogs
Sorry, dogs are not permitted.
Guest amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided. Duck and down duvets and pillows are provided in the bedrooms one and three. Bedroom two has hypoallergenic bedding. A hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom. Hand wash and shower wash are provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is provided with good speeds. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
Heating & Water
There is gas central heating throughout with underfloor heating throughout the ground floor, and electric underfloor heating in the first floor master bedroom. Wood burning stove in the study/snug with initial basket of logs supplied.
Please note that only the water supplied in the kitchen and utility room is drinkable.
Guest privacy
Lions House is accessed from a shared courtyard and despite its elevated position, the rear garden area is overlooked by the immediate properties to the left and right.
Location
Lions House is perfectly located for short breaks or longer stays throughout any season and provides an excellent base to explore the wider Northumberland and Borders area. With the main East Coast Rail Line running through it, Berwick is also an ideal car-free destination served by good local services.
Sitting just a five-minute walk from the town centre, the property benefits from excellent amenities right on the doorstep. Starting off on Marygate, the town’s main street, you will find a mix of high street names along with local traders. Continuing onto Castlegate you will find a selection of characterful shops including a book shop, antique centre, and a butcher, as well as ‘Pier Red’ where you can sip a rich espresso whilst browsing artworks and collectables by popular Northern artists. Also look out for their live music evenings where you can unwind to the smooth, mellow sounds of talented local musicians.
Alternatively head to Bridge Street, where a thriving street full of small independent names and quirky shops can be found. From an eco-friendly retail shop and wool studio to a music shop and gallery, there is something for everyone on this community lead street. Popular deli The Mule on Rouge will delight the foodie amongst you, along with Atelier and Mavi Turskish Restaurant, which offer scrumptious evening dining. Enjoy craft beers and fine wines at The Curfew Micropub, a popular spot for the locals, but the small doorway on Bridge Street is easily missed by newcomers.
For further food delights, you will not be short for options. The area has a rich food heritage and there is something to cater for all tastes and budgets here. Enjoy tasty fish and chips on the promenade, cosy pubs, characterful cafes including Northern Edge Coffee and The Corner House, or bistro restaurants such as The Maltings Kitchen and The Queen's Head serving tempting light-bites or a pre-theatre dinner.
Three large supermarkets including a Marks & Spencers food outlet sit on the edge of town. Alternatively, why not pop the wine in the fridge and arrange for a platter of seafood to be delivered straight to your door by the Berwick Shellfish Company - oysters reared in the clear North Sea beds of Lindisfarne, lightly smoked kippers from traditional local smokehouses, or perhaps some freshly dressed lobster or langoustines - perfect for a romantic evening in!
Activities
With its rich history, charming Georgian architecture, vibrant cultural and arts scene, golden beaches, superb wildlife, extensive leisure opportunities, as well as links to long-distance walking and cycling routes, the whole area is quite simply packed with interest.
Walk the outstanding Elizabethan walls of the Old Town taking in ancient bastions, watchtowers and gun batteries - a testament to Berwick’s turbulent past defending England from the Scots. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the coast and Tweed estuary before a visit to the Hawksmoor-designed Berwick Barracks with three separate museums showcasing its military history, as well as part of Sir William Burrell’s art collection.
Next, follow Berwick’s Lowry Trail and discover the cobbled streets and seaside scenes depicted in the paintings of the great ‘matchstick men’ painter who was captivated by the town and the area. If that sparks your creative side, why not spend an afternoon out-and-about drawing and painting under the tuition of a renowned local artist.
Berwick has a thriving arts scene at the centre of which is the charming Maltings Theatre which hosts a packed diary of theatre, cinema, dance, comedy and music. There are also a number of galleries in the town, including the Watchtower which hosts a diverse number of events, guest artists and musicians. For something a bit different, take a boat trip from Berwick upstream to Paxton House, a superb Adam mansion which is home to the largest private gallery of any country home in Scotland with an extensive collection of paintings dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, many of which have been loaned by the National Galleries of Scotland.
The town hosts a number of events throughout the year including the Riding of the Bounds in May which follows the ancient tradition of riding the town’s boundaries to guard against thieving Reivers; the Seaside Festival in August which includes street entertainers, Punch and Judy, live music, and sandcastle competitions; the Food and Beer Festival in September which is a mouthwatering opportunity to sample all the region’s superb produce; and the Film and Media Arts Festival, the largest of its type in the region.
The area has over 26 miles of fantastic beaches just made for lazy picnics and outdoor adventures. Spittal beach is popular with families with wide golden sands, an attractive promenade and a fun splash park, while Cocklawburn, Goswick and Cheswick beaches all sit close by. The stunning beach at Bamburgh is also a must-visit, sitting just a short 20-minute drive from Berwick.
