Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 2
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill
Explore the area
Alston, ENG
North Pennines
Place, North Pennines
1 min walk
Vindolanda
Place, Vindolanda
44 min drive
Housesteads Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall
Place, Housesteads Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall
47 min drive
Carlisle (CAX)
Airport, Carlisle (CAX)
64 min drive
Rooms & beds
1 bedroom (sleeps 2)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria
Visiting the North Pennines - our beautifully presented and comfortable self contained accommodation, 'Owl Retreat' is part of a refurbished 1830’s farmhouse situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AoNB). It boasts stunning panoramic views and is in an ideal location for walkers, cyclists, bird enthusiasts or those seeking the tranquility of the countryside and a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The accommodation comprises a bedroom with a double bed and plenty of hanging / storage space.
The bathroom has a spa bath (not a hot tub), shower and underfloor heating. Towels are provided. The lounge / diner has comfortable leather sofas, dining room table, coffee table, TV with freeview & Netflix, DVD and WIFI.
The kitchen is fully equipped with a microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge/freezer , dish washer and washing machine. A portable BBQ is available upon request for the patio/garden area - an ideal space for relaxing on a lazy summer night whilst enjoying a sun downer.
There is ample secure parking and wheelchair access is not a problem.
We ask guests not to smoke inside and have supplied an ashtray for smoking outside.
We kindly ask all our guests to check in after 1400hrs on the date of arrival and to check out before 1000hrs on the day of departure unless prior arrangements have been made with us.
The town of Alston is within walking distance (1.4 miles). It has a variety of interesting shops, some selling arts and crafts and a Post Office, chemist, wholefood shop and hardware store. There are several welcoming country pubs selling real ales and some serve food. There are also several cafés in the area offering hearty breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea & cake. For groceries Alston has a Co-op and Spar with an ATM machine for your convenience, open until late. There are 2 petrol stations selling at competitive prices.
Alston 18 hole golf course is nearby, green fees are paid by way of an honesty box for players wishing to tee off.
If you fancy a break from walking the (seasonal) South Tynedale Steam Railway is situated in the town on which you can enjoy scenic trips through the South Tyne Valley and the North Pennines.
Fishing (Fly & Coarse) is an activity to be enjoyed and permits for fly fishing are available in the town. Commercial fishing venues are also available in the area.
The nearest working railway station to Alston is Haltwhistle approx 13 miles away. There are also stations in Penrith (18 miles) and Carlisle (21 miles).
A car is advisable when visiting the area as public transport is limited.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Here is what our guests have to say about us:
"Amanda and Gareth were absolutely fabulous. Their farm house is a calm relaxing home in the beautiful countryside - just the R&R we needed! The house is lovely - underfloor heating, all the amenities, such a comfy bed! Very kind hosts were the cherry on top. Can not recommend more." From Oxford, United Kingdom ·
"Our place had an amazing view of the hills and valley. It was very homey and comfortable. Our only regret was that we didn't book a few nights to just unwind and watch the scenery. We will definitely be booking again the next time we pass through. Amanda and Gareth were extremely friendly. The best kind of hosts. For other wheelchair users, the apartment is quite open and accessible." From London, United Kingdom ·
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Alston
Alston is home to this cottage. Nenthead Mines and Weardale Museum are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at North Pennines and Northumberland National Park. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Housesteads Fort and Museum - Hadrian's Wall - 47 min drive - 46.4 km
Hadrian's Wall - 53 min drive - 47.8 km
Hexham Abbey - 54 min drive - 49.9 km
Getting around
Langwathby Station - 30 min drive
Carlisle (CAX) - 57 min drive
Restaurants
The Turks Head Inn - 2 min drive
George And Dragon - 5 min drive
Jack's Takeaway - 2 min drive
Angel Inn - 2 min drive
Elks Head - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria?
As of 8 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria on 13 Aug, 2026 start from S$155, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Watergreens Farm, CA9 3LD Self-Catering holiday Accommodation in Cumbria located?
Situated in Alston, this cottage is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Nenthead Mines and within 12 miles (20 km) of Weardale Museum and North Pennines. Long Meg and Her Daughters and Northumberland National Park are also within 20 miles (32 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We couldn’t have had a better time. Amanda was fantastic at communicating with us and we felt very looked after. Can highly recommend this property and the lovely hosts.
The property is very high quality and well equipped. The host met us on arrival and made us feel welcome. Great location for Pennines and Eastern Lakes. Don't be put off by proximity of road, the views and local wildlife and walks are amazing. One of the best properties we have ever stayed in.
Amazing property, beautiful inside and out. Warm, great facilities and spotlessly clean.
Lovely welcome and great advice about the area.
Location is perfect, close enough to near by villages for walking to (or quick drive): for great food but far enough that you feel out in the county.
And the views from the house are amazing
What an amazing place it have everything u need down to the salt and pepper.Finish to a very high speck and the whirlpool bath is an added bonus. Nothing to much trouble amazing hosts just send a message and they will help
It is a great property in a lovely rural location, yet only a mile or so from Alston.
Furnished to a high standard the cottage had all you could need for a comfortable stay (even though we picked a very wet 2-3 days).
We enjoyed our all-to-brief stay, and look forward to returning, hopefully when the weather is better and we can enjoy the outside patio area with it's wonderful views.
Stephen B.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
John K.
