Walltown Farm Cottage
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Overview
Beside bold colours and charisma, this three-bedroom family base also delivers space, comfort and country quiet.
Stay deep in Hadrian’s Wall country, close to easy walks and market towns
“Colour,” reckoned the abstract Russian painter Kandinsky, “is a power which directly influences the soul.” Sabina Forwood, Walltown Farm Cottage’s owner and an artist herself, might well agree.
Just like her other homes (Walltown Byre, Fell End and Lowtown Cottage), this is a vibrant, fun base full of thought-provoking details and dynamic, bold hues. Snuggled away amid Northumberland’s sleepy south-west, it’s also pleasingly large, spacious and restful — ideal, in other words, for family groups.
What will catch your eye first? Perhaps it’ll be the kitchen’s fuchsia cabinets, or the striking gold Buddha between them. Maybe you’ll fall into the downstairs sitting room’s burnt orange sofa, or admire the unique collections housed in the vintage dresser.
Entered via a handy internal porch where dogs might sleep, the ground floor includes the kitchen and a sitting room. This can be warmed by its log burning stove in the impressive inglenook, and contains ample seating around the fire and large dining table for lazing or grazing.
A second sitting room awaits upstairs, complete with a window seat, a Smart TV and even a kitchenette. Blending blue and green pastels, warm floral prints and bold soft furnishings, this floor’s two bedrooms — their king and super-king-size beds able to be split into twins on request – have south-facing vistas to ensure plenty of light. Also here is the family bathroom, complete with a soaking tub and facing hills and the ruined Carvoran Roman Fort.
King of the castle is a second-storey master bedroom below wooden beams. The super-king bed here can be accompanied by a single for young children.
Walltown Farm Cottage lies close to the village of Greenhead, inside the Northumberland National Park and just half a kilometre from the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Carvoran’s ruined fort neighbours a Roman Army Museum, with 3D films and replica armour; both it, and the remains of 12th-century Thirlwall Castle, are within easy walking distance.
Two local, pretty market towns, Hexham and Brampton, burst with shops and award-winning restaurants. Great for families, Hexham also boasts a leisure centre, including a swimming pool and bowling alley, plus several art shops — ready for those whose creativity Sabina has stirred!
Property details
Ground Floor
Entrance into porch with coat rack, bench seat and shoe storage, three built-in cupboards and umbrella stand.
Well-equipped kitchen with free-standing fridge/freezer, cooker and grill, 5-ring electric hob, and 4-slice toaster with vintage sideboard and dresser. There is also a kitchen table with four chairs.
A door from the kitchen leads to the sitting room with large log burner in an impressive stone inglenook, two armchairs, four-seater sofa, cupboard storage and display shelves, footstool, and side tables with lamps. There is also a large dining table seating eight guests. South-facing sash windows offer lovely countryside views.
Utility room and WC with washing machine, tumble dryer, cupboard storage, WC, and basin.
First Floor
First floor lounge with three-seater sofa which can be used as a sofa bed upon request for an additional charge of £50, side cabinet with Smart TV, window seat, round dining table with 4 chairs, armchair, and side tables. The lounge also contains a kitchenette area with under-bench fridge with freezer compartment, 2-ring induction hob, microwave, toaster, kettle, and sink.
Bedroom one containing king size bed which can be split into 2’6” twins upon request, with bedside tables and lamps, dressing table, and armchair. Window is south-facing.
Bedroom two containing 3’ twins which can be converted into a super king bed upon request, with bedside table and lamp, dressing table with mirror, storage bench seats, and stool with lamp. Window is south-facing.
Family Bathroom with shower over bath, WC, basin with illuminated mirror above, and heated towel rail. There are lovely views out of the large window to Crag Hills and the roman fort.
Second Floor
Bedroom three - master bedroom containing super king size bed and a 3’ single bed suitable for a child, with bedside tables and lamps, dressing table, storage chest, desk and chair, two armchairs, footstool, hooks and hangers, The room has exposed beams and sloped ceilings to front and back with two Velux windows. Please note, there are no coverings on the velux windows - eye masks are provided for guest use instead.
Family bathroom with shower over bath, heated towel rail, WC, and basin with illuminated mirror above.
Outside
Small private lawned area to the side of the property and patio with bistro set. Please note this is not enclosed.
