The Old Paper Mill

Rustic, cosy and contemporary all at once, The Old Paper Mill makes a perfect bolthole for two — with fans of history, walking or wildlife especially well catered for.

As its name suggests, this cute stone cottage was once a petite paper mill in the mid-18th century, probably supplying bookmakers or newspaper printers in Newcastle and powered by a stream which still babbles by towards the nearby Derwent River. The current owners have opened it up, however, adding in space and style while retaining the sense of a secluded retreat.

One of their additions is a conservatory from which guests may well spot deer — look out for a three-legged doe and her young family — badgers or red kites. A door leads through to the open-plan sitting room and kitchen, where a log-burning stove and exposed beams help to inspire a lovely, chocolate-box atmosphere.

The hand-painted kitchen area here features a large, butler-style ceramic sink, a small moveable island and a bread maker with ingredients and instructions so that you can easily whip up a fresh, warm loaf in an hour or so. In another nice touch, the two-part stable door means you can admit gentle breezes while cooking.

Upstairs, the cosy bedroom is brightened by dual-aspect windows and white-painted furniture. With a king-sized bed, overhanging eaves, a window seat and a TV and DVD player, it’ll be tempting to linger here, especially as the home’s biomass heating system means you’ll be perfectly snug. Ditto in the adjacent bathroom’s romantically double-ended, deep tub.

Double doors connected the conservatory to a patio complete with barbecue and potted herb garden, which guests are welcome to use. A gate leads on to a pretty patch of stream-side woodland direct from the courtyard and driveway that guests can exclusively enjoy. Though the owners reside next door, that’s 50 metres away behind the cottage and you’re assured of complete privacy.

The Old Paper Mill is found along a quiet farm lane near Burnopfield, a cricket-loving village and Dipton, whose various pubs include the food-serving Owl & Otter.

With storage space for bikes and a picnic bag provided, it’s easy to explore locally, too. Among numerous hikes in the area, you’re just half a mile from the scenic Derwent Walk Railway Path.

Close by too is the National Trust-run Georgian pleasure gardens, chapel and estate of Gibside, with links to Stanley Kubrick and the late Queen Mother. On the border of Northumberland and County Durham, you’re also within a short drive of Hadrian’s Wall, plus the market town of Hexham, vibrant Newcastle itself and Durham’s castle and cathedral.