Harbour Master's House

Craster & Embleton Area, Northumberland Coastal

  • 4 Star Gold
  • The glass fronted balcony offers breath-taking views of the harbour 

You can book this property from:

  • £991 per week
  • £142 per night
  • 4 Star Gold

Features

Nearby activities

  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Fishing
  • Golf

Special Features

  • WiFi
  • Open fire or woodburner
  • Welcome pack
  • Harbour views
  • Sea or coastal views

Beds & bedrooms

  • Bed linen provided
  • 1 king/super-king bed
  • 1 double bed
  • 2 single beds

Kitchen

  • Washing machine
  • Tumble dryer
  • Dishwasher
  • Freezer

Bathrooms

  • 2 WCs
  • Towels provided
  • En-suite bathroom
  • Bath
  • Shower

Families

  • Travel cot
  • Highchair

Outdoors

  • Balcony
  • Private parking

Accessibility

  • Ground floor WC
  • Ground floor bedroom
  • Ground floor bath/shower room

Important - please note

House Rules

  • Check in: 16:00
  • Check out: 10:00

Read the full Access Statement for this property.

Access Statement

Coastal Retreats want to make everyone’s stay as enjoyable as possible and are committed to providing suitable access for all our guests, whatever their individual needs. We aim to accurately describe our facilities and services to give you the confidence to book the right property for you. There is a full description together with photos and a video tour of the property on our website www.coastalretreats.co.uk.

ACCESS STATEMENT FOR HARBOUR MASTER'S HOUSE

At a Glance

• This is a two-storey property.
• It sleeps six and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
• Two bedrooms on the ground floor and one bedroom on the first floor.
• The kitchen, dining and living space has level access and stairs to the first floor.
• There is a parking space for one car outside the cottage.
• The front entrance has sloping and stepped access. The outdoor space has stepped access.
• Externally there is a rear garden with stepped access.
• Dogs are not permitted in the property.
• No smoking or vaping is permitted in the house.

Pre-Arrival

• The property is best reached by car. It is situated in Craster Village and there is a driveway to the front of the cottage and a parking space in front of the house. The front door is accessed via the driveway with a key safe by the door which is 111cm from ground level.
• Public transport: the property can be reached by rail; the nearest mainline railway station is eight miles away. See: https://www.coastalretreats.co.uk/activities/how-to-get-here/
• Taxis are available from the station. A list of taxis companies can also be found via our website link above.
• Information about local bus services can be found on the Northumberland coast bus service website: http://www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org/getting-around/
• Our local food partner, Food Heaven (www.foodheaven.co.uk), can deliver and unpack groceries prior to your arrival. Items can be ordered up to 48 hours before your stay. Other supermarkets deliver to the area. Alnwick (18 miles away) has large supermarkets, small independent shops, garages and all the local amenities.
• Our brochure is printed in standard font size with pictorial representations of the main features. Our aim with the design of the website is to make it as easy to use and understand as possible. We want visitors with disabilities to be able to gain the same benefit from using our website as those who are able-bodied.
• Mobile phone reception may be poor within this area and we cannot guarantee a full signal.
• There is WiFi and a landline phone but the functioning of these cannot be fully guaranteed and any external fault is beyond our control.
• The nearest NHS walk-in centre is in Ashington, which is 30 miles away, and the nearest A&E unit is in Cramlington, which is 37 miles away. The nearest doctor’s surgery is seven miles away in Alnwick. Further information is in the cottage welcome folder.

Access to the Property

The car parking is approximately 20 metres from the entrance and the front door is accessed via a gravel driveway. There are no handrails or ramps on the approach to the building. The driveway is six metres wide and provides a sloping access.

Entrance to Property

• From the car, the front door is accessed via a gravel driveway. There are no handrails or ramps on the approach to the property.
• The door is side hung and manual, and the width is 75 cm with three steps of 20cm, 12cm and 18cm into the house.
• Once inside the surface is tiled and the area is fully lit by ceiling spotlights.

Any other comments and relevant information: Access is restricted to 53cm inside the front doorway.

Halls, Stairs, Landings, Passageways

• The entrance into the kitchen area is lit by ceiling spot lights and the floor is covered by tiles.
• The 13 stairs to the first floor are accessed from the living room. They are carpeted and brown stripe in colour. The walls have been decorated in a dark cream colour.
• The width of the inside passageway is 70cm.

