Samphire Barn
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Overview
A barn turned beach house a mile from sandy Beadnell Bay.
Bright, relaxing interiors and much space characterise this deceptively large, dog-friendly family home
Samphire Barn’s interiors wouldn’t look out of place in Bali or Barbados. Behind its classic stone interior, this barn conversion has a bright and breezy style inspired by the owner’s globe-trotting travels.
The beach house aesthetic includes cheery splashes of corals, blues or greens alongside driftwood and luxury fixtures. Accompanying this is a nautical theme – from the dolphin door knocker to a fun lighthouse lamp – and crisp white walls emphasising this recently-refurbished home’s ample space.
On the ground floor, its tiled kitchen – whose many appliances range from an American-style fridge-freezer to a Ninja juicing machine – affords a large dining table seating everyone. There’s also a fully accessible bathroom, headlined by its double-ended soaking tub, and the full-height sitting room sprawled below painted, preserved beams. Families can contentedly relax together here thanks to the log-burning stove, velvet sofas, a Smart TV and basket of board games.
Through the sitting room, one bedroom occupies the ground-floor: a king-sized chamber and a fun, mezzanine twin-bedded den accessed via the sitting room, suitable for both adults and children. There’s reduced headroom in here thanks to the property’s eaves, but – in league with theatre-style curtains across a stunning glass wall overlooking the sitting room – that creates a cosy, hideaway feel which kids in particular, will adore. Up on the first floor is another king-sized sleeping quarter, this time en-suite.
Outside, you have options: a lawn with a wooden bench and planted flower borders at the front (a sun-trap and nice for reading or enjoying a morning coffee), and then a larger courtyard garden beyond the kitchen. Enclosed by trellis fencing and planters, the deck here contains a corner sofa and a table – lit by pendant lighting, perfect for al-fresco socialising, lazing or dining.
The surrounding fields and countryside are perfect for evening strolls, in air slightly salty from the sea just over a mile away. During daytime, it’s only a ten-minute drive from Tughall Steads’ hamlet to the long, golden-sand beaches of crescent-shaped Beadnell (great for wreck divers, windsurfers or water-skiers) and Embleton Bay, between which are the villages of Low and High Newton-by-the-Sea – the former mostly National Trust-owned.
As well as bucket-and-spade days, it’s easy to visit the little fishing village of Craster and Dunstanburgh Castle (15 minutes’ drive) or Alnwick (20 minutes) Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne (35 minutes) or Preston Tower (10 minutes) for a fascinating recreation of 14th-century life. Plenty of country pubs and restaurants are in proximity too, while the nearest grocery shop is just over five minutes away by car.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Single step into the entrance hallway with cupboard storage space for coats and boots.
Well-equipped kitchen containing electric oven with 4 ring electric hob, dishwasher, microwave, American-style fridge freezer with integrated water cooler, washer/dryer, DAB radio and Dolce Gusto coffee maker. There is also a large kitchen dining table with seating for 6.
Sitting room with full height exposed beams, four-seater sofa, two-seater loveseat, single chair, ottoman seat, coffee table and two small occasional tables. There is also a wood burner, wall-mounted Smart TV and an assortment of family board games.
Bedroom one, accessed from the sitting room, with king size bed, bedside tables, armchair, chest of drawers and wardrobe.
Family bathroom containing large walk-in shower (no step) with rainfall shower head, double-ended bath with mixer tap and shower attachment, WC and basin with heated and illuminated mirror above.
FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE
Bedroom two, accessed via stairs from the sitting room, with single twin beds, bedside tables, chest of drawers and an assortment of children’s toys and games. Large glazed window-wall with curtains overlooks the sitting room.
Please note – There is reduced headroom in this bedroom due to it being in the eaves of the house.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom three, accessed via stairs from the hallway, with king sized bed, bedside tables, ottoman, wall-mounted TV and occasional chair. There is also a walk-in wardrobe area with hanging space and chest of drawers with mirror. Window offers views of the garden.
En-suite bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, WC and basin with heated and illuminated mirror above.
OUTSIDE
To the front of the property is a small lawned area with a pretty flower border and gravel path access to the front door.
The rear garden is accessed from the kitchen offering an enclosed garden area and decking with outdoor seating. There is a storage unit with cushions for the outdoor furniture, and beautiful flowers and apple trees throughout the garden. A garden gate gives access to the path at the rear of the property.
PARKING
Parking is adjacent to the cottage within the courtyard with space for two cars.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome with a charge of £25 per dog.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen, towels and guest toiletries are provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
High-speed Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good.
HEATING
Central heating throughout all rooms with the exception of bedroom two on the mezzanine which has a Dyson Hot & Cool radiator. There is a wood burner in the sitting room and an initial supply of logs is provided.
GUEST PRIVACY
Guests should be aware that the property is part of a farm steading development containing a mix of holiday lets and residential properties. The courtyard to the front of the property is communal, however, the garden to the rear of the property offers guests a private space.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
An EV charging point is available for guests bringing an electric car.
Please liaise with the owner directly in advance of your stay should you wish to use this facility to agree appropriate charges.
