Located at the end of a small road that takes you deep into the lush folds of Northumbrian countryside, on the bend of the Bowmont Water river, Housedon Haugh boasts a definitively rural setting. The house itself, a handsome farmhouse that has been sensitively restored quite literally stone by soft blonde stone, is a masterclass in modern rustic design, mixing select pieces of antique furniture and paintings with vibrant textiles and Scandi-inspired painted wooden window frames and furnishings. This combination of rural and contemporary, homely and sophisticated, results in a warm, light and supremely comfortable country retreat.
Accommodating up to eleven guests in six bedrooms, Housedon Haugh is a sizeable property. The main entrance door leads into a large boot room with flagstone floors and inky blue painted timber panelling – unpeel dirty clothes and wash off muddy paws in the adjoining utility room, which houses a washer and dryer. A dainty cloakroom with statement Manual Canovas wallpaper also leads off from this hallway.
Entering the large country-style kitchen, the hallway flagstones give way to warm timber floors and a soft palette of sage green, cream and grey blue. A rustic wooden island and dining table make this a delightful space in which to cook and relax – those indulging in the former will particularly appreciate the Rangemaster oven with five burner hob and separate pantry with a large Fisher & Paykel refrigerator.
An open plan living space and dining area leads off from the kitchen: flooded with light from five dual aspect windows and a half-glazed door leading out to the garden, this fantastic space is at once elegant and homely thanks to its blend of antique furnishings, gilt-framed paintings, roaring wood burner and pleasingly mismatched sofas.
We love the earthy red Farrow & Ball colour the owners have chosen to paint the timber staircase that leads from this space up to the first floor, where you’ll find four inviting bedrooms. These include a small single room; a double bedroom (with zip and link beds that can be configured as a twin) with an en-suite bathroom complete with rolltop bath and a corner shower; and a generous double room with en-suite shower room that leads directly into a further bedroom with a small sofa and TV.
The generous proportions of the original farmhouse are complemented by a sleek timber ground floor side extension, which houses two further bedrooms ideally suited to those seeking stair-free access. A master bedroom with a sliding patio door affords sweeping views across rolling countryside and features an en-suite bathroom with a rolltop bath while the second bedroom boasts a king size bed and adjacent bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outdoors, a large partially walled patio area offers ample space for outdoor dining and relaxation with hard-to-beat panoramic views of the Bowmont Valley and its mile upon mile of countryside to explore on foot or two wheels. Last but by no means least, a fire pit and bench placed on the banks of Bowmont Water offer the perfect spot for quiet countryside contemplation away from the bustle of the main house.
Housedon Haugh can be made available as a reduced occupancy option upon request.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking for a property with a similar style, The Byre at Reedsford sleeping 4, The Barn at Reedsford sleeping 2, The Dovecot at Reedsford sleeping 2, Barley Hill Cottage sleeping 4, The Smithy Crookham sleeping 2, Crookham Eastfield sleeping 10, Lookout North and Lookout South both sleeping 4 share the same owner.