The Smithy at West Lyham
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20% discount on holidays between 31st of March and 14th April 2023.
Overview
The Smithy is part of a sensitively renovated farm, which combines rural charm with stylish design.
A sophisticated country bolthole just a short hop from Northumberland’s coastline and National Park
The Smithy is a chic one-bedroom retreat that forms part of a stylishly renovated farm steading in a picturesque corner of Northumberland. Conveniently sandwiched between the county’s prized coastline and National Park, The Smithy makes the perfect rural getaway for two. The spacious open-plan kitchen, dining and living area and peaceful en-suite bedroom combine high-end fittings and contemporary styling with country comforts like reclaimed timber trusses and posies of freshly-picked flowers. A stable door opens from the kitchen onto the tranquil stone courtyard, where a table and chairs invite you to linger over a morning coffee or evening aperitif.
While guests enjoy a sense of blissful isolation at The Smithy, the property is in fact just a few minutes’ drive from the village of Chatton, which boasts an excellent village shop stocked with an array of local produce and the Percy Arms, an inviting country pub known for its excellent food. It’s also under ten minutes' drive from Chillingham Castle, considered to be England’s most haunted castle and home to the only wild cattle in the world, sole survivors of herds that once roamed the forests of Britain. A little further down the road, you’ll find St Cuthbert’s Cave, thought to be where the monks of Lindisfarne brought St. Cuthbert’s body in AD875, following Viking raids on the Holy Island.
Indeed, thanks to its setting between Northumberland’s coast and National Park, The Smithy is within half an hour’s drive to many of the county’s most popular attractions, including Bamburgh Castle, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the picturesque coastal town of Seahouses and Alnwick Castle. Outdoorsy types will find endless pleasure in the 400 square miles of sheep-dotted hills, meandering river valleys and rugged moorland within Northumberland National Park; keen walkers can tackle the 62.5-mile-long St Cuthbert’s Way trail (or perhaps just sections of it), which passes close by to the cottage; and cyclists can explore the 120-mile-long Sandstone Way cycle path, which also skirts the cottage.
The Smithy is part of a new steading development and can be booked in conjunction with the adjacent cottage, The Stables (sleeps 4), and The Steading (sleeps 10) opposite.
Property details
Ground floor
The accommodation is all on the ground floor and may be suitable for less mobile guests.
Open-plan living area with well-equipped kitchen, dining area (extendable table seating up to four) and seating area with TV with Freeview.
The well-equipped kitchen includes electric oven, microwave and hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.
Bedroom with king size bed and large fitted wardrobes.
En suite shower room with shower, basin and WC.
Outside
There is a table and chairs in front of the cottage which overlooks the courtyard to the front of The Steading holiday home opposite. The courtyard has flower beds and two large water features with fountains enclosed by low-level estate metal fencing and is for use by guests of The Steading at West Lyham. It is important that children and dogs are supervised at all times when outside.
There is a shared lawned garden area available for guests of The Smithy and The Stables, which sits on the right-hand side of The Stables.
Parking
There is covered parking in addition to parking outside the property in the courtyard.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair can be provided on request, however, please note that there is limited space in the bedroom for a travel cot.
Please note that to the front of The Smithy is a large gravelled courtyard with flower beds and two large water features with fountains. While this courtyard is enclosed and is for use by guests staying at The Steading at West Lyham, it is very important that children are supervised at all times when outside The Smithy.
Dogs
Two dogs are welcome at The Smithy at a charge of £15 per dog. Additional dogs may be considered on request.
Guest amenities
Bed linen, towels and guest toiletries are provided. A hairdryer is provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is available and is a good speed and sufficient for streaming. Mobile coverage is poor. Guests can make Wi-Fi calls and there is a landline for emergency and out going calls.
Heating
There is underfloor heating throughout.
Guest privacy
The Smithy at West Lyham adjoins The Stables at West Lyham, which is another holiday cottage sleeping four guests. The lawned garden areas are shared.
Opposite both cottages is The Steading at West Lyham, which sleeps ten guests. There is a gravelled courtyard in the centre of all properties, which has flower beds and two large water features with fountains. This area is enclosed by estate metal fencing for use by guests staying at The Steading.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together, this property can be booked alongside The Stables at West Lyham which sits next door (sleeps 4), and The Steading at West Lyham which sits opposite (sleeps 10).
Location
The local village of Chatton (1.5 miles) is a short drive or thirty-minute walk away. Stop by The Percy Arms Hotel for a drink or something to eat. They serve food all day and their Sunday roast dinners are well-known locally.
The attractive market town of Wooler is just five miles away, and has two excellent butchers, several pubs and cafés and the highly rated Italian, Milan Restaurant. It also has a good range of independent shops, including the super ‘Breeze’ art gallery which also serves coffee and light lunch. The Good Life Shop is a wonderful deli selling cheeses, cured meats and health foods.
