The School House

Set some 1,400ft above sea level in the rugged hills of the Upper Coquet valley, deep in the Northumberland National Park, the Kidlandlee estate delivers a genuinely off-grid escape. Accessed by way of an undulating three-mile-long Forestry Commission track (leave the low-slung sports car at home), the estate was, in its heyday, home to the highest ‘mansion’ in England. The vast and opulent Kidland shooting lodge was built in the 1890s for the wealthy Christopher J Leyland of Haggerston Castle (yes, the man behind the infamous Leylandii tree), together with a man-made lake, croquet lawn and number of outbuildings.

While the mansion was demolished in 1956, the splendour of Kidland’s remote setting, high-altitude croquet lawn and many of the outbuildings remain today. Amongst these are the schoolhouse, which formed part of the original farmhouse and welcomed students from Kidlandlee and local farms from 1903 to 1957.

Hewn from local stone, the School House has been freshly renovated by the 36-acre estate’s current owners. The property retains fabulous original features such as the original stone fireplaces in the two bedrooms while adding modern design touches, a contemporary kitchen and two sleek bathrooms. A log burner (fuelled by wind-felled logs from the estate) warms the cosy living and dining room, an antique school desk and chairs complete the stylish décor of one bedroom while French doors lead out from the elegant master bedroom to one of the cottage’s three gardens. This trio of gardens includes a private enclosed rear garden accessed from the sitting room, a cottage garden to the side of the property and a sheltered front garden, which is shared with the adjoining Tutor’s Lodge.

The School House is decorated throughout with organic materials and in soft, natural colours – soft creams, earthy browns and deep blues – to reflect its rugged environment and the owners’ commitment to protecting it. Indeed, sustaining Kidlandlee’s local environment and wildlife habitats is central to the owners’ philosophy – the estate uses exclusively wind and solar energy and its water comes from bore holes, which is filtered on site, using a bio waste filtration system to clean and purify wastewater.

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 School House. 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, Annual Guide to the Night Skies, 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.