The Folly
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Overview
This charming Victorian folly on the Middleton Hall Estate a few miles from the stunning Northumbrian coast has been fully renovated from top to toe to create a unique couple’s retreat.
Charming Victorian folly inspired by Italy
Thought to be inspired by a trip to Italy made by the original owner of the estate, this idyllic bolthole comes complete with a mini Italian-style garden and sits adjacent to the pretty mill race once used to create electricity for the estate.
Inside, the beautifully-presented and wonderfully quirky accommodation comprises a cosy seating area and well-equipped kitchen on the ground floor with doors leading to an outside dining area, a first floor bedroom with a balcony overlooking the garden and a fabulous bathroom on the top floor complete with the workings of the building’s original clock.
Guests can enjoy the 30 acres of secluded, wooded grounds which make up the wider estate and are a haven for wildlife including deer and red squirrels. For the more energetically-inclined, a rowing boat and oars are provided for exploring the lake or why not try a spot of fishing; the lake is stocked with carp, sturgeon and tiddlers.
Property details
Ground floor
Ground floor open plan living area:
Fully equipped kitchen with oven, 4 ring hob, dishwasher, fridge with icebox and microwave. To one side of the kitchen is a dining area for 4 and a door leading to the garden.
Adjoining sitting room with large flat screen TV with Freeview and DVD player.
Cloakroom/utility room with WC, basin and washing machine.
First floor
Bedroom with 5’ king size bed, wardrobe and dressing table. A balcony with seating area accessed from the bedroom offers lovely views over the garden.
Second floor
Bathroom with clawfoot bath, walk in shower with drench shower head, basin and WC.
Outside
The Folly overlooks its own private, small, Italian-style garden complete with original pond. There is a terrace, outside furniture and a barbecue for outside dining.
There is a lake on the estate. Rental of The Folly includes fishing rights to the lake on a catch and release basis. Rods are not provided but can be hired from a local tackle shop. The rowing boat is for use entirely at guests’ own risk. Life jackets are provided.
Parking
There is a private parking area.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request. Please note - guests with children should be aware that there is mill race adjacent to the property in addition to the large Italian-style lily pond in the garden.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed.
Guest amenities
Luxurious white towels, Egyptian cotton bed linen, fluffy bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and guest toiletries are provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is good on most networks.
Heating
There is oil central heating throughout.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together, there are four other properties on the same estate - The Boat House sleeping 2, Lake Cottage sleeping 6, Middleton Hall Coach House sleeping 10 and Middleton Hall sleeping 20+4.
Location
The Folly is close to the pretty village of Belford with a golf course, an excellent farm shop, coffee shop and a couple of restaurants. Food fans will be delighted by the wealth of local goodies on offer including Doddington Dairy ice cream, Northumberland cheeses, Lindisfarne Oysters, Chainbridge Honey, Craster Kippers and Alnwick IPA to name but a few. There are also a number of excellent local pubs in the area, including the delightful Ship Inn at Low Newton famous for its seafood and microbrewery as well as the The Treehouse restaurant at Alnwick Garden.
Activities
The Middleton Hall Estate sits in a rural position six miles from the stunning beach at Bamburgh. Nestled behind huge sand dunes overlooked by the impressive Bamburgh Castle, the mile upon mile of pristine sands are perfect for walking, riding and sandcastle building.
Northumberland’s magnificent coastline, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is also renowned for its watersports so whether your interests are walking, kite surfing, sailing, coasteering, abseiling, riding through the surf or just relaxing with a good book, there is a fantastic choice of beaches in the area from lesser-known gems which remain almost deserted even in the summer months to the better known beaches such as Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead.
For golf fanatics, there are a number of excellent courses nearby including the well known links courses at Dunstanburgh, Goswick, a British open qualifier course and Bamburgh, said to be one of the most scenic in the country. There is fabulous walking, riding and cycling in the nearby Cheviot Hills and fishing enthusiasts can enjoy trout fishing at nearby Chatton or salmon fishing on the Till or legendary Tweed is within a 30 minute drive.
There are no less than 10 castles close by and a wonderful selection of gardens including those at nearby Howick Hall, rated as one of the top five coastal gardens in the country. For rainy day activities, the spa at nearby Doxford Hall is perfect for some rest and relaxation or visit Barter Books, one of the UK's largest second hand bookshops located in Alnwick's magnificent old Victorian railway station with a model railway linking the book columns.
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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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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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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Local food and drink
Our region is a delectable foodie heaven! From quality local producers to fine dining experiences, there is an outstanding array of choice on offer and everything in between.
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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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Horse riding
Horse riding is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of the area and goes right back to the 13th and 14th centuries where townspeople would ride the clan’s boundaries to protect their common lands. Thankfully our riding pursuits today are not quite so dramatic!
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Shopping, arts and crafts
We are extremely fortunate to have a region where independent shops are king, and to have an area flowing with creativity through its talents in arts, crafts and textiles.
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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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Classes at your holiday home
Enjoy art, cookery, photography, flower or chocolate classes or whisky tasting in the comfort of your own holiday home...
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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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Gardens
If your passion is beautiful gardens a visit to our area will not disappoint. Spend a little time here and discover some spectacular gardens through the ever changing vista of the seasons.
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Spas and beauty treatments
Everyone needs a little time-out to relax and for many that may involve a little pampering, the chance to experience new therapies, or simply some dedicated ‘me time’ to enjoy or practise disciplines which bring a sense of well-being and good health.
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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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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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Cooks and Chefs
Our region is a natural larder so it’s really no surprise that we are fortunate to have such a wonderful choice of first class chefs and cooks on hand.
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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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Babysitting and Nannies
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring one of our fully qualified registered and experienced nannies or babysitters to come to your house.
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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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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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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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"We had a wonderful time at The Folly, it was just perfect in every way. We knew the property as we’d stayed there two years ago, and it was just as delightful! We were anxious that we wouldn’t get there because of the snow, but each day got better and better. We spoke with the owner the morning we left and thanked her, and told her we’d had a wonderful stay, the property was immaculate and a lovely afternoon tea awaited us! Hopefully we will be able to book with you again soon."
Mr & Mrs Hamblin"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, it was an absolutely fantastic location! Everything worked and was in good order, I'm assuming it had only recently been renovated as fixtures etc were like new. Even the weather played ball over the weekend which is a bonus."
Donkin family"The Folly was just superb, and had everything that we needed, and more! The welcome by the owners was so welcoming, too. We had a lovely walk around the grounds and through the woods."
Mr & Mrs Hamblin"We had a lovely time at The Folly. It was very well appointed, peaceful and very clean and cosy. We were welcomed on arrival and an afternoon tea consisting of finger sandwiches and little cakes was waiting for us in the fridge which was a lovely touch, very much appreciated after a long journey. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend to others. We visited Bamburgh, Lindisfarne and had a day in Edinburgh. All fantastic!"
Chappell family"The Folly was an outstanding and I cannot fault the accommodation. The welcome afternoon tea was a lovely surprise and there were lots of thoughtful touches such as the bathrobes and slippers."
Meadows family- Sorry, dogs are not allowed.
- Typical arrival day: Friday, with the additional option of Monday out of high season.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
The little things we love...
"The sweet bedroom is utterly charming, complete with patchwork quilt, traditional furniture and a balcony made for two."Emma, Crabtree & Crabtree
