Our best cottages with real fires: part 1
Published: Friday 28th Sep 2018
Part 1: Retreats sleeping five and under
Whether you are looking for an autumn or winter break, a Christmas getaway or somewhere to take the chill off a spring night, here are our recommendations of some of our best cottages with real fires or smokin’ hot log burners.
The Arch, Craster
An 18th century period cottage for four tucked behind the famed Craster kippers smokery. Its original features, including an open fire in a cast iron surround, have been retained, but are coupled with a coastal chic interior. Sink into the sofas at night after enjoying the walk to the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle along the coast.
The Lodge@Shirewater, Embleton
There’s a real old school flavour to The Lodge. It pays homage to Scottish artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh – you can see the art nouveau style in the fireplace – which gives its interior design a more traditional feel. But it is its ample acres of garden and woodland that would certainly not be out of place in a Jane Austen novel. A beautiful Retreat for two.
Tweedswood, Redpath, nr Melrose, Scottish Borders
The rolling Borders hills, chic towns and country-luxe aesthetic are the draw at this 200-year-old cottage near the Eildon Hills. Expect White Company bed linen, comfy Loaf sofas and relaxing afternoons under locally made Tweed throws by the log burner. Sleeps four – about an hour from Edinburgh by car or train.
Rosebud, Hetton Hall, nr Chatton
Rosebud is the kind of place where you can eat, drink and sleep and be perfectly content. In a peaceful location close to Northumberland National Park, it has some delectable views of the unique landscape and starry skies, which can be observed from the generous-sized lounge with contemporary log burner and exposed roof trusses. A Retreat for four where you can truly get away from it all.
The Forge, Tughall Steads
Small and perfectly formed, The Forge is ideal for single travellers or couples looking for a romantic break. A studio-style layout with a separate bathroom means that when the log burner is lit you can have the benefit of its warm glow whether you are cooking, eating, relaxing or sleeping.
The Old Ale House, Dunstan, Craster
Once an 18th century drinking house, now a popular Retreat for five with many original features, hand painted vintage furniture and contemporary flourishes. The grand inglenook fireplace in the lounge gives guests a real sense of this cottage’s history as well as being the toastiest place to put your feet up.
The Old Paper Mill, County Durham
On a picturesque woodland lane lies this delightful 250-year-old renovated stone mill for two. Old world charm with a modern twist, The Old Paper Mill cannot fail to force you into a slower pace of life where breakfasts drift into lunch and afternoon walks are rewarded with treats by the fire.
The Smithy, Tughall Steads
Step inside The Smithy and you’ll be immediately struck by its large log burner set in the original fireplace of this former farm worker’s cottage for five. The cast iron centerpiece draws you in, so much so that you’ll find yourselves looking for excuses not to leave the comfort of the sofa.
Smuggler’s Hide, Beadnell
In a cosy nook of Beadnell, known as Smuggler’s Cove, is the centrally located and aptly named Smuggler’s Hide. Recently renovated with bold colours and crisp white shutters and bed linens, it has still retained its charm as the kind of place where you can hide away beneath mountains of blankets and cushions, warming your feet by the log burner. Sleeps five.
Craster Waves, Craster
This wonderful sea view Retreat, overlooking the shoreline just metres away, is the perfect place to watch the drama of the waves from the floor to ceiling windows of the first floor living area while staying warm by the fire. Sleeps four.
