Relish relaxing, spacious interiors which are wonderful to return to after days of sightseeing or seaside pursuits
Keen to explore Northumberland’s Heritage Coast? The Rushes is so well-placed that two headline attractions – mighty Bamburgh Castle and the Farne Islands – are within easy striking distance. Yet this convenience still comes with a big dose of rural tranquillity.
This is one of three conjoined former labourers’ cottages (along with the equally-sized Lyme Grass) set between pretty Bamburgh village and Seahouses, a lively harbour town. Just like its neighbours, The Rushes’ simple, unassuming façade makes its cheerful, natty interiors a surprise. You’ll find plenty of restful pastel hues, some stylish contemporary furniture, a clean-lined kitchen and, above all, an abundance of airy space.
The single-floor home includes a roomy lounge, with navy-blue sofas, patterned cushions and a wide fireplace whose log burner provides toasty warmth whenever necessary. High vaulted ceilings top the open-plan kitchen and dining space, a bright base for leisurely breakfasts.
Of the three properties, only The Rushes boasts an en suite master bedroom, rendering it especially romantic. There’s a tub in there, while the second chamber – able to be configured as a king-sized double or twin – abuts another bathroom containing a walk-in shower. Flower prints, pea-green walls and chunky chests of drawers decorate both.
Accessed via French windows from the lounge, that large garden looks seawards across farm fields where sheep often graze below haystacks. You can see Inner Farne’s white lighthouse, on the isle where St Cuthbert died, and a charcoal barbecue and outdoor furniture allow for memorable al-fresco dinners – or celebratory glasses of wine after days out.
In Bamburgh, excellent independent shops include a village butcher and The Pantry, a delicatessen able to prepare picnics or sandwiches for your day out. That might be to iconic Bamburgh Castle, set fair on a mighty basalt crag, or the namesake white-sand beach below it. It may be a visit to meet the Farne Islands’ puffins; boat tours sail from Seahouses. Or it could be an adventure to Lindisfarne, a little north, or kipper-producing Craster, slightly south.
For guests looking to holiday together, this cottage can be booked alongside Lyme Grass (sleeping 4).
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