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Overview
An enchanting former Dovecot — perfect for love birds.
Full of charm, this 18th-century farm building has been transformed into a cosy hideaway for one or two
Built in the late-1900s to accommodate feathered friends, The Dovecot at Reedsford is a magical Grade II listed tower set in rolling countryside on the edge of the Northumberland National Park.
Behind its mottled stone walls, this compact home's abundant original features, such as the characterful old pigeon recesses — which now form a wall of white-washed arched nooks cradling choice books and artefacts rather than hens — have been stylishly incorporated and carefully preserved in its recent renovation.
Balancing historic details with a pared-back and organic aesthetic, The Dovecot is fitted with bespoke woodwork throughout. In the open-plan kitchen and living space oak kitchen cabinets and bespoke bench seating lend a rustic, warming feel, while a narrow iron-edged staircase connects the downstairs with the cosy double bedroom up in the tower. This natural look chimes with the surrounding, vintage countryside — which is heaven for wildlife, and/or birdwatchers as well as anyone seeking a good dollop of rural peace and quiet.
Those who are interested in wildlife spotting, will delight in the large, modern windows in the day room that give way to spirit raising countryside views that can be enjoyed over a morning cup of tea and some hot buttery toast. Though you might prefer to dine al fresco at the picnic table out front, which also makes a wonderful place to stargaze at night.
Next door to the kitchen is a separate snug fitted with a Smart TV and a tiny but very effective Salamander Hobbit wood burner, which also heats the dainty cabin bedroom above courtesy of an insulated flue. The pocket-sprung mattress adds further comfort here, as does the bathtub in the bathroom below.
Great walks begin from the doorstep and easy-peasy access into the Northumberland National Park and Cheviot Hills allows for hearty hiking or cycling jaunts. You’re 30 minutes’ drive from the coast, including Holy Island and golden-sand beaches, and seven miles from Cornhill-on-Tweed — home to a terrific village shop — the Scottish border and superb salmon-fishing.
Close by are a number of other cottages on the same estate, such as the four-person Byre at Reedsford and the two-person Barn at Reedsford. In combination, these work very well for larger parties who wish to spend some time together yet also have ample privacy.
Property details
GROUND FLOOR
Two steps down to the front access door.
This leads into an open-plan day room, comprising bench seating, dining space and kitchen:
Bench seating along the full length of the window. Dining space for two, includes corner bench seating with cushion, and a separate farmhouse carver chair.
Kitchen with electric oven, small two-pan induction hob, under-counter fridge (no ice-box), microwave.
Two steps up to the snug, with bench seating with base and back cushions, small Salamander Hobbit wood-burning stove, Sony Smart TV (using Wi-Fi connectivity), bespoke storage cabinet.
Bathroom with bath and a hand-held mixer shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom with cosy, cabin-style bed. It is important to note that the bed is a short king size bed (5ft width x 5ft 9" length). A cut-away base at the foot of the bed offers extension of the sleeping length. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
The bed has a 1200 pocket-sprung mattress. There is one under-bed drawer - additional storage space can be found downstairs in the bespoke wooden cabinet. The wood-burning flue is double-insulated and runs from the ground floor up through the bedroom level.
The stairs to the first floor are steep with an open tread. Care must be taken when ascending/descending. They are not suitable for guests with mobility restrictions.
OUTSIDE
Two steps from the front access door leads down to an enclosed rear garden. This has bench seating and a picnic bench. The garden benefits from sweeping views across open countryside.
PARKING
Private parking for one car directly to the front of the property with additional provision should it be required nearby.
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.
BABIES & CHILDREN
Regrettably the property is not felt to be suited to babies and children.
DOGS
One dog is welcome with a charge of £25. An additional dog may be considered on request. Dogs should be clean and dry before access into the wider property. An outside tap is available. Dogs should be kept off the furniture and are not permitted in the bedroom.
It is very important to note that the area around the property is farmland with grazing animals, and dogs should be carefully supervised and controlled at all times. The garden is enclosed with a combination of wooden fencing and close-mesh metal wire.
