Lyme Grass

Midway between Bamburgh’s pretty village and the jolly harbour town of Seahouses, Lyme Grass has the best of both worlds. Yes, it has a sleepy, slumberous rural location, soundtracked by the odd “baa” or whinny – and yet the sea is constantly visible and you’re only a five-minute drive from provisions, pub dinners and glorious beaches.

The home is one of three adjoining, former workers’ cottages – the others being Wild Rye and The Rushes. Its rustic, unassuming façade gives way to deceptively spacious and stylish interiors which have been refurbished of late. Just like its neighbours, Lyme Grass is a single-floor property with two bedrooms: ideal for anyone of limited mobility.

Inspired by Northumberland’s beautiful coast, the cottage’s interior design establishes an easy, breezy vibe. Bedroom walls are the relaxing, sage-green hue of tufty marram grass that grows in dunes, while cheery artworks portray puffins or beach huts.

Clean, neutral hues and straight lines await in the airy, modern kitchen-dining room, along with a four-person table. In the lounge, an apex ceiling also emphasises light and space, although autumn cosiness is easily engineered as two double sofas frame a wood-burning stove. Both bedrooms – a master with a king-size bed, and another where zip-and-link twins convert into a king – share a large bathroom. Its tub is heaven after long beach walks.

Your large, enclosed lawned garden also looks seawards. Visible – often over sheep, horses or hay bales – is white Farne Lighthouse, on the historic isle where St Cuthbert died. A charcoal barbecue and outdoor furniture allow for memorable al-fresco meals facing this way.

Bamburgh’s excellent independent shops include a village butcher and The Pantry, a delicatessen able to prepare picnics or sandwiches for your day out. That might be to iconic Bamburgh Castle, set fair on a mighty basalt crag, or the namesake white-sand beach below. It may be a visit to meet the Farne Islands’ real-life puffins; boat tours sail from Seahouses. Or it could be an adventure to Lindisfarne, a little north, or kipper-producing Craster, slightly south.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside Wild Rye New Shoreston or The Rushes New Shoreston (both sleeping 4 in each).