Williamston Barn & Cowshed
The Williamston Estate encompasses over 1,000 acres of hill farm, moorland and woodland within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The estate is managed by Neville and Viv Gill, the 11th generation of the family to have farmed here, who have converted two of the farm’s ancient stone buildings into sophisticated holiday cottages, inviting guests to share their passion for the wild landscape that surrounds them.
Dating to 1863, the adjoining Williamston Barns – Williamston Barn and Williamston Cowshed – are set below the dramatic Williamston Moor and close to the South Tyne river, and are a scenic 10-minute drive from the picturesque town of Alston. When taken together, the Williamston Barns provide a spacious and convivial retreat for up to 14 guests with seven ensuite bedrooms, two kitchens, a large dining room and a first floor sitting room in Williamston Barn with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding countryside. A number of cosy snugs provide further space to relax and for curling up with a book.
Both properties benefit from a sophisticated blend of original features and contemporary design with exposed stone walls, ceiling trusses and beams and arrowslit windows rubbing shoulders with a cantilevered oak staircase, soaring double-height glass and timber front door and walk-in rainforest showers.
As long-standing champions of conservation and sustainability, the Gills have ensured that the Williamston Barns are powered by a wind turbine installed on the estate and warmed with underfloor heating powered by biomass chip boilers and wood burners fed with seasoned wood from the estate. Freshly filtered water is sourced from a spring on the grounds and there are plans to introduce bee hives to harvest their own heather honey.
Days at Williamston Barns are spent exploring the lush riverside pastures, shaded woodland or rugged moorland with the help of dedicated walking and cycling trails created by the Gills. Home to a notable population of ‘red-listed’ birds, including curlews, lapwing, oystercatchers, black grouse and barn owls, the estate is a magical spot for watching and listening to birds as well as seeing red squirrels and roe deer.
Walk to the top of Williamston moor and pause for a picnic at the old shepherd’s hut or press on for a slap-up lunch at the Kirkstyle Inn in nearby Slaggyford. Alternatively, head slightly further afield to walk along Hadrian’s Wall, stroll around the charming village of Alston or hop aboard the South Tyne Railway.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For smaller groups, The Barn & The Cowshed can be let as two separate units - Williamston Barn sleeping 8 and Williamston Cowshed sleeping 6.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Williamston Barn & Cowshed are two separate units which are separated by an interconnecting door. Let as a full unit for 14 guests, the accommodation comprises:-
Two fully equipped kitchens, each 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 are washing and drying facilities available in a separate area of the property. Technology includes Samsung Smart TV with Freeview, sound bar and sub woofer and DVD / Blu-ray player.
One formal dining area seating up to 14, with large sliding doors leading out to the terrace and garden. A separate dining area in the second kitchen can accommodate 8 guests.
Ground floor sitting room with wood burning stove, large sofa and additional seating.
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.
Bedroom three with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required. Beamed ceiling, side tables, chest of drawers, double wardrobe. Glazed door leads to a cobbled courtyard.
En-suite with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with zip and link beds which can be adapted to twin or super king as required. Chest of drawers, hanging wardrobe. Glazed door to cobbled courtyard.
Large en-suite shower allowing disabled access, heated towel rail, double basin, and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
First floor sitting room with wood burning stove and plenty of seating space to relax and enjoy the views.
Bedroom five with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required.
En-suite with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom six with fixed super king bed, beamed ceiling.
En-suite with rainforest head shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom seven with fixed super king bed, side tables, hanging space. Private seating area, Velux windows.
En-suite with 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 also a cobbled courtyard to the side of the property including exterior furniture for use by guests.
There is a drying area for wet gear - separate to accommodation.
There is ample parking available.
Location
Williamston is perfectly located to enjoy a hearty, Northumberland-inspired meal and drink at the nearby Kirksyle Inn which serves a wonderful range of classic dishes with a modern twist. Please do check their opening times, including any seasonal dates in advance. Booking is recommended.
The pretty market town of Alston lies 5 miles from the property, noted for its cobbled streets and 17th-century buildings as well as The Pennine Way, the UK’s first national walking trail which passes nearby. Having featured in a number of period dramas for TV and film, the village is a popular tourism spot and offers a small selection of village shops for essential provisions.
You will find delicious local deli foods and Northumbrian and Cumbrian cheeses from Alston Wholefoods or there is a small Co-op supermarket and Spar shop for day-to-day essentials.
The nearby narrow-gauge South Tynedale Railway provides a fun day out with passenger trains operating between April and October as well as special Santa trains operating on certain dates in December!
Amenities
- Allows babies in armsUp to 12 months.
- Allows children1 - 16 years.
- Barbecue
- 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 are three wood burning stoves - two on the ground floor and one on the first floor.
- HighchairTwo highchairs are available on request.
- Linen & towels provided
- Open fire/ Woodburning stoveInitial supply of logs provided.
- Outdoor dog kennel
- 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
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: 3.30pmDeparture time: 9.30am
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