The Old Barn
Price from £700
Amazing big sky views and spectacular scenery
Beautifully remote, Kidlandlee is a place where you can find your inner escape from it all, where the magical light of breaking dawn will give way to evenings of star gazing under the dark night sky of the Northumberland National Park.
With a beguiling history dating right back to the 12th Century, it is best known for once having the highest shooting lodge in England, positioned nearly 1400ft above sea level.
While the shooting lodge has long since been lost, its original hope holds true, offering guests amazing big sky views and spectacular scenery with some indulgent accommodation too!
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Here, we have two stylish conversions – Leyland Barn and the Old Barn – each painstakingly re-built using stone salvaged from the original site. Underfloor heating throughout warms the Jerusalem stone tiles all year round while a well-stocked wood burner awaits you for those cosy evenings in.
The Old Barn, with its open plan living, faces towards the valley and is designed to take advantage of the views across the hills. The perfect spot to start your adventure in the great outdoors. Walkers and cyclists particularly only have to step out the door to never-ending trails just waiting to be discovered, before coming home to the warmth of a real fire.
Wake up to breath taking sunrises and relax at night watching the moon amble across the hills as the stars light this award winning ‘Dark Skies’ National Park.
There are two bedrooms one twin which can be made into a king size bed and the master bedroom housing a king size bed too. The bathroom has a bath with overhead shower and luxury bath products from Penhaligon’s of London for you to indulge in. A luxury Hospitality basket full of local goodies, fresh flowers and a bottle of Berry Bros & Rudd English Sparkling wine greats you on arrival along with bread, milk, eggs and butter popped away in the kitchen.
The ethos here is sustainable living with fires stocked from the nearby forests, sustainable solar and wind power and the freshest water from its own bore hole which means you can experience a true off-grid experience but with every home comfort too.
Sitting room
Two-seater sofa, two armchairs, flat screen TV with Freeview, DVD player, dining space with seating for six. Wood burning stove.
Kitchen
Kitchen with granite work surfaces, gas hob, oven, large fridge/freezer, microwave, washing machine. Please note there is no dishwasher since the off-grid power supply is unable to support both a dishwasher and washing machine.
Bedroom one
Bedroom one with fixed four poster king bed, side tables, armchair, feature window, wardrobe with hanging and drawer space.
Bedroom two
Zip and Link twin beds that can be made into a king size bed, on request, small wardrobe.
Family bathroom
Family bathroom with bath with shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Heating
LPG gas central heating throughout the property. Woodburning stove in the sitting room. Wind felled logs are provided and can be topped up from the log store.
Welcome Pack
With the help of Tully’s of Rothbury a gift bag of locally sourced products awaits you along with a bottle of Berry Bros & Rudd English sparkling wine. A vegan option is available.
Dogs
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their humans at a cost of £20 per dog per stay. As they are on holiday too they will also receive a little hospitality gift bag. They are allowed on the sofas as long as you bring your own throws so they are able to do so, we do not provide these. They are allowed to sleep in their beds in the bedrooms but not in or on human beds, these are just for you. 🙂
Guest Amenities
High quality bed linen and towels are provided for guests along with guest toiletries. A hairdryer is provided.
Gardens & Grounds
There is a garden to the front of the property with outside furniture, enclosed with a five bar fence. A barbecue can be made available in the spring and summer months on request.
Star Gazing Kits
Stargazing kits are available to hire at this property. 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, 2023 Guide to the Night Sky, a practical guide to the key constellations, 10×50 Binoculars, travel telescope, large picnic rug, and two fleece blankets.
Holistic Healing Cabin
We have teamed up with Glo who have created Rest and Unwind and Glo Platinum treatments that we think you will love in our dedicated treatment room right here on site. A rustic, wooden cabin heated using wind felled logs to create a warm and inviting space in keeping with our ‘Green’ ethos.
Babies & Children
A travel cot and highchair are available on request but please note that we do not supply mattresses or cot bedding.
Accessibility Statement
The Accessibility Statement for The Old Barn can be viewed on request.
Wi-fi and mobile coverage
We now have fibre broadband in each cottage and you will also find a good 4G signal with most mobile providers.
Off-grid
Our cottages are powered by solar trackers and wind turbines, water is pumped from two boreholes and filtered on-site, and two biowaste systems naturally treat and dispose of your wastewater.
Wind-felled logs from the land are used for our log stores and everything we do is as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible. It is a different way of life which I am sure you will enjoy experiencing.
No Smoking or Candles
The property is strictly non-smoking and due to new fire regulations candles are no longer permitted in the cottages.
Parking
There is a parking area at the rear of The Old Barn.
Electric Car Charging
We are very limited as to how many car chargers we can have at present as we are off-grid and are powered by wind and solar. The Oak, The Maple and The Hemmel have their own chargers but all other cottages currently do not.
Our villages of Alwinton and Harbottle now have charging points outside the local inns and the food is great, so charging in the evenings couldn’t be nicer. 🙂
Due to insurance and safety plugging your car into domestic plug sockets at the cottages is not permitted.
Access – Important
While the cottage is situated in a fabulous, secluded position, it is important to note that this is accessed by a three-mile-long Forestry Commission track which comprises loose gravel and cattle grids. This is steep in places and care should be taken, especially during the winter months, as any adverse weather can leave the track rutted. Please drive slowly paying particular attention to the road surface. Sports cars and low-suspension vehicles should be avoided. Please be advised that during the winter months of November through to March we recommend winter tyers and 4×4 vehicles. You will be climbing to 1400 feet above sea level and the extra grip is recommended. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Local amenities
A drive of 4 miles will take you into Harbottle where you will find our little local pub The Star Inn. The little village shop at the back can provide you with essentials and whilst there it is worth checking out their amazing menu! Takeaways are just the ticket if you don’t feel like cooking.
Thropton (12 miles) has two pubs including the highly regarded Three Wheat Heads, a traditional 300-year-old coaching inn which has a cosy lounge bar and fine dining restaurant serving a varied and interesting menu using fine local produce from the Coquet Valley. The village also has a Shell Spa and petrol station.
The charming village of Rothbury (14 miles) has a super selection of independent shops, galleries, pubs and cafes as well as a deli, bakery and butcher’s shop. It is worth taking a stroll along the river bank too whilst you are there as it is quite picturesque.