The Hemmel

Northumberland is England’s emptiest county, but no part is emptier than its namesake national park, whose few isolated settlements are outnumbered by wild goats. That’s where you’ll find The Hemmel, part of an ancient estate along the moorland-studded Upper Coquet Valley. Forget relentless traffic or supermarket queues; red squirrels and shooting stars are more common here. The nearest village is four miles away; the nearest city occupies another world altogether.

The Hemmel is one of seven stone cottages whose hillside elevation 1,400 feet above sea level instils a top-of-the-world feel. Soothing to return to after energetic days out, its open-plan main space is furnished with creams and rustic woods. One tempting leather armchair vie with a soft, slouch sofa for your comfort, while a log-burning stove, flat-screen Freeview TV and underfloor heating provide added luxury. In the kitchen, black granite surfaces surround many mod cons, although there’s no dishwasher: the estate is off-grid, and its limited power supply can only support washing machines.

Off to one side is the excessively-romantic master bedroom, where a big picture window frames gulp-inducing views of the rugged Cheviot Hills, not to mention each morning’s sunrise. Watch that from the comfort of a four-poster, super-king-sized bed, then utilise luxury toiletries in the bathroom’s walk-in shower. Heated towels will help you snugly dry off beside marble his-and-hers sinks. With that taken care of, how about a morning coffee out on your enclosed garden deck? Equipped with more fine vistas, this is also perfect for meals à deux – a barbecue is available in spring and summer – or reading sessions.

Numerous walking and cycling routes are available locally, with many passing right by the door. The nearest village, Harbottle, has a pub and takeaway-serving shop, while it’s a dozen miles to Thropton and its highly-regarded Three Wheat Heads fine-dining restaurant. The larger riverside town of Rothbury, only a little further on, has independent shops to rummage.

Many guests stay put, however: writing, drawing, daydreaming, watching those red squirrels raid feeders near the pond or identifying passing kestrels using bird books provided by the owners. Wi-Fi – understandably a bit slow – is available if needed. With The Hemmel inside Europe’s largest designated dark sky park, you might save that for stargazing sessions.

One of the estate’s finest attributes is its environmental work, ranging from the planting of a new wood and harvesting of solar energy to the provision of electric charging points. Many more projects are in the offing, and your stay will assist their tremendous work.

THE SPA CABIN

Take some time to fully relax and rejuvenate and book a treatment or package with a fully qualified Glo Pamper Therapist at The Spa Cabin or from the comfort of The Hemmel. The rustic cabin on the estate, heated with wind felled logs, is a warm and inviting space where guests can enjoy spa treatments. There are various treatments available, such as a holistic facial and head massage, soothing aromatherapy massage, a hot stone massage, a facial, reflexology or a manicure or pedicure to name a few. Further details will be sent to you before your arrival. Booking in advance is required, subject to availability. Please contact us for further information.

STARGAZING KITS

Experience a midnight picnic under the stars! As an optional extra, Stargazing kits are available to hire at this property. Take your basket down to the garden, set up your midnight picnic and have fun stargazing. Due to its rural location within a dark skies area, the property is ideally placed to experience the full magnificence of the night sky. Set up your telescope to look for galaxies and planets or see which constellations you can spot using the handy guide. The basket will include: A flask for two, Choc Affair hot chocolate, Choc Affair chocolate bar, Northumberland Bakery cookies, two hot water bottles, Stargazing for Beginners guide, 2023 Guide to the Night Sky, a practical guide to the key constellations, 10x50 Binoculars, travel telescope, large picnic rug, and two fleece blankets. Stargazing kits can be booked for use during your stay.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION

For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside ten other properties at Kidlandlee. There are four cabins in close proximity; The Maple (sleeping 4), The Willow (sleeping 4), The Elm (sleeping 2) and The Oak (sleeping 2). Nearby sits Chaffinch Cottage (sleeping 4) and adjoining Dipper Cottage (sleeping 6), then The School House (sleeping 4) and adjoining Tutor's Lodge (sleeping 4). Close to these are The Old Barn (sleeping 4) and adjoining Leyland Barn (sleeping 4), while The Hemmel (sleeping 2) sits on its own a little further away.