Set some 1,400ft above sea level in the rugged hills of the Upper Coquet valley, deep in the Northumberland National Park, the Kidlandlee estate delivers a genuinely off-grid escape. Accessed by way of an undulating three-mile-long Forestry Commission track (leave the low-slung sports car at home), the estate was, in its heyday, home to the highest ‘mansion’ in England. The vast and opulent Kidland shooting lodge was built in the 1890s for the wealthy Christopher J Leyland of Haggerston Castle (yes, the man behind the infamous Leylandii tree), together with a man-made lake, croquet lawn and number of outbuildings.
While the mansion was demolished in 1956, the splendour of Kidland’s remote setting, high-altitude croquet lawn and many of the outbuildings remain today. Thanks to the current owners of the 36-acre Kidlandlee estate, many of these outbuildings have been sensitively restored, amongst them the School House and adjoining Tutor’s House. Originally part of the estate’s farmhouse, it is believed that the school tutor lived in a room on this side of the building.
Today, the original stone house, which contains an AGA-warmed country kitchen and cosy dining and sitting room with a spectacular stone fireplace, is countered by a strikingly contemporary side extension encased entirely in slate. Here in the extension, you’ll find two large, light-filled modern bedrooms and a sleek bathroom with a bath and separate walk-in shower. The result is a remarkable home of two entirely different yet complementary halves that reflects both the history of the original building and the exciting future of the estate.
As with other properties on the estate, the Tutor’s Lodge is decorated throughout with organic materials and in soft, natural colours – soft creams, earthy browns and deep blues – to echo its rugged environment and the owners’ commitment to protecting it. Indeed, sustaining Kidlandlee’s local environment and wildlife habitats is central to the owners’ philosophy – the estate uses exclusively wind and solar energy and its water comes from boreholes, which is filtered on site, using a biowaste filtration system to clean and purify wastewater
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 Tutor's Lodge. 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, Annual Guide to the Night Skies, 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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