Stargazing is rarely this indulgent. Occupying one of its two cleverly-conjoined shepherds’ huts, the bathroom at Wagtail impressively contains a freestanding copper tub. Just above, visible through a glass ceiling, is a certified Dark Sky area, part of the Northumberland National Park and completely free from light pollution.
Run a deep bubble bath, pour a glass of wine – there’s a handy timber shelf on which glasses might be placed – and you’re all set to commence gazing at the incredible spread of stars on show above. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear you might also witness the soft haze of the Milky Way or spot the odd shooting star.
That tub typifies Wagtail, both in the sense of its gently upscale nature and the rustic peace on offer to couples here. Wagtail is sited on the perimeter of Low Tipalt Farmstead and is carefully angled so as not to be overlooked.
Situated in such a gloriously remote part of Northumberland, disconnect from daily life at this romantic, rural base, adjacent to Hadrians wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wagtail Shepherd’s Hut is set on the perimeter of Low Tipalt Farmstead within its own private garden. Low Tipalt is a working 16th Century, 100- acre farm which is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. It comes as no surprise to learn that the owners are sustainability advocates and have taken great care ensure the hut’s eco credentials. To keep you warm and toasty in the cooler months, Wagtail has gas central heating and is insulated with 100ml of sheep’s wool, while the anti-allergenic pillows are filled with loose Sheep’s wool rather than synthetic foam. Having a sustainability focus, the farm champions rare native British breeds.
You enter up five steps to find an open-plan studio containing a kitchen, a dining table, a raised double bed with storage space beneath and a Smart TV. This small, open-plan space benefits from wonderful upland views and contains a fridge, a gas oven, two hobs and a sink — whose oak cover doubles as a chopping board or prep space — in the kitchen.
A light-filled glass corridor leads to that bathroom, which also contains a loo, a heated towel rail and two armchairs framing a large window overlooking more rolling fields, with a telescope provided for stargazing. Filled with board games, a chest here doubles as a coffee table.
Outside, beyond fragrant lavender plants, are bench seats and another table. Boasting a firepit/barbecue too, the enclosed garden area is situated at the huts’ far side and thus visible only to cows, horses or sheep in neighbouring paddocks.
The 4G reception is strong enough for Netflix-streaming on the Samsung Smart TV in the hut, ideal for cosy nights in. Wagtail is intended as somewhere to recharge; a retreat from daily, stressful life, sound-tracked by the occasional baa or moo. To further aid that process, the owners have fenced off a pathway providing guests with exclusive access to Tipalt Burn, without having to worry about disturbing any local livestock. Better still, a hamper and locally-recycled rug are provided so you can have riverside picnics. Look out for passing wildlife: deer, hares, curlews, oystercatchers or, yes, wagtails.
Whilst visiting you might explore the Hadrian’s Wall footpath, Pennine Way, Cycle Route 72 and the many Northumberland National Park hikes within a few minutes’ drive. For relaxing days out, it is less than an hour to the North Cumbrian Lakes and National Park, Kielder Water and Hexham. Additionally, there are good rail links a short drive away in Haltwhistle making Newcastle & Carlisle easily accessible.
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