Sitting Room/Lounge

• The living room is accessed from the kitchen with an opening of 90cm and is furnished with 1 x 3 and 1 x 2 seater sofas.
• It is all on one level with no steps and the floor is covered in wood with a large natural fibre mat.
• The walls have been decorated a cream colour.
• There is a coffee table located in the centre of the room and one lamp table.
• There is an open fire and radiators to heat the room.
• The room is compact with sufficient space to move around.
• There is a digital TV which has full digital access/subtitles, the TV rests on a cupboard.
• Lighting is natural daylight with a mix of ceiling spot lights and table/floor lamps.

Dining Area

• The dining area is situated in the kitchen with level access.
• The dining room floor is tiled which is a dark grey colour and the walls have been decorated in a dark cream colour.
• Seating around the table is for six people, with upright chairs without arms and a bench seat. A wheelchair can easily be pulled up to the table if needed.
• The dining table has legs on each corner, which are 64cm from the floor to the lowest point of the tabletop (under space) and is 79cm high. Lighting is natural daylight with ceiling spotlights.

Any other comments and relevant information: Open plan kitchen dining area.

Kitchen

• The door openings to the kitchen are from the living room and the opening width is 90cm.
• The kitchen has level access with a tiled floor.
• The kitchen is fully equipped with a cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washer dryer.
• The door of the oven drops down and the handles are 82cm high and 47cm above the floor. The hob is 89cm above the floor.
• The worktop and sink are 92cm above the floor. The wall cupboards are 138cm high.
• The sink taps are single mixer levers.
• The highest shelf in the fridge is 62cm and lowest drawer in the freezer is 135cm.
• The kitchen is lit by down lighter spots/under cupboard lights.
• The kitchen flooring is tiled which is dark grey in colour and the walls have been decorated in dark cream colour.

Bedrooms and Sleeping Areas

General Information

• There are two ground floor bedrooms which are one double and one twin/single beds.
• On the first floor there is one bedroom comprising of a king size bed with ensuite bathroom which is reached by 13 stairs.

Specific bedroom information (one for each bedroom)

Bedroom one is on the first floor and has a king size bed
• The clear door opening into the bedroom is 75cm wide.
• The height of the bed from floor to mattress top is 54cm.
• The space to the side of the bed is 125cm.
• There are two bedside tables which are 66cm high.
• Lighting is via a mix of ceiling pendant and bedside table lamps.
• Flooring is carpet and brown stripe in colour, with dark cream coloured walls.
• There is one wardrobe and nine drawers and storage space. The wardrobe rails are 170cm high and they cannot be adjusted.
• Bedding is hypo-allergenic.
• There is a digital TV.
• See photos and video tour on our website for more details

Any other comments and relevant information: Ensuite shower room.

Ensuite shower room connected to Bedroom 1

• Entrance is all on one level with a clear door opening width of 70cm restricted to 44cm by the end of the bed.
• The shower has a raised lip of 21cm.
• The shower has twin sliding doors and a detachable shower head.
• Height of the WC floor to seat is 41cm.
• Wash basin height is 86cm with a clear space under the sink.
• All taps are modern lever taps.
• There is no shelf over the sink.
• There is no grab rail.
• The bathroom is lit with ceiling spot lights.
• It has tiled flooring which is white in colour with cream and white coloured tiled walls.
• For a photo please see the website.

Bedroom two is on the ground floor and has a double bed

• The clear door opening into the bedroom is 70cm wide.
• The height of the bed from floor to mattress top is 44cm.
• The space to the side of the bed is 40cm.
• There are two bedside tables which are 55cm high.
• Lighting is via a mix of ceiling pendant and bedside table lamps.
• Flooring is wood with cream coloured walls.
• There is one wardrobe and two drawers and storage space. The wardrobe rails are 178cm high and they cannot be adjusted.
• Bedding is hypo-allergenic.
• See photos and video tour on our website for more details.

Bedroom three is on the ground floor and has twin single beds

• The door opening into the bedroom is 70cm wide.
• The height of the bed from floor to mattress top is 56cm.
• The space to the side of the bed is 90cm.
• There is one bedside table which is 62cm high.
• Lighting is via a mix of ceiling pendant and bedside table lamps.
• Flooring is wood with cream coloured walls.
• There is one wardrobe and storage space. The wardrobe rails are 156cm high and they cannot be adjusted.
• Bedding is hypo-allergenic.
• See photos and video tour on our website for more details.