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is about a 20-minute drive from Berwick, only accessible by a causeway at low tide. A designated National Nature Reserve, this tiny, picturesque island is often described as ‘The Jewel of the Northumberland Coast’. It is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.
There is excellent bird watching on the Tweed estuary around the town and also further afield at St Abb’s Head and the Farne Islands - home to a resident colony of grey seals in addition to an impressive array of birdlife including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and terns.
There are two golf courses close by; Magdalene Fields five minutes from the town offers superb views of the famous Elizabethan walls, the cliffs leading into Scotland and the iconic castles at Bamburgh and Holy Island. Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty six miles south of Berwick, Goswick is a highly-regarded links course selected as an Open qualifying course.
For a city day out, Berwick Station is about a 10-minute walk from the house offering an easy day trip to the magnificent sights of Edinburgh, just 45 minutes journey by train.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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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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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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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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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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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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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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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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Reviews
"We just wanted to say a massive thank you for our stay at Lion's House over Christmas. The house was fantastic and made such a special memory for all the family. It was very kind of the owners to leave a hamper. They have done an amazing job with the whole property, the standard is outstanding. The experience from start to end was second to none. Thanks as always to your helpful team."
Harwood family"We had a really wonderful week. What a beautiful location and house."
Ms Brown“The best house I’ve ever stayed in. Lovely light-filled rooms with superb views over Berwick. A delight to wake up to each day. Berwick did not disappoint either.”
Mrs Pelham“No eulogy necessary – the house speaks for itself. A joy! We did the St. Abbs Head circular walk and saw masses of guillemots and kittiwakes nesting – a sight to be seen. Coldstream and The Hirsel is also well worth while and Ford & Etal gave an insight into estate life.”
Mr Smith“Stunning first view of Lion House, and such a welcome interior. We all enjoyed everything about the house and its fascinating history.”
Mrs Paterson“What a wonderful stay at Lions House. The views, sunsets and sunrises are amazing. The house is very well equipped and we have been very comfortable indeed! There is much to do in the area – we have visited Holy Island, Bamburgh, Alnwick and Edinburgh. We would love to come back!”
Miss O'Connor“How special and privileged it has been for our family to stay in and share Lions House (especially as one of us has known of the house from childhood). The restoration and preservation, plus the sympathetic improvements of the house have all been highly successful. The sunrises, views and walks this week have been spectacular… and of course we would all love to return!”
Mrs Miller“We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful house, watching the sun come up and go down on different sides of the house. We ventured south and took in Northumberlandia, Housteads and Vindolanda. We also had lots of fun surfing at Northside in Amble.”
The Allison Family“A really wonderful time in Berwick and the Borders, made even better when we came home to our cosy Lions House. Thank you, we will be back!”
The Lafferty-Smith Family“Many thanks to Lion’s House and Berwick for providing such a splendid location, accommodation, and the hidden delights and surprises of Berwick and its environs. We were especially fortunate to be able to host a wonderful number of friends and family and share such a special time with them all. Everyone loves Lions House and all it had to offer.”
Mr & Ms Dempster“We were so looking forward to seeing Lions House ‘for real’, and we have to say that it not only met but exceeded our expectations. A beautiful, charming house, wonderfully restored, and beautifully appointed. We have had a very comfortable, enjoyable week here and would certainly return.”
Ms Boyle"We spent a blissful fortnight in this exceptional house, so full of light and loveliness - and immaculate in all aspects of quality and care that have so clearly underpinned its restoration to such a high standard. An absolute pleasure to be able to share the hard work and vision of the owners and relish all the many luxurious details that are a product of this.
We enjoyed the views from every single window (coast or town-hall clock, both lovely); the tranquility of the sun-filled walled garden; the people-watching of dog-walkers and genteel gardeners on ramparts and allotments, and the town itself - especially the delightful Bridge Street. The house is definitely part of the friendly and active Berwick community whilst still being a space of peace and quiet. We would highly recommend this very special property. As the previous tenants had written in the visitors' book: 'an absolute joy."
Ms Rutty“We have absolutely loved our week staying in Lions House. Huge credit is due for the amazing restoration that the owners have achieved – one of the most beautifully curated homes I have ever seen – they have such an eye for detail and have created something truly special. The bed is amazingly comfortable providing a good nights sleep, exactly what you want from a holiday! For anyone staying, we recommend that you visit St Abbs and walk from there – really special place. It has been a real joy here!”
Ms Deasley"We have just spent a fantastic week in Lions House with it’s wonderful views. It was so comfortable and spacious and the house is beautiful. Everyone enjoyed their stay especially after the difficult year we have just experienced. We hope to return again very soon."
Simpson FamilyAvailability
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- Typical arrival day: Friday during high season with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Enjoying a coffee watching the sun rise over the North Sea, casting its glow over early risers and dog-walkers on the Elizabethan walls."Paul and Liz, owners of Lions House