GUEST AMENITIES
The beds feature high-quality linen, along with bamboo duvets and pillows. Towels and hand soap are provided.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Wi-Fi is available. There is no mobile reception. Wi-fi calls can be made, assuming your smartphone and network plan support this. A landline is not available due to cabling logistics.
HEATING
Electric-mat underfloor heating. Salamander Hobbit wood-burning stove with generous supply of logs for the duration of your stay.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For larger parties looking to holiday together, The Byre at Reedsford sleeping 4, The Barn at Reedsford sleeping 2, and The Bothy at Reedsford sleeping 4+2, sit within 75-100 yards of The Dovecot.
Housedon Haugh at Reedsford sleeping 9+2 is also in close distance to The Dovecot.
Other holiday-let properties that sit in the same ownership and are of a similar style include.....
Barley Hill Cottage sleeping 4, The Smithy Crookham sleeping 2, No. 9 sleeping 4, Lookout North and Lookout South both sleeping 4.
Location
Despite Reedsford’s rural location there are good local amenities nearby. The estate is 9 miles from the pretty town of Wooler which offers a good range of independent shops including two excellent butchers, a very good delicatessen, several pubs and cafes and the highly rated Milan Restaurant.
Cornhill on Tweed is 7 miles from the estate and offers an excellent village shop selling pies and delicious local goodies, and the Collingwood Arms which has a super bar and restaurant specialising in dishes prepared using the wealth of local produce on offer. More extensive shopping including a good range of independent shops, pubs and restaurants can be found in Kelso 14 miles away.
Activities
Sitting in the foothills of the Cheviots on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, the cottage is ideally placed for walking, cycling and enjoying the great outdoors. The outstanding countryside around the property offers fantastic walking in scenic surroundings, and the wider area enjoys a number of designated walking routes, including more challenging hikes amidst the dramatic scenery of the National Park. St. Cuthbert’s Way passes through Wooler, the 62 mile walk from Melrose Abbey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, or enjoy walks to Linhope Spout and Routing Linn with their fantastic waterfall picnic spots and super wildlife spotting opportunities.
For cycling and mountain biking, you will find everything from gentle low-level meanders to big hill country treks including trails for family-friendly recreation, with bike hire available locally. For more challenging terrain, you can join long-distance routes such as the Pennine Cycleway, the cycle challenges of the Wooler Wheel Hub, or excursions which take in historical sites such as the Flodden Trail or St. Cuthbert’s Cave.
Horse riding is available locally at nearby Kimmerston, and fishing is available on the River Till or Wooler Water. Both have good runs of sea-trout and salmon throughout the season as well as good numbers of grayling and brown trout.
For golf enthusiasts, Wooler has its own 9 hole course with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside whilst Goswick, Bamburgh and the Roxburghe championship course are all within easy driving distance. For something a little different, gliding can be arranged through the Borders Gliding Club at Milfield where you can soar effortlessly on a rising thermal amidst the spectacular scenery of the National Park.
For families, the Breamish Valley is a popular area with pretty river picnic spots where children can paddle and embark on a minnow hunt, and you can be assured a warm welcome at Ford & Etal Estates (7 miles) which has a super range of child friendly activities with over 20 attractions to explore, including a 15” gauge steam railway, fishing, canoeing, cycle hire and riding centre. Alternatively why not head to Alnwick Castle (22 miles), film location for Harry Potter and enjoy a spot of broomstick training!
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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"Wonderful enchanting place and building. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautifully designed Dovecot."
Ms Scott"We had a lovely stay here. We love what has been done with the Dovecot, it is so cosy. We will be back!"
Ms AinscoughAvailability
- One dog is welcome with a charge of £25 per dog. An additional dog will be considered upon request.
- Please refer to the bed size in the property details.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"The minimal, chic additions to those old pigeon coops — books here, decorative glassware there."Corinne, owner of The Dovecot