Any other comments and relevant information: Beds are configured in an L shape.

Family bath/shower room is on the ground floor
• Entrance is all on one level with a clear door opening width of 58cm.
• The shower is separate and has a raised lip of 21cm.
• The shower has twin sliding doors and has a detachable showerhead.
• Height of the WC floor to seat is 42cm.
• Wash basin height is 82cm with a cupboard under the sink.
• All taps are twist taps.
• There is no shelf over the sink.
• There is no grab rail.
• The bathroom is lit with ceiling spot lights and mirror lights.
• It has tiled flooring which is dark grey in colour with dark cream coloured walls
• For a photo please see the website.

Garden

Garden 1:
• The garden area can be found to rear of the property which is accessed immediately from the dining area via a door with four steps of 25cm, 15cm, 15cm and 10cm and clear access width of 76cm.
• The areas within the garden are stepped on two levels.
• It has a decking patio.
• Table and seating are in this area. The table height is 74cm. There are four chairs which are upright chairs with arms.
• The width of the footpaths is 60cm and the surface is decking. The width and length of the patio is 3m x 2.6m.
• There is some outside lighting which are manual switch lights.

Description

From its elevated position above the small harbour of Craster village, this character stone cottage offers charm, style and, from its dining area and deck, the most breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, beaches and the captivating ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Harbour Master's House was the former salt and fish store for the nearby smokery, still famous today for its traditional Craster Kippers. It still retains much of its character and is very handy for visiting the village gastro pub, The Jolly Fisherman, and the smokery's seafood restaurant.

Careful renovation, by its owners at the end of 2019, using natural wood and linens, has opened up the living space at Harbour Master's House to one large area with log burner and bi-fold doors providing perhaps one of the best views in Craster and leading out onto the small external terrace. Here you can relax or dine, watching the harbour activity below or the changing coastal patterns from sunrise to sunset, all with the familiar outline of Dunstanburgh Castle in the background.

  • Seafront character cottage in central village location
  • Open plan kitchen and dining area with bi-fold doors to outside deck for eating and enjoying the unrivalled views
  • First floor master bedroom with king size bed, ensuite shower room, TV/DVD and sea views
  • Lounge area with log burner
  • Original beams, exposed stonework, slate floors and other interesting architectural features
  • Close to the pub, restaurant, cafe, art gallery and coastal walks

Ground Floor

  • Large open plan living room, kitchen and dining area, opening on to terrace with harbour views
  • Double bedroom
  • Twin bedroom (note beds are in l-shape)
  • Bathroom with freestanding bath, underfloor heating and separate shower

First floor

  • Master bedroom with king size bed and ensuite shower room

Externally

  • Split level decked terrace with table and chairs for four people and stunning views
  • Private gate from the terrace giving access to the harbour below (a bit precarious for children)
  • Parking for one car on the drive of the cottage.

ALWAYS COMPLIMENTARY:

  • Electric heating
  • Underfloor heating
  • Log burner with starter supply of logs ( end of Oct - end March)
  • Electricity
  • Bedding and bath towels
  • Starter supply of kitchen roll, dishwasher tablets, toilet roll, washing up liquid.
  • First Aid kit
  • Wi-Fi
  • Travel cot and high chair

RETREAT AMENITIES

  • Oven and hob
  • Microwave
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Dishwasher
  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Kitchen and tableware
  • Washer/dryer
  • Clothes line
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mop, bucket, dustpan and brush
  • Tea towels
  • Dish cloths
  • Oven gloves
  • Hairdryer
  • TV
  • Books and magazines
  • Landline telephone with honesty box
  • Toys and games
  • Outdoor table and chairs
  • Key safe for independent arrival

AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

Extra linen and towels (charges apply)

CANDID COMMENTS

As there is no gas in the area, the heating here is a mixture of wall-mounted electric heaters, underfloor heating and a log burner.
The twin bedroom is quite small but perfect for children or teenagers.
Mobile reception is almost impossible in Craster.
There is a parking bay for one car and it's quite tight. The cottage is next door to the village pub so you may hear the early morning ale deliveries every now and then.

TO NOTE

Whilst we take great care to represent our properties and their facilities as accurately as possible, the décor, furnishings and facilities shown in images and video tours may occasionally be subject to minor change.

