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.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Entrance leading into an open-plan living space.
Sitting room with one large sofa, one love seat, two armchairs, coffee table/pouffe, wall-mounted Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker, side tables, and shelves with books. Impressive stone inglenook fireplace with log burner.
Large patio doors opening out onto the courtyard garden creates a bright but cosy space.
Well-equipped kitchen with four ring induction hob and electric fan oven, microwave, Dolce Gusto coffee machine, integrated dishwasher, and freestanding Swan fridge/freezer. There is a washer/dryer combi in the cupboard between the kitchen and sitting room. A stunning rusted iron-effect turquoise splashback, inspired by the old boats of the fishing village, adds to the stylish decor.
Dining table with four chairs and bench seating.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with kingsize bed, handcrafted english ash and elm wood bedside tables with lamps, occasional chair, large chest of drawers, Smart TV and DVD player, built-in cupboard with hanging space and shelf storage, and full-length mirror.
A balconette offers views out at the front of the cottage looking onto the lane, with sea views in the distance – watch the waves rolling into the harbour.
En-suite shower room with corner shower, WC, small basin with illuminated mirror above, heated towel rail, and shaver point.
Bedroom two with 3' twin beds that can be set up as a super king double upon request. Featuring bedside tables and lamps, built-in wardrobe with hanging space and shelf storage, dressing table area with a shelf, large mirror, vanity mirror and a stool. Lovely coastal pelmet and blinds add to the stylish decor alongside tongue and groove panelling, coastal artwork, and exposed wooden beams.
Family bathroom with rainforest shower head and additional attachment over a bath, WC, basin, heated towel rail, mirror and shaving point.
A Velux window on the landing allows for more natural light to flow in creating a bright and airy upper floor.
OUTSIDE
South-facing, enclosed courtyard garden with festoon lighting, offering a sheltered outdoor space for guests. Rattan sofas and a dining table are situated on a patio. alongside an outdoor kitchenette with a coal barbecue and grill - please note guests will be required to bring their own charcoal and must clean it after use, housekeeping is unable to ensure this is done during changeovers.
Gated off-road parking is available for 2 to 3 cars to the rear of the property. Please note, the private driveway leading to the off-road parking area is quite narrow and not felt suitable for extremely wide vehicles or camper vans. Standard 4x4 vehicles should be able to access the private parking. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Location
The cottage is set in an excellent location just a few minutes walk from Craster’s pretty harbour and local amenities including the highly-regarded Jolly Fisherman pub and restaurant and the Mick Oxley Gallery where you will discover wonderful artworks and artisan gifts. You will also find Robson's Smokehouse overlooking the harbour, home of the famous Craster Kippers. Pop into their shop to purchase a selection of smoked delicacies as well as fresh fish, shellfish, cheeses and other delicious local produce from the Northumbrian heartlands.
A little further afield, you will find a greater range of amenities in nearby Alnwick (7 miles) with an eclectic selection of specialist shops, including a deli, bakery, award-winning butcher’s, charming coffee and gift shops, as well as a number of supermarkets for holiday provisions. It is also home to the extraordinary Barter Books, one of the largest second-hand book shops in Europe where you can spend a blissful few hours browsing or relaxing in a comfy armchair in this characterful and beautifully restored former railway station. Also not to be missed is the wonderful Treehouse Restaurant at Alnwick Gardens set high in the treetops for a very unique dining experience.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Enclosed garden
- HeatingElectric heating throughout in addition to the log burner in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided.
- 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 available. Mobile coverage can be patchy in Craster depending on the network. A landline and honesty box are provided within the cottage for guests to make calls from.
All Amenities
Important Information
The private driveway leading to the off-road parking area is quite narrow and not felt suitable for extremely wide vehicles or camper vans. Standard 4x4 vehicles should be able to access the private parking. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
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. A financial penalty will be incurred should guests charge their vehicles at this property.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
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