The Showman's Wagon
In deepest Northumberland, this small space is perfect for outdoorsy couples seeking rural seclusion and serenity.
Built just after World War I, this retro wagon spent the 1940s transporting circus performers between riotous fairs. These days, it leads a much quieter life. After transporting the vehicle from Land’s End in Cornwall — about as long a journey as is possible in England — owners Charles and Dee have lovingly renovated their find into the loveliest of small homes.
It joins three stone cottages and a hayloft as accommodation options around 38-acre Southlands Farm, an idyllic smallholding in the village of Gunnerton in central, deepest Northumberland. Expect tranquility by the trough-load. Especially amid your pretty paved garden: from here, you can gaze across open fields as birds swoop around, farm animals whinny or moo and, after dark, the county’s famously star-filled dark skies put on a spectacular show undimmed by light pollution.
Though bijou, this isn’t a holiday let lacking for luxuries. The amenities include crisp linen sheets, a welcome basket of local treats, a cosy wood-burning stove, a small Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker and complimentary Wi-fi.
Between the bedrooms at either end – one a comfy double, the other actually a snug whose daybed can convert into a single or a twin – is a small but complete kitchen enlivened whenever light shines in through its etched-glass ceiling windows. The bathroom sits in its own separate shepherd's hut which is immediately adjacent, meaning a few steps outside are required (bathrobes are provided), and contains an incinerating loo, a characterful Victorian basin and spacious shower.
Both owners’ creative flair is evident in the interiors. Dee painted every colourful landscape; Charles impressively hand-crafted that sunny kitchen. Look out as well for some enchanting original features, including a Samuel Withers & Co safe cleverly reinvented as a bedside table and those etched-glass windows amid the curving ‘Mollycroft’ roof.
Determinedly eco-friendly, down to using renewable energy and tree-planting, the surrounding farm pairs pastures with more gardens, a lily pond and an ornamental vegetable patch. Selling home-reared meats, its shop is only open on Saturdays for passersby – but wagon renters can pop by at any time to make a purchase.
Dee and Charles can not only arrange horse-riding (using stables on site), salmon fly-fishing in the Tyne and clay-pigeon shooting, but sporadically host painting, food or floristry courses. The Northumberland National Park begins just three miles east, with hikes to Hareshaw Linn’s mossy, tree-flanked waterfall recommended, while Chipchase Castle’s Victorian garden and classic Pele Tower are within walking distance. Only a little south is the ruined Temple of Mithras on Hadrian’s Wall.
Alternatively, just roam about: enjoying the gentle countryside pace, and generally doing as much or as little as desired. The hubbub of normal life will become a distant memory…
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together The Showman's Wagon can be booked alongside East Cottage and West Cottage, both sleeping 4 in addition to The Hay Loft and Middle Cottage, both sleeping 2. The cottages all sit in a shared front courtyard, while The Showman's Wagon sits at the bottom of the lane within the paddock area.
Property Layout
ACCOMMODATION
External steps with a handrail lead up to The Showman's Wagon.
Compact kitchen with gas oven, gas hob, fridge. A dishwasher is not provided. Table with drop-leaf and seating for two or four. Wood-burning stove, small Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker.
Bedroom one - with 4'6" double bed. The original safe in The Showman's Wagon is a characterful feature, now used as a side table. Shelving at the end of the bed, with under-bed storage area.
Snug/Bedroom two - with day bed which converts to a single or two low 3' twin beds. The beds are suitable for children under 10 years only.
Please note the bathroom sits in a separate Shepherd's hut which sits immediately adjacent, off the patio area.
Bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower with rainforest head, heated towel rail, basin and Cindi incinerating toilet.
Guests are welcome to use a communal drying room that sits a short distance away at the main farmhouse. This has a washing machine, a sink and a drying pulley.
OUTSIDE
Patio area with outside furniture. Charcoal barbecue available on request. This extends to a wider lawned garden and paddock. This is not enclosed.
Guests may park to the front or side of The Showman's Wagon for unloading, and should then park on the gravelled area a short distance away.
There is an honesty freezer for use by guests containing locally produced meats from the farm.
Location
Set in the picturesque Tyne Valley, Hexham is a charming market town with cobbled streets and historic architecture. Home to an array of quirky coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, and excellent independent shops, as well as a racecourse and golf course, it makes for the perfect base from which to explore Hadrian's Wall country.
Enjoy local produce at Hexham Farmers’ Market, held twice a month, or perhaps visit one of the area's fine Michelin-starred restaurants or cosy gastropubs. Walkers and cylists are sure to enjoy exploring the varied landscapes bordering Hadrian's Wall, while history enthusiasts must visit the fascinating Roman sites of Chesters and Vindolanda.
Beyond Hexham, the village of Corbridge offers independent shops, pubs, and cafés, along with a popular delicatessen and farm shop. The nearby village of Bellingham, known as the gateway to Kielder Water & Forest Park, is on hand for those in search of outdoor adventures, while Matfen Hall's excellent spa and leisure facilities are also nearby if you'd like a little rest and relaxation.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows childrenRefer to Important Information.
- Barbecue
- CotA travel cot is available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided.
- HeatingThe wagon has a wood burning stove, with additional back-up provided by an electric fan heater. A cool fan is also available during the summer months.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels providedHigh quality hollowfibre duvets and pillows are provided but other options can be provided by arrangement. Bathrobes are also provided.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
- Wi-FiWi-Fi is available. Mobile signal can be variable but is generally good on the Vodafone and EE networks.
All Amenities
Important Information
The Showman's Wagon is detached and sits away from four other cottages which are also available as holiday lets. There is no private garden, however guests are welcome to use the owners' large lawned garden which extends to 1.5 acres. This is a communal space and sits nearby. Guests of the other cottages are also welcome to walk and use the wider paddock which extends beyond The Showman's Wagon. The owners live in a farmhouse to the side of the property and while they are on hand to help with any questions, they are equally respectful of guests privacy.
Due to size limitations, The Showman's Wagon is restricted to two adults and two children (under the age of 10) only.
The farm has a Gold Award for Green Tourism and uses eco-friendly technology with its own wind turbine and solar panels which supply the electricity to the farmhouse and cottages.
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.
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
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Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
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