Set in extensive private grounds, originally home to the Head Gardener of Twizell Estate, this three-bedroom house has been beautifully renovated to create an elegant escape that’s ideally positioned for exploring both coast and countryside. The house sits alongside the estate’s listed, private walled garden that dates to 1819 – indeed, the original 200-year-old vines that were planted at the garden’s inception are still growing here.
Twizell Estate has a fascinating history as it once belonged to the eminent botanist, ornithologist, and artist Prideaux John Selby. Fellow ornithologist and renowned artist John James Audubon visited Selby and painted many birds during his inspirational stay at Twizell, and several of Audubon’s distinctive artworks are showcased in Gardener’s Cottage. Filled with warmth and personality, many features of the newly-renovated interior reflect this rich heritage – not least the striking mural in the dining room that references both the wild trees of Northumberland and the arboretum that Selby planted on the estate.
On arrival, you’ll find parking in the rear courtyard with the entry leading to an inner hallway and onto the kitchen. Dove grey Shaker-style cabinets and marbled quartz worktops reflect the natural light streaming through the windows, while the range cooker is recessed into the chimney breast, creating a hardworking heart to this beautifully designed kitchen – the perfect spot to rustle up a delicious meal after a day spent exploring.
The dining room adjoins the kitchen and oozes sophisticated style with its intricately carved period fireplace, treescape mural, and dado-height wall panelling. The sitting room lies across the hallway and is another elegant space with plaster wall detailing showcasing the artworks, including two pieces by Audubon. The fireplace features a wood-burning stove, creating a cosy ambience, while plump sofas invite you to curl up with a book and simply enjoy the peace.
The ground-floor bedroom is a relaxing haven with a carved wooden and upholstered bed to sink into at the end of the day, while the neutral walls are offset by the flourish of botanical print in the curtains. The equally stylish en suite shower is lined with soothing green scallop tiles, while intricately detailed tiles add a subtle vintage touch to the basin and floor.
The staircase leads to the two bedrooms and shared bathroom on the first floor. Each bedroom has its own distinct character: one is light and airy with neutral walls, a French-style rattan bed, and a delicate chandelier exuding a sense of tranquillity, while the second echoes this in the furnishings, but with a moodier palette of warm greens with midnight blue and amber accents.
The bathroom is simply stunning. The freestanding copper tub is positioned by the window, so you can enjoy a long soak while taking in the leafy views. The large walk-in shower is lined with floral tiles and the green tones are reflected in the peppermint walls and the botanical-print curtains, creating a relaxing sense of the outside spilling indoors.
Gardener’s Cottage has an enclosed garden and dogs are welcome to stay here, while the wider grounds of woodland and parkland are literally on the doorstep, accessible by a network of public footpaths, where you may be lucky enough to spot red squirrels, deer and otters. Alternatively, the scenic coastline is just waiting to be explored, from Bamburgh’s famous beach to the sweeping beauty of Embleton Bay.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Gardener's Cottage sits in the same ownership as South Lodge, Twizell and may be suitable for larger parties who wish to holiday together. It should be noted that South Lodge sits on the other side of the A1 in the village of Warenford, and is approximately 1.8 miles from Gardener's Cottage by car, or is 0.8 miles on foot as the crow flies through the estate grounds and under the A1.
Getting availability
