There are hideaways, and then there’s The Elm: a hilltop hideaway located deep in the Northumberland National Park. Set in its extra-secluded valley of Upper Coquetdale, far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, The Elm is exactly what a holiday home should be: escapist.
It’s also very romantic, and very comfortable. You get fabulous views across Upper Coquetdale from every room, and particularly from the patio’s table and unusual wooden lounger chairs, plus an enclosed garden just beyond. The most memorable spot, however, is a six-foot copper Shaanti (a Sanskrit word meaning calmness) tub positioned — in perfect privacy — just outside your bathroom. Soaks don’t come any more spectacular, and especially not after dark below a star-studded night sky.
Inside, beyond its handsome timber cladding, The Elm reveals a stylish open-plan main living space complete with an eye-catching pair of brown leather sofas and a log-burning stove for cooler days. Big bi-fold glass doors admit floods of light and the kitchen has a bevy of high-quality amenities; integrated dishwasher, washing machine, and Le Creuset hob-top kettle.
On the same floor is your bedroom, ensuring a sound night’s kip in its luxury king-sized bed. The patio is directly accessible from another door here, while the relaxing bathroom also has a rainfall shower and a door that opens onto that outdoor copper tab for al fresco soaks.
All around is Kidlandee, a sprawling estate whose emphasis is firmly on guests getting to slow down and relax. Abundant nature, rural quiet and the great outdoors in general enable this, and the spa cabin helps too! Another focus is eco-friendliness — with everything from the intent usage of solar power to cushion covers made from recycled plastic bottles conspiring to reduce Kidlandee’s carbon footprint.
The estate has always been remarkable, however. Standing some 1,400ft above sea level, it once hosted England’s “highest mansion”: the Kidland shooting lodge, whose colourful owner Christopher John Leyland — a naval officer who gave his name to a hybrid conifer tree — established a croquet lawn, still in use today.
Heaps of walking and cycling routes are available, with some passing right by. The nearest village, Harbottle, has a shop, while it’s a dozen miles to Thropton’s highly-regarded Three Wheat Heads fine-dining inn and independent stores in the riverside town of Rothbury.
Lots of memorable extras enhance your stay: Penhaligon’s of London toiletries; underfloor heating throughout; and a complimentary hamper full of local goodies plus Berry Bros. & Rudd sparkling wine.
The Elm sits nearby to its sister property, The Oak - Another one-bedroom retreat. Slightly larger – sleeping 4 - and equally luxurious, The Maple and The Willow are in the same paddock, further up the hill. All four properties are cleverly positioned to ensure peace, privacy and pretty panoramics, yet are handily close-by for groups holidaying together, in separate holdings.
THE SPA CABIN
Take some time to fully relax and rejuvenate and book a treatment or package with a fully qualified Glo Pamper Therapist at The Spa Cabin or from the comfort of The Elm. The rustic cabin on the estate, heated with wind felled logs, is a warm and inviting space where guests can enjoy spa treatments. There are various treatments available, such as a holistic facial and head massage, soothing aromatherapy massage, a hot stone massage, a facial, reflexology or a manicure or pedicure to name a few. Further details will be sent to you before your arrival. Booking in advance is required, subject to availability. Please contact us for further information.
STARGAZING KITS
Experience a midnight picnic under the stars! As an optional extra, Stargazing kits are available to hire at this property. Take your basket down to the garden, set up your midnight picnic and have fun stargazing. Due to its rural location within a dark skies area, the property is ideally placed to experience the full magnificence of the night sky. Set up your telescope to look for galaxies and planets or see which constellations you can spot using the handy guide. The basket will include: A flask for two, Choc Affair hot chocolate, Choc Affair chocolate bar, Northumberland Bakery cookies, two hot water bottles, Stargazing for Beginners guide, 2023 Guide to the Night Sky, a practical guide to the key constellations, 10x50 Binoculars, travel telescope, large picnic rug, and two fleece blankets. Stargazing kits can be booked for use during your stay.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside seven other properties at Kidlandlee. Leyland Barn (sleeping 4), The Old Barn (sleeping 4), Tutor's Lodge (sleeping 4), The School House (sleeping 4) and Chaffinch Cottage (sleeping 4), which adjoins Dipper Cottage (sleeping 6), The Hemmel (sleeping 2), The Willow (sleeping 4), The Maple (sleeping 4), The Oak (sleeping 2).
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