Lions House
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 Layout
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. Please note that only the water supplied in the kitchen and utility room is drinkable.
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.
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.
Location
At the most northerly tip of Northumberland lies Berwick-upon-Tweed. A walled town on the England-Scotland border with a turbulent past, it has been captured or sacked over a dozen times throughout history. Built to keep invading Scots from entering the town, a walk along these Elizabethan walls offers spectacular views across the River Tweed estuary and Berwick’s most famous landmark, The Royal Border Bridge. Fast trains between Edinburgh and London stop at Berwick-upon-Tweed, making it an ideal place for a coastal getaway without a car.
Artist L.S. Lowry was a huge fan of Berwick and there is a specially-curated Lowry Trail to explore, the town being home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. The area also has a rich food heritage and there is something to cater for all tastes and budgets, from fish and chips – best enjoyed on the promenade – to cosy pubs and cafés.
In addition to its fascinating history and Georgian architecture, the wider area boasts mile upon mile of fantastic beaches just made for lazy picnics and outdoor adventures. Spittal beach is popular with families, while the beautiful Cocklawburn, Goswick and Cheswick beaches all sit close by. The stunning sights at Bamburgh and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne are also both less than half an hour’s drive away, as well as the pretty villages of Beal and Ancroft.
Amenities
- 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.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is supplied in each bedroom.
- HeatingThere 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.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedDuck and down duvets and pillows are provided in the bedrooms one and three. Bedroom two has hypoallergenic bedding.
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial basket of logs supplied.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Walking distance to a beach (under 1 mile)
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is provided with good speeds. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
Please note that only the water supplied in the kitchen and utility room is drinkable.
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
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