Ratcheugh Crag Cottage
A magical cottage drawn straight from the pages of a Gothic romance, commanding breathtaking Northumbrian views from atop its rocky crag.
Built in the mid-19th century beside a whimsical 18th-century folly, Ratcheugh Crag Cottage is a rare and romantic retreat for two near the medieval market town of Alnwick. From its elevated position, the cottage enjoys panoramic views across rolling farmland towards Alnwick, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth Castles, in addition to the Farne Islands and North Sea. True to the Gothic sensibilities of the time, the idea for the folly stemmed from Elizabeth Percy, 1st Duchess of Northumberland, who felt a mysterious ruin on Ratcheugh Crag would be the perfect addition to the landscape that she so enjoyed touring on her carriage drives. Tragically, the Duchess died before her vision could be realised, but her husband commissioned the folly, Ratcheugh Observatory, in her memory.
The attached cottage was added later to house an estate keeper responsible for overseeing the surrounding land. Beautifully restored and encircled by stunning views from dawn until dusk, it's a truly unique place to enjoy a solo or couple's retreat to the Northumbrian countryside while enjoying easy access to some of the finest things to see and do in the area – from exploring the state rooms and courtyards of Alnwick Castle to the vast white sand beaches in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Enter the cottage through the arched front door into a dainty vestibule. This leads through to the open-plan living area, where a cosy open fireplace is joined by a comfortable sofa and armchair. A dining table is set beneath one of the room's large sash windows, so you can continue to enjoy the scenery over breakfast or leisurely suppers. Four steps lead down from the living space into the kitchen, where contemporary quartz countertops and cream cabinets are illuminated by an original quatrefoil window. Featuring a breakfast bar and all the amenities needed to prepare meals with ease, the space is both elegant and thoughtfully designed for laid-back holidays.
An impressive spiral staircase in the living room wends its way up to the first floor. In the bedroom, a half-tester double bed is topped with plump pillows and crisp white linens to ensure a restful night's sleep. A pretty seating nook with two upholstered tub chairs is a lovely spot to take in the breathtaking views through the window, or to open it up to listen to the sound of birdsong as you rise in the morning. The bathroom is also situated on this floor, fitted with a wonderful freestanding bath and cubicle shower, while the WC sits separately.
Outside, a table and chairs on the patio create the perfect place to relax or dine when the weather is fair. Guests at Ratcheugh Crag Cottage also enjoy private use of the grounds around the observatory itself, as well as direct access to private walks on the estate at large – including a nearby woodland which is famous for its carpet of bluebells in the spring. The surrounding area is some of the prettiest to be found in Northumberland, from the sheep-dotted hills and Roman ruins of the Northumberland National Park in one direction, to the expansive, sandy beaches of Northumberland's heritage coast in the other. With so much to enjoy on its doorstep, Ratcheugh Crag Cottage is an enchanting place from which you can appreciate the very best of the region.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Access through the front door into a small lobby area. This leads through to the open-plan living area with a two-seater sofa, winged armchair, dining table with two chairs, Smart TV and open fireplace.
Four steps down into the kitchen with breakfast bar, oven, microwave, integrated dishwasher and washing machine. There is a freezer in the storage shed outside.
FIRST FLOOR
Access to the first floor is up an impressive spiral staircase. Bedroom with 4’6” fixed double bed, bedside drawers, freestanding wardrobe and full-length mirror. Seating nook with two upholstered tub chairs and occasional table - the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views of the coast and over to the Farne Islands.
Bathroom with free-standing bath, separate step-in shower cubicle, vanity unit and heated towel rail.
Separate WC with hand basin.
OUTSIDE
Patio with large garden table, four chairs and parasol directly outside the front door.
Storage shed with freezer. Ample space for storing bikes and larger items.
Ratcheugh Crag Cottage is attached to Ratcheugh Observatory. Guests will have use of the grounds around the cottage and observatory. Guests must be mindful that there is a sheer drop on the crag side to the front of the observatory.
Please note that access to the observatory itself is not included as part of any booking. Access to the observatory may be possible at certain times of the year, subject to an additional fee to be agreed upon upon application. Please contact our team for further information.
The observatory may occasionally be in use during the daytime and early evenings. This will include the use of the parking area and grounds.
Floorplans
.jpg "Floorplan")
Location
Situated in the beautiful countryside of north Northumberland, the nearby medieval market town of Alnwick lies within easy reach of the coast and is home to world-class visitor attractions.
A stronghold of Northern power in the Middle Ages, the magnificent Alnwick Castle has more recently served as a filming location for Harry Potter. Alongside this lies The Alnwick Garden with its famous cherry blossom trees, collection of poisonous plants and Grand Cascade. The twisting cobbled streets of the town boast an eclectic collection of independent shops including Barter Books, a famous second-hand bookshop with a miniature train running atop its bookcases, plus there’s a market every Saturday and a Farmers' Market on the last Friday of every month.
Set within the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the sea is just a short drive away, as are the dramatic castle and beach at Bamburgh, the charming fishing village of Craster, and the mystical Holy Island of Lindisfarne across the causeway. A little further inland, you’ll find endless scenic walks in the Cheviot and Simonside Hills and along Hadrian’s Wall, as well as the pretty village of Glanton and the picturesque Ingram Valley.
Amenities
- Bath
- Hairdryer
- HeatingCentral heating throughout.
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, pets are not permitted.
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is provided with high speeds. Mobile reception is generally good.
All Amenities
Important Information
Ratcheugh Crag Cottage is attached to Ratcheugh Observatory. Guests must be mindful that there is a sheer drop on the crag side to the front of the observatory.
Please note that access to the observatory itself is not included as part of any booking. Access to the observatory may be possible at certain times of the year, subject to an additional fee to be agreed upon upon application. Please contact our team for further information.
The observatory may occasionally be in use during the daytime and early evenings. This will include the use of the parking area and grounds.
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: 4 pm
Departure time: 10 am
Accessibility
Getting availability
On The Doorstep
Discover our curated picks of things to see and do nearby.
On The Map
Alnwick, Northumberland
