Northumberland National Park is terrific for hikers: there’s an abundance of do-able hills, plentiful waterfalls, wild goats to spot, intriguing valley hamlets, Iron Age hill forts and, perhaps best of all, hardly any people.
As far as bases go, The Oak takes some topping, too. Literally: it sits high up in the park’s far-flung valley of Upper Coquetdale, worlds away from cities, commuters or queues. Expect scintillating views down that valley, not least from the patio and an the enclosed garden beyond. The most memorable spot, however, is a six-foot copper Shaanti (a Sanskrit word for calmness) tub positioned — in perfect privacy — just outside your bathroom. You’ll surely never have had a soak this spectacular!
Numerous walks are available locally, including some that pass by through the Kidlandlee estate and others within a short drive. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels and kestrels when out striding, as well as those shy Cheviot goats.
Inside, beyond its attractive wood cladding, The Oak revolves around a stylish open-plan living space complete with an eye-catching pair of brown leather sofas and a slick log-burning stove. To one side, the kitchen has lots of high-quality amenities; opposite, large bi-fold doors admit floods of light and make the most of those spectacular views.
On the same floor is your bedroom. Ensuring a sound night’s kip, the king-sized bed in here is a modernist take on classic four-posters. The patio is directly accessible from another door, as is that al-fresco tub from the relaxing bathroom, which contains a rainfall shower for indoor washing.
The Oak is part of Kidlandee, a sprawling estate whose ethos is twofold. Firstly, it wants guests to be able to recharge, aided by the scenery, the abundant nature and the tranquil surrounds (and indeed by a spa treatment cabin elsewhere on site). Equally important is lowering its carbon footprint — this is done in numerous inspiring ways, from the intent usage of solar power to cushion covers made from recycled plastic bottles.
But Kidlandee has long been a remarkable place. Standing some 1,400ft above sea level, it once hosted England’s “highest mansion”: the Kidland shooting lodge, whose colourful owner Christopher John Leyland established his own lake and croquet lawn, both still in use today.
Your nearest village, Harbottle, has a shop, while it’s a dozen miles to Thropton’s highly-regarded Three Wheat Heads fine-dining inn and the riverside town of Rothbury, a little further on, has independent stores to rummage.
The Oak sits nearby to its sister property, The Elm - 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 Oak.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 ten other properties at Kidlandlee. There are four cabins in close proximity; The Maple (sleeping 4), The Willow (sleeping 4), The Elm (sleeping 2) and The Oak (sleeping 2). Nearby sits Chaffinch Cottage (sleeping 4) and adjoining Dipper Cottage (sleeping 6), then The School House (sleeping 4) and adjoining Tutor's Lodge (sleeping 4). Close to these are The Old Barn (sleeping 4) and adjoining Leyland Barn (sleeping 4), while The Hemmel (sleeping 2) sits on its own a little further away.
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