23 Jun, 2017
Owl's Retreat Alston great!
Modern clean spacious, excellent location and outlook. Great base to explore Hadrians Wall and roman ruins. The little towns and villages are also a delight to explore. The property iswell set up with everything you could require. Amanda was a cnarming and helpful host. We should have stayed longer.
John K.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Apr, 2020
It was a pleasure to host you both and so pleased you enjoyed the accommodation and local attractions.
Thank you for leaving the place so clean and tidy.
Enjoy the Lakes and the rest of your stay in the UK.
The cottage is appointed to a very high standard and well equipped for all your needs.
It is situated just a few miles from the lovely market town of Alston and has stunning views across the valley.
This was our first visit to the North Pennines area and we loved it. The area is much less busy than the Lakes but is just as pretty with lots of good walks around.
Many thanks to Gareth and Amanda for making our stay so enjoyable.
David H.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug, 2023
Thank you and so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us.
We spend a short week at the Watergreens Farm Cottage. A compact, but cosy cottage. Great views, and with everything you need for a nice comfortable stay. The area is beautiful. We made a couple of car trips and walks around. A lot of information and tips where to go to available. The hosts were good in quick response for check in and out, and in between, when needed.
Coming from abroad we experience different recycling systems in every area in the UK and completely different from where we come from…..not easy to get the hang of that…..
We choose this location travelling from Scotland to the ferry in Newcastle, it was a beautiful spot to spend time to experience the area. For walkers it is a nice area, lots of opportunities. We will certainly come back to stay again.
Mrs. Willy v.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct, 2023
It was a pleasure to meet you both and we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay with us.
There should really be a bonus star that we can award!
We enjoyed our stay so, so much. From the moment we arrived, with such a warm welcome, to the moment we left, with heavy hearts and a tear in the eye. Amanda & Gareth were the perfect hosts. Nothing was too much for them, but they allowed us plenty of privacy too. We enjoyed their company immensely though, so were happy to have long chats. The fact they shared their beautiful dogs with us only increased our enjoyment. We'll miss them all. The barn is a delight - well presented and with everything you could need - very comfortable. The location is amazing - far reaching, magnificent, pastoral views. It's a beautiful area with lovely towns and lots of historical interest. You could not do better than choose Owl Retreat for a comfortable and relaxing holiday. Many, many thanks to Amanda, Gareth, Pip and Lottie for a wonderful week. Paul & Martin.
Paul R.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jun, 2023
Thank you so very much for your thoughtful review. We loved having you to stay and i'm so grateful for your interior decor tips too - what a difference!
Safe trip back to Canada - we shall all miss you both.
Very comfortable accommodation, well equipped with everything we needed for self catering. Fantastic views from the patio, great place to sit with a glass of wine at the end of the day. Excellent walking nearby. Can thoroughly recommend and would definitely stay here again.
Amanda was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the area - brilliant host! Cottage was set in a beautiful location, with far reaching views of countryside. Comfortable cottage with all you could need. Thank you!
We had a great stay.
The cleanliness and quality of furnishings are second to none.
We were so comfortable.
The location is also perfect , so peaceful , it was just what we needed . Can't wait to come back , see you soon.
Pete and Deb's.
A lovely place to unwind and relax, location is beautiful. The cottage was too. Very cozy, had everything we needed. The night sky when clear is spectacular. Would recommend this place. Owners are lovely too.
We had an outstanding stay in Owl Retreat, Watergreens Farm. the cottage has been very tastefully done, is well equipped and was spotlessly clean. It was beautifully quiet and peaceful, facing the hills. The views were wonderful and in the very good weather we were even able to have a drink outside before dinner on a couple of evenings, which we don't expect to do in September! Amanda the owner was extremely helpful and very prompt in all her responses.
Great location ,excellent views and only 5 minutes drive from the nearest town. Spacious cottage with every thing you might need.
Only one thing to improve and that is a bigger tv.
Well appointed holiday accommodation with great views
Amanda met us and showed us around the property and gave great suggestions for local walks, restaurants etc. Owl Retreat is spacious
and has all you need for a comfortable stay with well appointed kitchen and bathroom, comfortable furniture and bed and great views as shown in the pictures. We greatly enjoyed our week there and would happily return.
Absolutely lovely stay, gorgeous property on gorgeous surroundings. The standard of the property is extremely high and luxurious and perfect for a couple's getaway. The hosts Amanda and Gareth are really nice and so helpful and welcoming! We will definitely be staying again!
The cottage was perfect for our 4 night stay. It is easy to find and a very short drive from Alston, surrounded by stunning scenery and was a great base for exploring both Northumbria and Cumbria. The accommodation was spotlessly clean, well equipped, very cosy and comfortable and we could not fault it in any way. We were reassured by the measures taken re covid and communication with Amanda was excellent. We came away feeling really refreshed after such a lovely break and would definitely return in the future.
On arrival at this accommodation we were wowed with the thoughtfulness of the hosts with all the personal touches including a chilled bottle of wine. The accommodation was exceptionally clean and the views from the door were stunning. Amanda and Gareth had great local knowledge and really helped us plan some beautiful walks. We could have easily stayed longer - highly recommended
The accommodation was first class with a first class view. I wish we had longer to experience all that the area had to offer with walking and the market town of Alston, which was a few minutes drive away.