Grey Barns

Grey Barns ticks pretty much every box we can think of for large groups of family and friends: the spacious, freshly refurbished house boasts an enclosed garden that leads directly down to the beach, a convivial kitchen with adjoining dining area, a fire-warmed sitting room plus a light-filled morning room, and no fewer than nine bedrooms. It even has its own beach hut!

The large stone barn is set at the end of a road that leads from the picturesque village of Alnmouth (known as the Tobermory of Northumberland for its pretty painted houses, clustered along the River Aln estuary) to the beach and Alnmouth Golf Club. Entering the sprawling barn through the front door, you’ll find the kitchen to your left, complete with an Aga, double oven and panoply of appliances, which leads through an arched recess into the dining room, capable of seating 14 guests comfortably. A door leads from here to the elegant sitting room, which features an open fire, large bay window overlooking the garden and sea beyond it, and a door leading out to the terrace.

Entirely enclosed, the walled garden is secluded and safe for dogs and children to explore and further benefits from plenty of furniture for al fresco dining and relaxing. Pass through the gate at the end of the garden to follow a grassy, wildflower-flanked slope down to the beach, pausing before you kick off your shoes to hit the sand to pick up your beach toys from Grey Barns’ dedicated beach hut. Once you’re suitably equipped, step through a gate and you’ll find yourself looking at the six miles of pristine white sands that make up Alnmouth Bay.

Returning to Grey Barns itself, you’ll discover the light and spacious morning room in the centre of the house with its enormous L-shaped sofa and television. Kids invariably gravitate to this room, particularly as it's closest to the two bunk rooms and two single rooms. The four spacious double bedrooms (one of which features an additional single bed) and the bunk room with two sets of bunk beds are positioned at either end of the house, providing privacy for two families holidaying together.