Wagtail
Couples can disconnect from daily life at this romantic, rural base, on a sustainability-focused farm close to Hadrian’s Wall.
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.
Property Layout
FIRST FLOOR
Five steps lead up into an open-plan studio with kitchen, dining table and high double bed (4'6") with cupboard storage space underneath.
Kitchen contains an integrated fridge, gas oven and grill, two ring gas hob, and Belfast sink with a solid wood cover, which doubles as a chopping board and provides additional bench and prep space when sink isn’t in use. The dining table seating two can be dropped down to lie flat against the wall if guest would like more floor space. There is no electric kettle or toaster – but guests can make toast on the grill and there is a hob-top kettle provided. No freezer is available in the shepherd's hut, however guests are welcome to use the owner's freezer on request.
The bed is a full size double (4'6" x 6'3") and has a shelf at the head of the bed, wall light above, lamp and views looking out of the window to the surrounding countryside. A Roberts radio is provided. Plug sockets next to the bed have USB ports for charging phones etc. 4G is strong enough in the hut for streaming on the 24 inch Samsung full HD Smart TV, with HDMI and USB ports.
A small corridor leads to the bathroom, with a large glass window allowing ample light to flow in, and handy hanging space for coats in the boiler cupboard.
The bathroom contains an impressive free-standing copper bath with hand-held shower attachment and illuminated ring light. As well as a copper basin and solid wood shelf, a feature wooden WC, heated towel rail, mirror and ambient wall lights. A glass ceiling directly above the bath allows guests to stargaze whilst bathing. The bathroom also contains two armchairs looking out the large window to the rear of the hut with views of the surrounding fields and a telescope to aid with stargazing. A chest doubles as a coffee table and storage box, with some board games and playing cards provided.
A small boot storage box is situated just outside the front door for guests use.
OUTSIDE
An enclosed garden space to the far side of the shepherd's hut, featuring two benches and an outdoor coffee table, offer's guests a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the views of surrounding farmland and grazing sheep and cows. A Chiminea barbecue(initial supply of logs, kindling and charcoal provided and more can be purchased on site from the owners) is also provided. There is an additional seating area for guests by the main driveway. While a big open barn space offers additional seats, a fire pit and a bar area with pretty fairy lights all around. Providing ‘outdoor’ seating under cover if the weather isn’t great.
A fenced off a pathway gives guests exclusive access along the outskirts of the field, taking them down to Tipalt Burn while avoiding crossing the field with livestock in it. Guest are welcome to explore the surrounding farmland during their stay.
There is a designated parking area to the behind the shepherd's hut.
Location
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the North Pennines, Haltwhistle is a charming market town in the heart of Hadrian's Wall Country. Home to a mixture of independent shops, traditional pubs, and the region's only open-air swimming pool, it's the perfect base for a country escape.
The closest town to the central section of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and within easy reach of the well-preserved Roman forts of Vindolanda and Housesteads, Haltwhistle is ideal for families and history enthusiasts. The town is also known as a gateway to the Pennine Way, a 268-mile trail which traverses sweeping moors and lush woodlands, which is sure to delight keen walkers.
Beyond Haltwhistle, the beautiful castle and gardens in the historic town of Alnwick are just a short drive away. The Northumberland National Park is brilliant for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, while the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within easy reach for day trips, from the iconic Bamburgh Castle to the puffin-dotted Farne Islands.
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsAn infant is welcome in addition to two adults, however, please be aware guests will need to provide their own highchair and travel cot.
- Allows childrenOne child is welcome with one adult, however, please note only the double bed is available for use.
- Barbecue
- Bath
- Fire pit
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided.
- HeatingGas central heating is available within the shepherd's hut.
- Linen & towels providedAnti-allergenic wool-filled bedding is provided.
- Outside space
- Pet freeSorry, dogs are not permitted.
All Amenities
Important Information
No Wi-Fi is provided. However, 4G connection is reasonably good for guests who would like to stay connected on their phones or laptop, and the Smart TV offers streaming services.
One infant under the age of 12 months is welcome in addition to two adults, however, please note, guests must provide their own highchair and travel cot.
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
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