Friars Farm Cottage

Set in a quiet stretch of Bamburgh, Friars Farm Cottage is brilliantly located — it’s just a five-minute stroll from the picturesque high street and the impressive castle, but it’s also far enough removed from the hustle and bustle.

Drawing inspiration from the coastal landscape, the bright interiors of this modern cottage for six have been styled using chalky whites, marine-inspired artwork, rattan furniture and coral-patterned accents.

There’s a wonderfully warm sitting room full of deep leather sofas for curling up on after a brisk walk along the expansive sands of Bamburgh Beach as well as a large conservatory with sliding doors leading straight out into the garden. A suntrap on fair days – and a cosy place to storm-watch on inclement ones – the conservatory is fitted with sofas at one end and a dining table at the other making it the ideal place to gather and enjoy a cup of tea, a glass of wine or a competitive game of cards.

Outside, the spacious decked area overlooks a separate south-facing patio where you can dine al fresco under the stars or soak up a few rays on sun-loungers in front of the pretty green summerhouse. Hugged by high walls edged by tropical plants, the garden is sheltered and fully enclosed for the three dogs that you can bring on holiday with you.

Back inside, the sleek shaker-style kitchen is well kitted out with a Smeg double electric oven and smooth black granite work surfaces. Green metro tiles add a lovely pop of colour, while bright prints depict the famous Craster Kipper – a local delicacy which can be picked up in local shops and delis.

Two of the bedrooms can be found on the ground floor. One is a twin – ideal for children or friends – while the second is king size. Both share access to the biggest bathroom with a bath and separate shower. Upstairs in the eaves, is the master bedroom, which benefits not only from an en-suite bathroom complete with a luxurious free-standing roll-top bathtub and a large walk-in shower, but also from sublime views of the Northumberland coast.

With spectacular beaches to explore on the doorstep, spend your days walking the long beaches (dogs are allowed on the sands all year), surfing and swimming or playing golf on the castle-crowned links. There are also plenty of quaint tea rooms, pubs and the highly-commended Potted Lobster restaurant for the gastronomically-minded. A little further afield is Alnwick Castle and Gardens, including latest addition Lilidorei, which is sure to delight any children. Alternatively, head north up the coastline and mystical Holy Island can be reached in twenty minutes, while Berwick upon Tweed’s galleries, or the Cheviot Hills are squarely in day-trip range.