Heavenly views across Northumberland with stylish accommodation to match. This is one of the most remote sites for self-catering accommodation in England. Ilderton Dod Barns at Ilderton Dod are situated in Northumberland National Park, apparently built in the 1600s when life was lived at a slower pace. They’re a mile-and-a-half up a private farm track but for those that require it, there is 4G mobile ‘phone coverage! The converted farm buildings are in the middle of an 1800-acre working hill farm so you may well see action involving tractors, sheep, cattle, horses and working collies during your stay. Close by The Barns is the original farm house, a small cottage rented by a born and bred Northumbrian couple who are a useful source of local information.
The Barn has a spacious lounge / diner with log burner, a well-equipped kitchen, 2 large shower rooms, and a large upstairs bedroom. There's a king-sized bed, sofa bed and room for a cot, and a dividing wall with 1 bunk and 2 single beds in a separate section. Up to 3 dogs are allowed, downstairs only. There’s a TV/DVD and a washing machine with plenty of space for drying inside or out.
Cuckoo Cottage, next door, has a king-sized bed plus space for a cot or temporary bed in the mezzanine floor above the lounge / diner with log burner. There’s a well-equipped kitchen and spacious shower room. Up to 2 dogs are allowed, downstairs only. There’s a TV, washing machine, space for drying inside or out, and a dishwasher.
Both properties have separate outdoor seating areas and barbecues, with outstanding views of the farm and hills beyond. There’s a shared lawn and lockable bike shed, with suggested cycle routes, workstation, tools, electric bike-charging and bike-washing facilities. All logs are provided free of charge and there’s a fire brazier in the garden.
We are situated in one of the darkest parts of Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, the largest in Europe. Binoculars, folding chairs and flasks are provided to use for star gazing.
You only have to look at an OS map to see the number of footpaths and bridleways criss-crossing the farm, but as it is all access land, you can make up your own route. We can recommend routes for walking, running, mountain biking or road cycling, or you could follow the official Sandstone Way mountain bike route and it’s many loops, one of which passes the doorstep. NCN Route 68 passes the end of the road and both Cheviot (the highest point in Northumberland) and Hedgehope hills are easily accessible on foot. For the less adventurous, we have two marked 1.5-2.5 mile circular walks starting at the accommodation, with information boards and a challenge for children as they go along.
We can provide grazing for horses during your stay, and information on local routes to ride.
Whether you’re into curlews, owls, pheasants, grouse, partridge, deer or hares, we have them all plus more – often seen without even having to get out of the car.
If you fancy exploring further afield, a 9 mile circular walk to Ingram café is detailed in the welcome pack. If you do want to give the car a run out, Wooler is 10 miles away with the new Ad Gefrin distillery, local shops, cafes and restaurants. Alnwick is roughly 13 miles away where you can see the castle where Harry Potter was filmed. There are numerous other castles and sandy beaches dotted down the coastline, or you could venture ‘abroad’ to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
Short breaks from £299 for 3 nights, see website for further details.
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T: 07786 253793
E: [email protected]
W: ildertondodbarns.co.uk