Built just after World War I, this retro wagon spent the 1940s transporting circus performers between riotous fairs. These days, it leads a much quieter life. After transporting the vehicle from Land’s End in Cornwall — about as long a journey as is possible in England — owners Charles and Dee have lovingly renovated their find into the loveliest of small homes.
It joins three stone cottages and a hayloft as accommodation options around 38-acre Southlands Farm, an idyllic smallholding in the village of Gunnerton in central, deepest Northumberland. Expect tranquility by the trough-load. Especially amid your pretty paved garden: from here, you can gaze across open fields as birds swoop around, farm animals whinny or moo and, after dark, the county’s famously star-filled dark skies put on a spectacular show undimmed by light pollution.
Though bijou, this isn’t a holiday let lacking for luxuries. The amenities include crisp linen sheets, a welcome basket of local treats, a cosy wood-burning stove, a small Smart TV, Bluetooth speaker and complimentary Wi-fi.
Between the bedrooms at either end – one a comfy double, the other actually a snug whose daybed can convert into a single or a twin – is a small but complete kitchen enlivened whenever light shines in through its etched-glass ceiling windows. The bathroom sits in its own separate shepherd's hut which is immediately adjacent, meaning a few steps outside are required (bathrobes are provided), and contains an incinerating loo, a characterful Victorian basin and spacious shower.
Both owners’ creative flair is evident in the interiors. Dee painted every colourful landscape; Charles impressively hand-crafted that sunny kitchen. Look out as well for some enchanting original features, including a Samuel Withers & Co safe cleverly reinvented as a bedside table and those etched-glass windows amid the curving ‘Mollycroft’ roof.
Determinedly eco-friendly, down to using renewable energy and tree-planting, the surrounding farm pairs pastures with more gardens, a lily pond and an ornamental vegetable patch. Selling home-reared meats, its shop is only open on Saturdays for passersby – but wagon renters can pop by at any time to make a purchase.
Dee and Charles can not only arrange horse-riding (using stables on site), salmon fly-fishing in the Tyne and clay-pigeon shooting, but sporadically host painting, food or floristry courses. The Northumberland National Park begins just three miles east, with hikes to Hareshaw Linn’s mossy, tree-flanked waterfall recommended, while Chipchase Castle’s Victorian garden and classic Pele Tower are within walking distance. Only a little south is the ruined Temple of Mithras on Hadrian’s Wall.
Alternatively, just roam about: enjoying the gentle countryside pace, and generally doing as much or as little as desired. The hubbub of normal life will become a distant memory…
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together The Showman's Wagon can be booked alongside East Cottage and West Cottage, both sleeping 4 in addition to The Hay Loft and Middle Cottage, both sleeping 2. The cottages all sit in a shared front courtyard, while The Showman's Wagon sits at the bottom of the lane within the paddock area.
Getting availability