The is also a small garden area to the front of the property which guests are welcome to use. Please note this is not enclosed either as there is no gate to the front and the left side of the front lawn is owned by the neighbouring property.
There is a warm external boiler room with coat hooks and shoe storage space.
Up the stone steps by the patio area, through the wooden gate there is a wild garden which guests are welcome to visit. However, it is not dog-proof or child-proof and this area houses a small chicken coup. Children and pets are to be supervised at all times.
Parking
Private parking is available to the side of the property. There is ample space for three cars.
Electric Vehicle Charging
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.
Babies & Children
A high chair and travel cot are provided.
Though in a quiet and picturesque, rural area, Walltown Farm Cottage sits on a working farm therefore farm machinery, equipment and farm vehicles will be in use around this area and to the barns to the rear of the property. It is absolutely essential that children are supervised by adults at all times.
Dogs
Two dogs are welcome at a charge of £25 each and must be kept to the ground floor and off the furniture.
Please note – the garden is not enclosed and dogs must be supervised at all times due to nearby livestock.
Guest Amenities
Bed linen and towels are provided.
Wi-Fi & Mobile Coverage
Wi-Fi is provided. Mobile signal is good on most networks.
Heating
The property benefits from oil central heating. There is a log burner in the sitting room, with an initial supply of logs provided.
Guest Privacy
The cottage sits on a working farm with farm machinery, equipment and farm vehicles used around this area. They may pass by the front of the cottage during your stay but are not anticipated to be disruptive in any way.
Additional Accommodation
For guests looking to holiday together but enjoy their own space, Walltown Farm Cottage can be let in conjunction with Walltown Byre sleeping six just 50 yards from Walltown Farm Cottage, Lowtown Cottage sleeping four which sits a short ten minute walk or just a few minutes drive from the property, or Fell End which sleeps eight plus five children's beds and is about a 25 minute walk away.
Location
For eating out, the Mile Castle pub sits 2.25 miles east along the Military Road and is within walking distance down the farm track from the property within 45 minutes or so. You will also find good pub food at the Greenhead Hotel 1.25 miles west.
Alternatively, the Samson Inn, Gilsland or the Blekinsopp Castle Inn and Bistro are 2.75 and 2.9 miles respectively and both come recommended.
The Twice Brewed pub sits 4.5 miles east along the Military Road is a popular choice with walkers and has its own micro-brewery, or for a stunning dining experience with a difference, head to Restaurant Hjem which has achieved the coveted stamp of approval as the first Michelin starred restaurant in Northumberland. Guests can experience a fantastic tasting menu combining the finest Northumbrian produce with the flair and precision of Scandinavia (21 miles).
A little further afield sits the pretty market town of Hexham (21 miles) characterised by cobbled streets and historic architecture which offers quirky coffee shops, award-winning restaurants and excellent independent shops. Hexham offers more extensive shopping and amenities. It also boasts its own racecourse, theatre, cinema, golf course and leisure centre, including a pool and a ten-pin bowling alley.
The popular tourist village of Corbridge is 25 miles and offers a variety of shops, a delicatessen, and one or two restaurants and cafes, while Matfen Hall (26 miles) offers excellent spa and leisure facilities.
In the other direction, the pretty market town of Brampton, with Lanercost Priory close by, is 10 miles away and the historic city of Carlisle is 21 miles away. There is a wealth of things to see and do in Carlisle including the award-winning Tullie House Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Cathedral, Carlisle Castle. Walby Park Farm is a family favourite where you can meet farmyard favourites and rare breeds with plenty of opportunity for the younger ones to burn off some steam. Carlisle offers extensive shopping, a cinema, a railway station and various bars and restaurants.
If you or your guests are coming by plane or train, the new Carlisle Airport, with flights from Southend, Belfast and Dublin, is 16 miles away. Car hire is available at the airport.
Newcastle and Carlisle have mainline train services with direct trains to London and Edinburgh/Glasgow, and there is a local train between Newcastle and Carlisle that stops at Haltwhistle which is 2.5 miles away.
There is a bus (the AD122) linking the major Roman sites, together with Hexham and Haltwhistle which has a stop at the Roman Army Museum which is ¾ mile from the Byre or a 15-minute walk. This runs between Easter and the 1st October.
