Various elements of luxury elevate dog-friendly East Lodge above the norm – as does the superb location on the edge of the old village of Belford.
A limestone footpath leads from its red-roofed main building to a black, Scandinavian-style barrel sauna ready to use, or you can relax in another spa-like inclusion: a large, two-person, wood-fired hot tub, which can also be used unheated for a cold plunge in combination with the Sauna.
Lent privacy by stone walls and tall trees, the garden additionally comes with outdoor furniture, a patio and, oh yes, a large cabin containing a kitchen, a sofa and wall-mounted TV – ripe for sports fans or film screenings for restless children.
The main house is a single-floor home centred on its open-plan living space with vaulted ceilings. At one end is the sitting room area, anchored on a velvety, dark green sofa; behind is the kitchen with island-counter seating, and then a four-person dining table looking out to the garden.
Each bedroom is distinctive. Very romantic, the king-sized master suite sits below old, high rafters; next to an original, handsome red-brick wall is a freestanding, bath tub with the adjacent log burner providing extra warmth. Contemporary furniture and a stylish marble en-suite bathroom round out a memorable space.
The second bedroom has a pair of three-foot bunks as well as a pull-out truckle bed which is ideal for children. There’s also a family bathroom featuring a large walk in shower, and attractive pink cabinets.
You’re within ambling distance of Belford’s village pubs, and a nice country walk from Spindlestone Ducket Mill, a photogenic 18th-century cylindrical stone tower. But your priority might be on exploring wider Northumberland…
Budle Bay’s bird-rich mudflats are just three miles away. Very close too are wide sandy beaches, Bamburgh, with its iconic Norman castle, and Holy Island, while the nearby A1 makes it a cinch to explore north or south. Boat trips observe more wildlife in the Farne Islands, departing from Seahouses. Berwick-upon-Tweed bursts with shops and galleries. Craster serves royal-approved kippers. And Alnwick has another castle you might recognise from numerous movies.
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