Location
There’s no shortage of places to eat in the area, with everything from cosy pubs to comfy cafes, not forgetting some of the best fish and chips of course!
The hugely popular Ship Inn at Low Newton (3 miles) is renowned for great seafood lunches and its microbrewery, or try the Joiners Arms in Newton By The Sea. Continue south down the coast to sample delicious crab sandwiches at the highly regarded Jolly Fisherman at Craster (6.4 miles) or head to the lovely Shoreline Cafe for a steaming cappuccino and home-made cakes - muddy boots and dogs welcome! A must-visit is Robson’s Smokehouse, home of the famous Craster kippers as well as a wonderful selection of smoked delicacies, fresh fish, shellfish, cheeses and other delicious local produce from the Northumberland heartlands.
In the opposite direction at nearby Beadnell (3.2 miles) you will find The Craster Arms, a traditional coaching inn serving a range of hearty meals, as well as The Landing at Beadnell Bay, a brand new beach bar & restaurant specialising in seafood dishes. The village also offers a post office and general convenience store for basic essentials.
Travelling north on the coastal trail will take you to the seaside town of Seahouses (4.9 miles) to enjoy traditional fish and chips or for evening dining try the Black Swan Inn, a new bistro pub serving mouth-watering meals with a focus on fresh fish. If it is Italian cusuine you're looking for, head to the popular Insieme Seahouses restaurant. The town also has a good-sized Co-op convenience store on the high street, family bakers and a handful of independent shops.
Further north, call into the Potted Lobster at Bamburgh (6.8 miles) which has a fantastic reputation for producing exceptional seasonal dishes using the very best produce the area has to offer, while The Pantry and The Copper Kettle are delightful tearooms to enjoy a coffee and a tasty traybake.
A little further afield, you will find a greater range of amenities in nearby Alnwick (10.6 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 large supermarkets for holiday provisions.
For a dining experience with a difference, the Treehouse Restaurant at Alnwick Gardens is not to be missed. Set high in the treetops, it is a magical spot to spend an evening, featuring local fish and seafood, meats from Northumberland’s farmlands, as well as other regional specialities all within a lovely ambient setting.
Activities
Northumberland is renowned for some of the best beaches in the country, so if you want to spend your days walking over golden sands and watching the ever-changing sea, then you have come to the right place. Sampire Barn has a great central location for exploring the Northumberland Coast, the two nearest beaches at Beadnall Bay and Newton-by-the-Sea are less than 10 minutes drive by car where you can spend endless hours paddling, sandcastle-building, walking, surfing and body-boarding. Beadnall Bay is especially popular for those who enjoy watersports due to its protected waters and a number of accredited schools and instructors across the area.
The Northumberland Coastal Path and National Cycle Route 1 also runs right through this area taking in scenic coastal paths for walking and biking and never-ending beaches all the way along the route. However, if you would rather explore the area on horseback, there is a riding centre at Slate Hall Riding School near Seahouses where you can experience the thrill of a beach ride.
For golf fans, there are scenic courses at Foxton, Alnmouth, Alnwick and Dunstanburgh, while fishing enthusiasts can cast a line on the lake below the mill and in the Brunton burn that runs down to the sea - by arrangement with the estate office.
Sitting just outside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, nature lovers, birdwatchers and photographers will be captivated by the vast variety of wildlife and birdlife right on the doorstep, or why not take a boat trip from nearby Seahouses where you will be enthralled by the thousands of breeding sea-birds and seals taking up every square foot of this incredible rocky outcrop, including over 37,000 pairs of characterful Puffins. Alternatively Ross Links and Holy Island are both top spots for vast numbers of migrant species, including the chance to see the odd grey seal bobbing inquisitively in the sea, while sightings of minke whales and white-beaked dolphins can also be spotted in calm sea conditions.
History buffs will delight in visits to the grand stately homes and medieval castles of the area - Dunstanburgh, Warkworth, Bamburgh and Lindisfarne stand as reminders of the area’s turbulent past, or head inland to the magnificent Alnwick 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.
Finally for garden lovers, a visit to the stunning setting of Alnwick Gardens, Howick Hall and Cragside is an absolute must, with spectacular colours and beautiful walks through the grounds.
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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Nannies and babysitters
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring a fully qualified registered and experienced nanny or babysitter to come to your house.
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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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"Fabulous place to come home to everyday this week as the weather has been so bitterly cold. The cottage is just perfect - 5*! Our first time spending time at this side of the country and it has not disappointed. The lovely little villages, fabulous beaches and amazing waves and endless walks have been just what we needed!"
Mr & Mrs Skinner“Thank you for such a beautiful family break away. The cottage was our favourite place, making special memories for a new years celebration, such a cosy hidden gem with so many special touches. Lifted our spirits from start to finish with treasured memories to take home with us.”
Mrs PhillipsAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £25 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Fridays and Monday.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The wanderlust-inspiring display of beautiful seashells collected by the owner from tropical Indian Ocean shores."Sanchia, Crabtree & Crabtree