This retreat is perhaps more suited to older children, as the cottage is perched on the rocks above the harbour. Not ideal for toddlers as there is no garden, but there is a split level decked area. The cottage caters for infants and young children with a range of toys and books for rainy days and the Coastal Retreats sponsored village playground is just a few minutes walk from the house, as is the harbour which is fantastic for rock pooling and building sandcastles when the tide is out.

IN THE PRESS

Named in The Times 'Britain's 20 best beach houses list'.
Read a review of Harbour Master's House in Liz Earle Wellbeing magazine.

Reviews

Superb location. Beautiful cottage. Very comfortable.

Mrs H,

A lovely week spent in this beautiful cottage with a great sea view. Would definitely recommend.

Mrs U,

We found this to be a delightful cottage with the view out across the harbour and the restless sea towards Dunstanburgh castle captivating. The cottage is well equipped with a nice homely feel about it, although we took advantage of the various options to eat out on our travels. It made an excellent base which we were sad to leave behind

Mr E,

A really nice cottage in a beautiful location. The cottage was welcoming, cosy, quiet, and spotlessly clean, with stunning views over the harbour and with the bonus of a castle in the distance. We were amazed by the amount of good quality 'stuff' in the cottage, particuarly in the well appointed kitchen. The pub next door was a bonus with good food and drink and our reservations about its noise and proximity proved unfounded. You do need to book evening dinners a couple of days in advance though. There were some lovely walks and it proved a great place to see Northumberland from. Would definitely recommend this cottage.

Dr D,

Fantastic cottage in an amazing location . Super comfy beds and loved our stay .

Mrs H,

The location of the cottage couldn’t have been nicer; the cottage in itself was really comfortable, only kitchen could have been a bit better equipped (dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, sponge, cooking oil).

Mr B,

A real home from home with great views. The property is conveniently placed opposite the pub and the smokehouse with its little deli.

Miss C,

Lovely cottage with a fantastic balcony and sea /harbour views. The cottage is really well equipped, lovely decor and a lovely place to be rain or shine. The large glass folding doors that look on to the harbour are a wonderful feature especially if the weather isn’t great - you can sit on the two nice seats and enjoy the view.

Mrs W,

Just gorgeous. Best location we’ve ever stayed in. Thanks.

Mrs M,

This is the 3rd time we have stayed at Harbour Master’s House, the location is wonderful, and makes up for the fact that the interior is getting a little tired.

Mrs S,

Our second stay at the Harbour Master's House! Excellent location in the middle of the village on the harbour wall. Fantastic views towards Dunstanburgh. Cosy cottage with every you could need.

Mrs I,

No coffee machine as mentioned in details, only a cafetière . Kitchen floor and terrace NOT very clean when we arrived , yet the rest of cottage was clean. Pillows in main bedroom very “ lumpy “ as though been washed badly ! No towels left in downstairs bedroom . En suite shower tiles needs mould removal. Only mentioning these as love this cottage and would be sad to see condition deteriorate.

Dr Samantha E,

We shall certainly return. We were in easy reach of facilities, beaches, and towns. The highlight on Saturday 15th July, were a school of dolphins passing through

Mrs M,

Superb location, decor & view from the terrace, this is the second time we have stayed at The Harbour Master's House, it's the view which is the biggest selling point. However attention needs to be paid to the downstairs bathroom's shower which had loose & gaping shower doors & looks like the grouting on the tiles needs a good clean. The seats in the indoor terrace area, need some new firmer cushions on the seats, one especially is quite soft, we did mention that in feedback last year. Lounge sofas probably need some cleaning in parts. However we would certainly have no hesitation in returning again to this property.

L D,

Excellent cottage. Great location.

Mrs Aileen K,

Everything was exactly as we had hoped it would be. As a bonus the area is stunningly beautiful with lots to do and we had great weather.

Mrs S W,

Location

Harbour Master's House is at the heart of this quaint fishing village and with the most spectacular position overlooking the iconic Dunstanburgh Castle. Craster has a pub, restaurant, tearoom, famous Kipper smokehouse and popular Mick Oxley art gallery. Both the Jolly Fisherman pub and The Craster Seafood Restaurant are superb places to eat and drink, but be warned, booking is almost essential!
Beyond the rocky Craster coastline you will find the sparkling white sands of Embleton Bay, and to the south Howick Hall Gardens and its renowned Earl Grey Tearoom.
For further information on the area, see our Craster section.