Activities
Surrounded by footpaths and bridleways, big skies and wonderful views, the area has plenty to offer those seeking dramatic ridges and panoramic views.
For walking, the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail is a designated World Heritage site with an unbroken 84 mile signposted trail stretching from coast-to-coast, passing through stunning countryside and rugged moorland. The Byre is some three miles from the intersection of the Hadrian's Wall trail and the Pennine Way making it a walkers' paradise.
Notable visitor attractions include the English Heritage site of Walltown Crags Wall and Turret, one of the finest places to view Hadrian's Wall, as well as the Roman Army Museum which sit less than a mile away from the property. The Sill, Vindolanda, and Housesteads are all within a ten minute drive.
Hadrian's cycleway runs from coast-to-coast and is part of the National Cycle Network boasting incredible scenery which takes in various forts, milecastles and settlements along the line of the wall. As well as off-road options, it boasts 100 miles of purpose-built trails for the peddle-hungry looking to soak up mile after mile of never-ending trails.
For history buffs, this is a perfect base from which to explore Chesters and Vindolanda which are steeped in Roman history and offer a fascinating insight into Roman life on the edge of the empire 2000 years ago. Here you can see in incredible 3D detail what life was like on the wall in the life of a Roman soldier, and discover latest artefacts, including the world famous Vindolanda writing tablets.
For some later history, visit Hermitage Castle (60 minutes), a Norman Castle built in 1240AD and famous for a visit there by Mary Queen of Scots to the wounded 4th Earl of Bothwell. She later married Bothwell, despite the fact that he was implicated in her husband's murder.
Lanercost Priory, founded in 1169AD is only 18 minutes drive away. It is partly built from stones from Hadrian’s wall and was visited a number of times by Edward I. In August 1311, Robert Bruce, King of Scotland, came with his army and made it his headquarters for three days.
You can enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures in over 13,000 acres at Wallington Hall (45 minutes) with gentle woodland strolls to more extensive hikes, or take your bike and explore the Dragon Cycling Trail, a safe family-friendly route where you may be lucky enough to spot one of the resident red squirrels in the woods. For less active pursuits, head to the Clocktower Cafe for a coffee and cake stop, or take a tour of the main house for a fascinating insight into the rich history and artefacts of this 300 year old home.
Cragside House and Gardens offer a captivating day out for the family where you can discover the first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity. Crammed full of gadgets developed by Victorian inventor, innovator and landscape genius, Lord Armstrong, Cragside is truly a wonder of its age. The adventure playground with its network of paths and tunnels will be a huge hit with children, and the gardens here are an absolute delight.
A 45 minute drive will take you to the Kielder Water and Forest Park, with something for everyone including water sports enthusiasts, cyclists, walkers, naturalists, artists, families and photographers. A highlight is the star gazing treat at the Kielder Observatory where you can view the outstanding dark skies of the Northumberland National Park.
Golf enthusiasts are well catered for at Matfen Hall, or take a drive to the championship courses of Close House and Slaley Hall.
The stunning beaches of the Northumberland coast are an easy day trip, including the iconic Alnwick Gardens and Alnwick Castle, home to the Duke of Northumberland. With its rich history, exquisite art, beautiful gardens, and film location for Harry Potter, there is plenty of wizardly magic and mayhem to keep all ages entertained.
To the West, the coast of the Solway is 50 minutes away and the North of the Lake District is well within reach, with Ullswater, for example, being a 60 minute drive
Finally a trip to the city of Newcastle with its amazing Millennium revolving eye bridge and the fantastic glass Sage building for music. Admire the wonderful architecture of the north-east’s most eminent architect John Dobson or perhaps enjoy an evening of arts at the wonderful Theatre Royal.
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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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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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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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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Museums, galleries and culture
Our museums tell the story of Borders people and provide a unique insight into our region’s heritage and culture, such as the turbulent past of the Border Reivers or the tragic tale of exiled Mary Queen of Scots.
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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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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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Dog sitting
Our experienced dog sitters will look after your furry friends whilst you are out exploring.
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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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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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Availability
- Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £25 per dog.
- Typical arrival day: Friday
- Arrival time: 4pm
- Departure time: 10am
""Running up the steps to the Roman lookout post on Hadrian’s Wall and back to build an appetite for breakfast""Sabina and Edward, owners of Walltown Farm Cottage
