Wagtail

Stargazing is rarely this indulgent. Occupying one of its two cleverly-conjoined shepherds’ huts, the bathroom at Wagtail impressively contains a freestanding copper tub. Just above, visible through a glass ceiling, is a certified Dark Sky area, part of the Northumberland National Park and completely free from light pollution.

Run a deep bubble bath using the indulgent White Company products, pour a glass of wine – there’s a handy timber shelf on which glasses might be placed – and you’re all set to commence gazing at the incredible spread of stars on show above. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear you might also witness the soft haze of the Milky Way or spot the odd shooting star.

That tub typifies Wagtail, both in the sense of its gently upscale nature and the rustic peace on offer to couples here. Part of the working Low Tipalt Farm, its pair of merged huts neighbour the owners’ house, yet are carefully angled so as not to be overlooked.

Situated in such a gloriously remote part of Northumberland, it comes as no surprise to learn that the owners are great champions of the environment and have taken great care ensure the hut’s eco credentials. To keep you warm and toasty in the cooler months, Wagtail has gas central heating and is insulated with 100ml of sheep’s wool, while the anti-allergenic pillows are filled with loose Sheep’s wool rather than synthetic foam.

You enter up five steps to find an open-plan studio containing a kitchen, a dining table, a raised double bed with storage space beneath and a Smart TV. This small, open-plan space benefits from wonderful upland views and contains a fridge, a gas oven, two hobs and a sink — whose oak cover doubles as a chopping board or prep space — in the kitchen.

A light-filled glass corridor leads to that bathroom, which also contains a loo, a heated towel rail and two armchairs framing a large window overlooking more rolling fields, with a telescope provided for stargazing. Filled with board games, a chest here doubles as a coffee table.

Outside, beyond fragrant lavender plants, are bench seats and another table. Boasting a chiminea barbecue too, the enclosed garden area is situated at the huts’ far side and thus visible only to cows or sheep in neighbouring paddocks. You also have access to a fairy-lit barn with a firepit and a bar area — ideal upon less-clement days.

The 4G reception is strong enough for Netflix-streaming on the Samsung Smart TV in the hut, ideal for cosy nights in. Wagtail is intended as somewhere to recharge; a retreat from daily, stressful life, soundtracked by the occasional baa or moo. To further aid that process, the owners have fenced off a pathway providing guests with exclusive, access to Tipalt Burn, without having to worry about disturbing any local livestock. Better still, a hamper and locally-recycled rug are provided so you can have riverside picnics. Look out for passing wildlife: deer, hares, curlews, oystercatchers or, yes, wagtails.

Otherwise, you might explore the 16th-century, 100-acre farm: designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, it champions rare native British breeds. Alternatively, the Hadrian’s Wall footpath, Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Cycleway are all within a few minutes’ drive, numerous other NNP hikes are achievable and it’s less than an hour to Kielder Water or Newcastle.