Williamston Barn
Set amidst 1,000-acres of privately owned farm and moorland in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Williamston Barn offers a window onto the life of a working hill farm in this ruggedly beautiful part of England.
The sprawling Williamston Estate, which encompasses pasture for grazing sheep on the banks of the South Tyne, ancient woodland, and the heather-clad Williamston Moor, is managed by Neville and Viv Gill, the 11th generation of the Gill family to farm the land. The Gills have not only spearheaded a focus on conservation and sustainability across the estate but also converted two ancient farm buildings, Williamston Barn and Williamston Cowshed, into welcoming holiday cottages.
Tucked into a secluded spot at the foot of Williamston Moor and close to the South Tyne river, the adjoining stone cottages are known collectively as the Williamston Barns and can be booked independently or together for larger groups. Reached by a tree-lined country lane that crosses over the river just south of the village of Slaggyford, they offer blissfully uninterrupted views and a pastoral soundtrack of birdsong and other wildlife.
Dating to 1836, the Barns have been used over the centuries as granary and hay stores and for overwintering and milking cows. The Gills restored and converted the ancient buildings with the utmost sensitivity and attention to detail, blending the original stone walls and arrowslit windows of Williamston Barn with a striking double-height arched timber front door, contemporary cedar-panelled rear extension and charcoal steel frame windows.
The play on ancient and contemporary continues throughout the spacious four-bedroom property: exposed stone walls are punctured by a modern wood burning stove in the country-style kitchen and juxtaposed with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows in the first floor sitting room, which is accessed by a floating oak staircase rising from the hallway.
Designed with convivial living in mind, the kitchen leads through to a light-filled dining room that seats up to 14 guests comfortably and boasts sweeping countryside views through large sliding doors that lead onto a south-facing terrace for al fresco entertaining. The flagstone patio gives way to an enclosed lawn garden that, in turn, leads across pastures to the South Tyne river.
Oak floors, warmed by underfloor heating powered by a biomass woodchip boiler, feature throughout the property, complementing the organic colour scheme that echoes the stone walls. Further sustainable touches include the provision of seasoned wood from the farm for the log burners in the kitchen and sitting room, filtered water sourced directly from a spring on the estate and green electricity generated from the estate’s wind turbine. Honey, freshly harvested from beehives on the farm, is set to be the next exciting addition to the generous welcome hamper of local goodies guests will discover awaiting them here at Williamston Barn.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, Williamston Barn & Cowshed can be booked as one unit sleeping 14 guests.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
A large entrance hallway opens up to an open plan living space comprising a fully equipped kitchen with Rangemaster double oven cooker with induction hobs, microwave oven, toaster, electric kettle, large dishwasher, integrated fridge and freezer. A coffee Inissia Nespresso machine is also available, guests are welcome to bring their own capsules. There is a separate built-in storage area with washing machine and dryer. Technology includes Samsung Smart TV with Freeview, sound bar and sub woofer and DVD / Blu-ray player.
Dining room seats up to 14, with large sliding doors leading out to the terrace and garden. Adjacent wood burning stove with initial supply of logs provided.
Bedroom one with fixed super king bed, fitted wardrobe.
En-suite with roll top bath with shower attachment, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required. Hanging wardrobe, chest of drawers, side tables.
En-suite with shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
First floor sitting room with plenty of seating space to relax and enjoy the stunning views looking south down the valley from the large floor to ceiling feature window. Wood burning stove with initial supply of logs provided.
Bedroom three with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twins as required.
En-suite with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom four with fixed super king bed, beamed ceiling.
En-suite with rainforest head shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
All en-suites with glass windows have linen screens fitted for privacy.
OUTSIDE
The property benefits from a private south-facing garden with terrace patio, outside seating area and charcoal barbecue. Guests are welcome to explore the wider grounds of the farm and the estate.
There is a drying area for wet gear - separate to accommodation.
There is ample parking available.
Floorplans
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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 armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- Bath
- CotTwo travel cots are available on request. Travel cot bedding is not supplied.
- Dog friendlyTwo well-behaved dogs are welcome (£35 fee per dog). Regrettably, puppies are not permitted. Dogs must be kept out of the bedrooms and are not permitted on the furniture. There is an outdoor kennel and tap available for cleaning dogs prior to entering the property.
- EV chargingRefer to Important Information for further details.
- Enclosed garden
- HairdryerA hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
- HeatingThe property benefits from underfloor heating throughout which can be independently controlled in each room to suit. There is a wood burning stove in the sitting room area upstairs and one on the ground floor adjacent to the dining room.
- Highchair
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided.
- Outside space
- Wi-FiBT Infinity Wi-Fi is available which benefits from speeds of around 30mbs. Mobile reception can be variable depending on the network - O2 is known to be good and EE is poor. Wi-Fi calling is recommended for guests who experience a poor phone reception.
All Amenities
Dog Friendly
Important Information
For guests bringing dogs, it is important that you refer to the dog policy of the property prior to booking.
There is an external EV charging point at the property. For guests bringing electric vehicles and wish to charge their car, fees will apply and should be agreed and paid directly to the owner. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Arrival time: 3.30pm
Departure time: 9.30am
Accessibility
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Inspired by the wealth of brilliant activities on offer in the North of England and the South of Scotland, we offer an exciting collection of experiences for you to enjoy while holidaying with us. From snorkelling with seals around the Farne Islands to barefoot pilgrimages to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, each experience has been drawn from our in-depth local knowledge and is exclusive to C&C guests.
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With numerous additions to make your stay extra special, from doorstep deliveries of regional hampers and fine wines to daily housekeeping, the arrangement of dog sitters, and the organisation of chefs for special occasions, we have all the finest contacts to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable.
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