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15% discount on remaining stays between 29th March to 30th April 2024 (3 night stay minimum).
Overview
Enjoy bright, breezy interiors behind a classic façade in the quaint fishing village of Craster
It caters to couples or a family with children all year round thanks to a sunny garden and log-burning stove
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 details
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.
PARKING
Gated off-road parking is available for 2 to 3 cars to the rear of the property.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
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.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available for guest use on request.
DOGS
Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
GUEST AMENITIES
Quality bed linen and fluffy towels are provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-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.
HEATING
Electric heating throughout in addition to the log burner in the sitting room with an initial supply of logs provided.
GUEST PRIVACY
The property is a terraced cottage in the village of Craster.
Location
The cottage is set in an excellent location just a few minutes walk from Craster’s pretty harbour and local amenities include the highly-regarded Jolly Fisherman pub and restaurant; the lovely Shoreline Café for a steaming cappuccino and home-made cakes; and the Mick Oxley Gallery where you will find wonderful artworks and artisan gifts. There is also the Craster Fish Restaurant, part of Robson's Smokehouse overlooking the harbour and home of the famous Craster Kippers. Pop next door and you can purchase a selection of smoked delicacies from the shop 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.
Activities
The beautiful scenery at Craster is a haven for walkers, photographers and artists who are drawn by its dramatic coastline, colourful fishing boats and the rich birdlife and wildlife of the area’s coastal nature reserves. The walks around Craster regularly feature in the top ten coastal walks in the UK and guests can enjoy some fabulous routes right from the doorstep. Walk or cycle northwards along the flat shoreline where the skeletal fingers of Dunstanburgh Castle jut dramatically towards the skyline; take in the wonderful views over towards the Farne Islands seabird colony; head south to explore the sheer diversity of the landscape on a coastal walk to Cullernose Point; or discover the hidden cove of Rumbling Kern once used as a cache for whisky smuggling and bootlegging.
Embleton Bay (3.5 miles) and Low Newton-by-the-Sea (5.5 miles) cover a breathtaking stretch of silver sands just perfect for families, children and dogs where you can spend endless hours paddling, sandcastle-building, walking, surfing and body-boarding. The Northumberland Coastal Path and National Cycle Route 1 run right through this area taking in scenic coastal paths and never-ending beaches all the way along to Beadnell Bay, one of the best-equipped places in the county for watersports. Backed by huge dunes which offer shelter for a cosy picnic on blustery days, the wide, golden sands of this horseshoe shaped bay make it a popular destination for families.
You can try kitesurfing, bodyboarding, coasteering and kayaking with a number of accredited schools and instructors across the area, and the bay offers excellent conditions for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Jetskis and boats can be launched here, and there are a number of diving and snorkelling clubs with a host of popular dive sites close by including the wreck of the Somali, a ship that was bombed in 1941.
A short drive will take you to the charming village of Alnmouth with its brightly painted houses nestled along the bank of the North Aln Estuary, while a little further south will take you to the docks of Amble Harbour where you can take a boat charter to the RSPB reserve of Coquet Island which is home to over 36,000 sea birds, including thousands of puffins as well as roseate tern, one of the country’s rarest nesting seabirds.
For golf fans, there are scenic courses at Dunstanburgh, Alnwick, Alnmouth and Seahouses, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line on the River Coquet for sea-trout, or book a sea-fishing charter from the harbour at Craster or Amble.
History buffs will delight in visits to the grand stately homes and medieval castles of the area - Warkworth, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne stand as reminders of the area’s turbulent past, or head inland to the magnificent Alnwick Castle or Chillingham Castle for a super family day out. Here you will find an activity programme brimming with adventure where children can take part in all sorts of magic and mayhem inspired by the characters of Harry Potter or test their knightly courage in the Dragon Quest. For garden lovers, a visit to the stunning setting of Alnwick Gardens or Howick Hall is an absolute must, with spectacular spring and autumn colours and beautiful walks through the grounds.
Finally, why not take a journey inland to Ingram to experience a star-gazing treat under the outstanding dark skies of the Northumberland National Park, or pack your mountain bike, walking boots and climbing kit to experience the endless traffic-free trails and dramatic open landscapes of the Cheviot and Simonside Hills, taking in iron-age hill forts, Hadrian’s Wall and some amazing panoramic vistas along the way.
C&C experiences
We invite you to enjoy the most coveted and exclusive local experiences available in the North of England and the South of Scotland on your next Crabtree & Crabtree adventure.
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Children and families
Here at Crabtree & Crabtree, we like to think we’ve pulled together some rather nifty ideas to keep tots to teens happy and entertained during your stay.
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Fishing
Welcome to the realm of the king of fish, the mighty River Tweed. Every year thousands of Atlantic Salmon make their way up river, an annual odyssey that is one of nature's miracles.
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Historic houses and castles
With more stately homes, castles and historic sites here than you can shake a proverbial stick at, visitors are quite simply spoilt for choice.
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Wildlife
Our region is home to outstanding scenery which boasts emerald forests, pristine lochs and rivers, heathery hillsides, sweeping moorlands as well as a picture perfect coastline.
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Walking
From the lush green uplands to shimmering sea, the area boasts a hugely diverse and enticing landscape that is perfect for exploring on foot. From gentle rambles to long-distance hikes, there are a vast array of trails and waymarked routes for newbie walkers or experienced alike.
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Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
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Golf
There are 40 golf courses in Northumberland, and another 21 in the Scottish Borders offering visitors an incredibly wide and varied range of golfing options.
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Adventure Sports
If you love a challenge or just crave a little excitement away from the day-to-day bustle of working life, we have lots to offer - whether it be watery pursuits, muddy blasts or thrill seeking, adrenaline-charged adventures.
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Cycling & mountain biking
Whether you ride fast or slow, on-road or off-road, there is something uniquely special about enjoying some outdoor time on two wheels. Here in the region we have something for everyone from high-energy mountain biking blasts to gentle forest paths the whole family can enjoy.
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Shooting
For sheer variety alone Northumberland and the Scottish Borders are irresistible to any gun.
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Ancestral history research
Crabtree & Crabtree know that tracing the history of your family can be a wonderful journey of discovery. Here are our top tips for starting your family tree.
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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Wine delivery
Crabtree & Crabtree have teamed up with Corney & Barrow one of the longest established independent Wine Merchants in the UK to offer a bespoke service.
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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Availability
- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- Typical arrival day: Friday or Monday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"Stepping outside and smelling the air’s salty tang – a wonderful, sure sign that you’re in a seaside home."Kat, Crabtree & Crabtree
