An elegant escape for two in the grounds of Netherwitton Hall, a historic country house in the heart of Northumberland.
With a history stretching all the way back to 1405, Grade I listed Netherwitton Hall was built in 1695 and has remained in the same family ever since. Located in the heart of the county between the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Grooms Cottage, a sophisticated hideaway in the grounds of the Hall, invites guests to enjoy the finest elements of this remarkable region. Look forward to days spent exploring the area or simply setting out on peaceful walks within the wider grounds of the Estate, keeping an eye out for the resident red squirrels as they dart amongst the mature trees.
Grooms Cottage is the central property in a row of three, overlooking the garden to the rear of the Hall. Enter through the front door into an inner hall with space for hanging coats and storing boots. A door leads through to the open-plan living space where a calming colour palette is complemented by patterned textiles and historic maps of the estate which hang on the walls. Original sash windows bathe the room in sunlight while the furnishings around the coffee table create the perfect space to relax. The spacious kitchen boasts quartz worktops and duck egg-blue cabinets, whilst a round dining table accompanied by four spindle chairs lies in its own bright nook with views out to the garden.
The shower room is also located on the ground floor, decorated from floor to ceiling with patterned tiles and with a large walk-in rainforest shower. A staircase in the inner hall leads up to the bedroom, where a king size bed sits under a high ceiling, with tongue and groove walls and a romantic window seat which looks out across the garden. Of particular note is the bath, which is tucked into a recess in the bedroom, lined with pink tiles and set beneath a skylight so you can enjoy a soak as you watch the stars overhead.
Netherwitton and Longwitton Estates which surrounds the cottage comprises 5,200 acres, including 1,000 acres of forestry. The Estate is firmly focused upon responsible, sustainable stewardship and conservation and it has a variety of environmental schemes in place, including a Countryside Stewardship scheme which promotes red squirrel conservation and habitat development – rewarded by the population of red squirrels which now flourishes in all areas of the Estate. While the Hall itself and the Walled Garden are private to the owners, guests are more than welcome to explore the wider Estate and are provided with maps of recommended walking routes.
There’s also plenty to keep you occupied further afield, whether that’s visiting the nearby National Trust properties of Wallington and Cragside, or the historic sites of Hadrian’s Wall, Bamburgh Castle and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, all of which are under an hour’s drive away. Walkers can look forward to exploring the unspoilt Simonside Hills and Cheviots, or hiking along St Oswald’s Way or the Northumberland Coast Path.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together but enjoy their own space, Hall Cottage (sleeping 3) next door can be let in conjunction with Grooms Cottage.
GROUND FLOOR
Access door into an inner hall with coat rail and space for outdoor wear/boots.
Open plan sitting room/kitchen/dining space comprising:
Sitting room with sofa, two armchairs, wall-mounted Smart TV, Sonos Bluetooth speaker and a selection of books.
Well equipped kitchen with quartz work surfaces, induction hob, electric oven, integrated dishwasher (3/4 size), Nespresso coffee maker (pod type), combination washer/dryer, integrated fridge with ice box, dining space with seating for four and a window seat overlooking the garden.
Ground floor shower room with large walk-in shower (rainforest head), separate radiator, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Stairs (with handrail) to the first-floor bedroom. It is important to note that the stairs are steep and narrow and therefore not suitable for young children or guests with restricted mobility.
There is no door at the top of the stairs – a curtain opening leads into the bedroom. The room has a bright airy feel with a high ceiling, wood panelled walls, and a freestanding bath.
King size bed, bedside tables with drawer space, storage cupboard with hanging rail, bookcase with a selection of books, Roberts DAB radio with a window seat overlooking the garden. Velux window with blackout blind.
OUTSIDE
Whilst the cottage has no designated garden area or private outside space, there is a bench seat to the front of the cottage, with a lovely view across the garden, stable block and the rear of the Hall. There are designated walks around the wider estate where you may be lucky enough to spot the estate's resident red squirrels. Netherwitton Hall and the garden surrounding the hall is private but a tour of the garden with the owners can be arranged in advance by appointment.
Secure and heated storage for outdoor gear and bikes can be made available on request.
Parking is at the rear of the hall, facing the rear garden, with the cottage directly to the left.