There is another excellent village shop on the Main Street of Cornhill-on-Tweed (18 miles) and a highly recommended butcher in Norham (20 miles), RG Foreman Butchers, with a great selection of meat, cheese, wine and spirits. They can also deliver for you to collect from the village shop in Cornhill-on-Tweed if you ask.
Coldstream (20 miles) has a small Co-op supermarket while more extensive shopping is available in the historic towns of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnwick and Kelso which are all within an easy half-hour drive.
Activities
Fabulous walks from the doorstep range from leisurely rambles around the surrounding farmland to 600 miles of designated hill and moorland routes in the Cheviot Hills, making it a superb spot for walking, cycling and enjoying the great outdoors.
St. Cuthbert’s Way passes nearby to the cottage so why not join part of the 62-mile walk from Melrose Abbey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, or enjoy nearby walks to Linhope Spout and Routin Linn with their fantastic waterfall picnic spots. For cycling and mountain biking, there are extensive routes and trails nearby for family-friendly recreation, including bike hire available locally. For more challenging terrain, the Pennine Cycleway passes through Wooler (5 miles) making it an ideal stop-off for those embarking on the full route - an ideal retreat for resting tired legs at the end of the day.
Horse riding is available locally at nearby Kimmerston (12 miles), and for fishing, the lower and bottom beats of the legendary River Tweed are within easy driving distance. There is also still water trout fishing available in Chatton (1.6 miles) and fly fishing at the Watch Water Fishery (40 miles), set in the Lammermuir Hills, adjacent to the Southern Upland Way.
Clay pigeon shooting is available in Morpeth (30 miles) or Kelso (30 miles) or you can book high bird shooting within the Bowmont Valley locally.
Also nearby is the Ford and Etal estate where one can have a wander around the ruins of Etal Castle or enjoy a pint at Northumberland’s only thatched pub before taking the delightful miniature steam railway which runs to Heatherslaw to explore the corn mill and buy some delicious Heatherslaw biscuits.
For golf enthusiasts, Wooler has its own 9-hole course with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside whilst Goswick, Bamburgh, Dunstanburgh and Alnmouth are all within easy driving distance. For something a little different, gliding can be arranged through the Borders Gliding Club or perhaps take a trip in a Hot Air Balloon - incredible experiences are never forgotten.
The cottage lies within half an hour's drive of Northumberland's magnificent coastline, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just perfect for rest or play. One of our favourite spots is Bamburgh Beach with miles of pristine sand, nestled behind huge sand dunes and overlooked by the impressive Bamburgh Castle. The stunning coastline provides the perfect opportunity to try your hand at kite surfing, sailing or coasteering. For something a little different, gliding is available at nearby Millfield.
The region’s rich history is reflected in the magnificent chain of castles that punctuate the landscape. Those nearby the cottage include the vast, romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh, the palatial splendour of Floors, Chillingham, reputedly one of the most haunted buildings in England and home to the world’s only herd of wild cattle, and foreboding Alnwick, made famous as the location for Hogwart’s School in the Harry Potter films.
Further afield, the magnificent city of Edinburgh is only about an hour and a half by car or 45 minutes on the train from nearby Berwick-upon-Tweed.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Additional housekeeping
Award yourself a real break and let us provide a pair (or more) of helping hands.
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Nannies and babysitters
Relax, explore the local area, enjoy a long lunch or a romantic evening out by hiring a fully qualified registered and experienced nanny or babysitter 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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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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Holiday photography
Family holidays, reunions and honeymoons kindle priceless moments that deserve preserving.
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Reviews
"Spotlessly clean, super goody box – everything you could possibly need!"
Mr Smith"We have had a wonderful stay and much-needed relaxation at The Smithy. We loved the welcome hamper and thankfully found some of the stockists in Wooler. Thank you for the welcome guide – some fantastic tips and we’ve enjoyed some lovely days out. Would love to return! Thank you."
Mr & Mrs Wilson"Lovely welcome hamper and great tip about Cheviot Brewery. Great hosts and nothing was too much trouble. Fantastic place and extremely clean. Fabulous stay and great places visited. Thank you."
Mr & Mrs Tate"A lovely cottage! Well-equipped and very cosy and warm. Excellent walks and stunning scenery. Thank you for everything."
Mr & Mrs Blackett"Amazing hospitality and welcome from the day of arrival. So peaceful and some lovely walks."
Ms FranchittiAvailability
- Two dogs are welcome at a charge of £15 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Flexible.
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
"We love the way the cottage has the feel of an old barn but with all the mod cons we need for cooking up a treat after a day exploring in the hills."David & Lois, owners
