Swallow Dean

Everyone likes a view, and the one from a window seat in Swallow Dean’s bedroom is especially enchanting. Perch here, and you can gaze to Beadnell Bay beyond a lake, pockets of trees and rural fields dotted with grazing livestock.

Part of the 2,500-acre Fallodon Estate and its organic, sustainable farm, this single-floor bolthole abounds with space — while remaining perfectly homely — and bright country character.

Epitomising this is its open-plan living area. At one end, overseen by a perky pink flamingo painting, is the sitting room with its four-seater sofa, foot pouffe, log-burning stove, bursting bookshelves and 43-inch Smart TV featuring Netflix and Prime Video (own accounts needed). Letting in lots of light, French windows here open onto a terrace whose wooden furniture allows for al-fresco eats in the sunshine.

There’s just as much room in a well-equipped, open-plan kitchen. Conveniently neighbouring this is the circular dining table, ready for evening meals together, or even hosting guests.

As well as its fine vistas, that super-king-sized bedroom — which can be arranged as a twin on request — pleases with a large open wardrobe and another Smart TV. The en-suite bathroom includes a deep tub and separate walk-in shower, while White Company toiletries and pretty Pooky wall lampshades exemplify Swallow Dean’s array of thoughtful and stylish touches. There’s also a nail-free grab handle for the shower and bath, incorporated to accommodate guests with limited mobility.

A trout-fishing lake below the old watermill is available to guests, as are plenty of walking tracks. The ‘Coast & Castles’ cycle route also passes through the middle of the estate, which extends from the Grade II listed, 18th-century (and private) Fallodon Hall and hosts red squirrels, deer, otters and much birdlife.

The glorious sandy beach at Beadnell Bay is a two-mile stroll away across meadows, or 20 minutes by car. Closer too are the popular Ship Inn at Low Newton, renowned for its seafood lunches, ruined Dunstanburgh Castle and the golden sands of Newton and Embleton Bay between. Holy Island and the enchanting Heritage Coast towns of Alnmouth and Bamburgh are within easy reach too, as well as a day trip to Hadrian’s Wall, accomplished courtesy of the nearby A1 road.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, there are seven other properties on the same estate - Brunton Granary sleeping 8, Mill Race sleeping 4, Brunton Burn sleeping 2, Brunton Lake sleeping 4, Swallow Dean sleeping 2, Long Byre sleeping 2, Brunton House sleeping 16, and Stable Cottage sleeping 6. Long Byre, Swallow Dean, Brunton Lake, Brunton Burn and Mill Race cottages form part of a renovated farm steading in that order going clockwise around the courtyard. Brunton Granary adjoins Brunton Burn at the rear. Brunton House and Stable Cottage sit on the opposite side of the burn.

FISHING ON SITE

There is informal fishing available on the lake which is stocked with trout and is ideal for family and friends who wish to dabble. There are also wild brown trout in the burn. It is on a catch and release basis and there is no charge.