The Arch
A pretty period cottage inside the atmospheric fishing village of Craster.
Picture a coastal holiday home and it’s likely you’ll imagine a pretty, flinty cottage with soothing whitewashed interiors swathed in marine blues and punctuated by shell-studded mirrors, ornamental starfish and sculptures crafted from driftwood.
Happily, The Arch is just that. Hidden behind a stone archway (hence the name), in the quaint, unspoilt fishing village of Craster – which is chiefly famed for its production of cold-smoked herrings (better known as kippers) – this cutesy 18th century terraced cottage for four lies just a short hop from the picturesque harbour, the striking, windswept ruins of Dunstaburgh Castle and Embleton Bay, one of the finest beaches on the Northumberland coast.
Inside, this period home is full of character with stained glass windows depicting wading birds, fish-shaped shelving and eye-catching artwork from local artists. On the ground floor a convivial open-plan kitchen and living area. To one side lies the kitchen area whose traditional cabinets fitted with sleek integrated fixtures contain everything you need to rustle up a delicious meal, which you can enjoy around the circular dining table in the centre of the room. At the far side, under exposed, white-washed beams and the cosy slope of the staircase beckon deep sofas set in a casual ‘L’ shape around the open cast iron fireplace. Here, painted wooden panelling on the walls and seaside-inspired lamps, artwork and ornaments come together to create a homely coastal feel.
French windows lead out from here to the courtyard-style patio garden – a south-facing suntrap that’s illuminated at night by pretty festoon lighting. An extendable, six-person table lets you dine outside as soft, slightly salty breezes flutter around. Continue further on and you’ll find an outhouse, which handily hides the washer/dryer, a barbecue and a pair of bodyboards out of sight.
Back inside and upstairs, you’ll find two light, bright, airy and impeccably presented bedrooms and a family bathroom. A small twin features traditional wrought-iron beds draped with inky blue bedspreads decorated with small fish, ideal for children, with a selection of children’s books for some avid holiday reading. While in the master bedroom, which contains a comfortable king-sized bed, awe-inspiring glimpses of the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle steal the show.
As close as the sea is, closer still is the low-ceilinged Jolly Fisherman Inn and its award-winning seafood restaurant. You’ll also find a gallery and a café in Craster’s small centre, as well as a seaside children’s playground and a boat lined harbour, great for rock-pooling or paddling. If you’d rather stroll further, a stunning but gentle walk stretches from the cottage over dune-lined headlands to Dunstanburgh Castle. For a longer hike, continue on past Dunstanburgh Castle to white-sand Embleton Bay and stop off at Low Newton-by-the-Sea’s lovely Ship Inn pub, with its own brewery next door.
Holy Island is also within a 45-minute drive, as are the iconic castles at Alnwick and Bamburgh. Both have appeared in many recent blockbuster films –- ones you could perhaps watch after a fun day of sightseeing.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Entrance leading into open-plan kitchen and sitting room.
Kitchen with integrated fan oven, combi microwave oven, 4 ring induction hob, integrated fridge and freezer, dishwasher, Tassimo coffee machine and Belfast sink. Round dining table with seating for 4 guests. A washing machine and dryer are located in the external outhouse.
Sitting room with two large two-seater sofas, pouffe, side tables, open fire (with coal, kindling and matches provided), Smart TV with Netflix account provided, DVD player, CD Player/ DAB Radio/ Bluetooth speaker, games and books provided. French doors leading out to the patio area.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one with king size bed, bedside tables and lamps, DAB radio, built-in wardrobe with hanging space and shelf, tall chest of drawers, two chairs and a table by the window which is fitted with plantation shutters. Velux windows offer stunning views up the coast to Dunstanburgh Castle.
En-suite shower room with large electric shower, WC, small basin with storage beneath, mirror and heated towel rail.
Bedroom two with twin 3' beds and bedside table between. Wardrobe with hanging space and two drawers, chest of drawers with lamp and wall-mounted mirror, shelf storage, built-in cupboard housing children’s books. Plantation shutters at the window.
Family bathroom with electric shower over bath, WC, heated towel rail, basin, mirror with shaver point and cupboard storage.
OUTSIDE
There is a patio garden with festoon outdoor lighting and dining table for six guests with an additional bistro table seating two guests on the raised patio section which benefits from sea views. Two sun loungers are available for guest use. A charcoal barbecue is available. There is an outhouse which is accessed externally across the patio which stores the washing machine, dryer. This space offers ample storage for bikes and outdoor gear. Two bodyboards are available for guest use.
There is private off-street parking for two cars.
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
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided.
- HeatingCentral heating throughout in addition to the open fire in the sitting room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveCoal, kindling and matches are 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.
All Amenities
Important Information
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.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
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