Red Herring

Set in a 200-year-old whinstone terrace amid Craster’s ancient harbourside lanes, Red Herring seems sure to be snugly when viewed from the outside. But that’s where its name makes sense, for a surprise beckons: airy coastal interiors with a touch of Nordic flair.

Once upon a time, this was the old village butcher’s shop, then a small school house. Subsequent, extensive renovations have added brightness, practicality, vintage finds and bespoke wooden furniture while wisely retaining some original features.

Thanks to patio doors feeding onto a rear courtyard garden, the open-plan sitting room bursts with natural light. Yet there’s cosiness here, too: the large sofa, loveseat and armchairs frame an impressive old inglenook fireplace whose log burning stove is ready to combat chillier days. Low ceilings, bookshelves and a wall-mounted Smart TV further enhance the homely feel.

This area flows through to ones reserved for eating or cooking. Cleverly separated by bespoke local sycamore panelling, the stylish kitchen is well equipped with a pod coffee machine and counter-top hob, however your eyes might first be drawn to its bespoke copper and turquoise abstract splashback, inspired by the old village fishing boats. Opposite is the dining table, handmade from local sycamore and beech wood, and a Bluetooth speaker should you fancy some chillout music to accompany your evening meals.

Accessed via those patio doors, the garden is south-facing – which means plenty of sunshine – and contains an additional dining table framed by rattan sofa chairs. Fencing ensures plenty of shelter and festoon lights illuminate an outdoor cooking area featuring a coal barbecue and grill.

Head upstairs past a Velux window to find both bedrooms. The first is en-suite, king-sized and rendered romantic by dint of its Juliet balcony, from where you can see over rooftops as waves roll into Craster’s harbour. A second can be arranged either as a twin or super-king, and blends tongue-and-groove panelling, another exposed roof timber and nautical artworks. The family bathroom comes equipped with a tub and shower above.

It’s a very short stroll from Red Herring’s gated driveway to Craster’s acclaimed Jolly Fisherman pub and restaurant, serving sought-after fresh fish boards just 100m down the lane, and to the village’s old Robson’s smokery, which produces kippers beloved of British royals. You’ll also find a gallery, a café and a seaside children’s playground, while that boat-lined harbour is great for rock-pooling or paddling.

Ready to venture further afield? A wonderful, easy walk crosses dune-lined headlands to ruined Dunstanburgh Castle. Holy Island is within a 45-minute drive, as are more classic castles at Alnwick and Bamburgh.