Whitesand Shiel
There are waterside homes, and then there’s Whitesand Shiel. Barely a salmon’s leap from the legendary River Tweed, this 18th-century fisherman’s shelter has been lovingly reimagined as a quirky couple’s retreat.
Used as a salmon-netting station until 1992, it lies just upstream from old Berwick’s bustling town centre and the spectacular Tweed estuary. As well as enchanting river views, Whitesand Shiel provides uninterrupted vistas of Robert Stephenson’s handsome Royal Border Bridge – a Grade I listed railway viaduct opened by Queen Victoria in 1850.
Downstairs, its open-plan living area is a winning blend of earthy colours and organic materials. Wooden floorboards, sumptuous leather sofas, cosy tweeds and solid oak furniture create an air of understated luxury which suits those memorable surroundings. The fully-equipped kitchen sits snugly in one corner, complete with cheery white fittings, and a log-burning stove in the stone fireplace stands ready for service on chillier days. A dining table is also found here, and two sofas face the small, Sky-equipped TV.
One floor up is the superb, glass-fronted sitting room, its slanted floor-to-ceiling windows offering a captivating view of the Tweed. Aided by free-to-use binoculars, this makes a fabulous spot to sit and watch the river and its many inhabitants – including salmon, otters, an extraordinary array of birdlife and even seals. Otherwise, laze on the corner sofa or large beanbag, enjoying a selection of books and games. To one side, the cosy adjacent bedroom features attractive exposed beams. You’ll find a bathroom below, complete with a walk-in rainfall shower.
The owner’s passion for the renovation project is reflected by charming details which reference Whitesand Shiel’s history. Former fish crates have been reborn as a wooden coffee table, while original fishing nets top the bed. Old oars are now coat hooks and an upturned fishing boat was ingeniously converted into sheltered outdoor seating. Continuing that nautical theme, the Royal Border Bridge is visible through a sitting-room porthole window.
That boat-turned-bench is part of a grassy garden with a pizza oven where you can eat al-fresco on sunny days — and use the provided telescope to stargaze at night. Look out for the house’s vintage weather vane, too.
Connecting to Edinburgh, York and London, Berwick’s station is a ten-minute walk away past the walled town’s castle remains. Just beyond are plenty of independent shops and galleries, plus a host of good restaurant options. Fourteen miles south, across Berwick’s other two great bridges, is Holy Island. The iconic Bamburgh Castle and namesake beach below aren’t much further on, with sandy shores at Cheswick or Eyemouth even closer. Explore inland, meanwhile, and you can visit ruined, romantic abbeys or Walter Scott locations amid the Scottish Borders or hike up beautiful, crowd-free Cheviot Hills.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Access into an open plan living area comprising:
Fully equipped kitchen with electric cooker with grill, oven and 4 ring ceramic hob, large fridge/freezer, small dishwasher, Bosch Tassimo coffee machine with initial complimentary capsules, plenty of utensils and good quality china and glasses. Dining space with seating for four.
Cosy seating area with two comfortable sofas, wood burner (initial supply of logs provided), small TV with Sky and DVD player, iPhone docking station.
Utility room with washing machine, Belfast sink, microwave and overhead pulley.
Shower room with walk-in shower with drench shower head, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Sitting room with floor to ceiling glass window offering superb views across the river to Berwick Bridge, corner sofa, large beanbag, selection of books and games, binoculars and small telescope.
Bedroom with 4’6” double bed, dressing table, chest of drawers, and armchair. Hanging space is provided by a door hook and hangers. Velux window with blackout blind.
OUTSIDE
Whitesand Shiel is set within a fully enclosed garden with an outside seating area and hedging offering privacy. A former wooden netting boat has been converted to provide a quirky bench. There is garden furniture, a barbecue, pizza oven and bench seating to the side and rear access to the property. A gate allows access onto the footpath with wider views across the estuary and walking access directly into Berwick upon Tweed. The garden is fully enclosed, however the immediate access road down to Whitesand Shiel is farmland with livestock and your dog will require supervision and kept on a lead while walking in this area.
There is a bike shed in the garden where bikes and outdoor kit can be securely stored.
There is ample private parking directly outside the cottage.
Location
At the most northerly tip of Northumberland lies Berwick-upon-Tweed. A walled town on the England-Scotland border with a turbulent past, it has been captured or sacked over a dozen times throughout history. Built to keep invading Scots from entering the town, a walk along these Elizabethan walls offers spectacular views across the River Tweed estuary and Berwick’s most famous landmark, The Royal Border Bridge. Fast trains between Edinburgh and London stop at Berwick-upon-Tweed, making it an ideal place for a coastal getaway without a car.
Artist L.S. Lowry was a huge fan of Berwick and there is a specially-curated Lowry Trail to explore, the town being home to a thriving arts and cultural scene. The area also has a rich food heritage and there is something to cater for all tastes and budgets, from fish and chips – best enjoyed on the promenade – to cosy pubs and cafés.
In addition to its fascinating history and Georgian architecture, the wider area boasts mile upon mile of fantastic beaches just made for lazy picnics and outdoor adventures. Spittal beach is popular with families, while the beautiful Cocklawburn, Goswick and Cheswick beaches all sit close by. The stunning sights at Bamburgh and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne are also both less than half an hour’s drive away.
Amenities
- Barbecue
- Dog friendlyOne well-behaved dog is welcome; a second dog is accepted with a £20 fee. Please note that dogs are not permitted upstairs or on the furniture. An outside tap is available.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided.
- HeatingHeating is provided by electric panel heaters and a wood burning stove.
- Linen & towels providedHypoallergenic duvet and pillows are provided.
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided with further logs available in the wood shed.
- Outside space
- Walking distance to a beach (under 1 mile)
- Walking distance to a pub (under 1 mile)
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
Babies and children are not permitted.
Access to Whitesand Shiel is via a concrete and gravel track which is usable by all vehicles other than in severe weather conditions. The access road is steep in parts and does involve exiting the vehicle to open the access gate into the field on the upper section, and then into the parking area of the garden area of the property on the lower section. This may prove difficult for guests with restricted mobility. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
Wi-Fi is not available. There is good mobile coverage with 4G on most networks.
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: 5pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Getting availability
On The Doorstep
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Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
