Retreat 31484 – Hexham, North of England

This former shepherd s cottage dating back two hundred years retains an abundance of original character and has been extended to offer comfortable holiday accommodation with stunning views of Kielder Water and Forest Park. There is extensive outdoor space and beautiful walks from the doorstep. There is a pub/restaurant 1 mile away and another pub serving food and a great cafe both in Falstone (1.5 miles). Enjoy birdsong and spotting local wildlife on the walking and cycling trails.

This is official dark skies territory so star gazing is great in this region and a trip to the observatory is a must. Adventurists can sail canoe and water-ski during the season and bike hire is available too. Visit Bellingham village for shops pubs and restaurants (9.5 miles). Step through the front door into the hallway where you can store your outdoor clothing and boots. Head through to the lounge with its stone fireplace and feature walls and plenty of comfortable seating.

Enjoy wonderful views of both the front garden and the water scenes through the French doors. While you are likely to spend most of your time enjoying the outdoor features there is also a warming wood burner in the lounge adding to the cosy charm of spending an evening indoors with TV DVDs and a range of books for your entertainment. The kitchen/dining room has everything you need to prepare your meals and picnics including an electric oven and hob microwave fridge/freezer a wine cooler and a washing machine.

At mealtimes you can sit together at the large dining table with views of the front garden. There is a wood burner set in the inglenook fireplace and a sofa where you can relax with a drink whilst chatting to the family cook. The ground floor accommodation is completed by the family bathroom with a bath a separate shower and WC.

After a day of exploring head upstairs to find the two delightfully presented bedrooms for a good night s sleep; a super-king-size and a king-size both with views of Kielder Water and plenty of storage space for your things. Outside there is a two-tier decking area to the rear where you can spend some time relaxing weary legs lounging in the hot tub or sitting on the comfortable garden furniture with a drink admiring the views and magnificent dark skies. Dine alfresco with the water as a backdrop.

To the side there is a charming summer house with sofas and throws positioned so you have a tranquil view of the lake at any time of the year and listen to the birdsong. Parking is off-road for two cars.