Barn Lodgings with Private Access to a Sandy Beach

Calico Barn is a traditional stone barn that has been converted into group accommodation. It sleeps 16 guests and has direct access onto a 7 mile stretch of sandy beach. The Northumberland Coast Path passes through the farm and the Sustrans Cycle Route (N1) is on the doorstep. There is a cafe, ice cream shop and pub within 2 miles so we are the prefect location for active (or beach dwelling!) groups. The Barn can be booked along side our holiday cottage and camping pods for large groups. The space Calico Barn is a converted barn at Hemscott Hill Farm, a mere 2 minute walk across private land from an amazing 7 mile stretch of beach, Druridge Bay. A former cartshed, Calico Barn was converted into wedding accommodation at our venue, The Barn on The Bay. When there isn't a wedding on we let out Calico Barn alongside our camping pods and farm cottage. The Barn sleeps 16 people in the following rooms: PARLOUR - our largest room sleeps 6 in bunk beds HEMMEL & DAIRY - each sleep 4 in bunkbeds BYRE & GRANARY - our smaller cabin rooms are better for one person although they have twin bunks as the access to the top bunk is more restricted by beams (see photos). Because of this restricted access we cap numbers in the barn at 16. Our bunkbeds are not your average ones. They are built in cabin beds with comfy mattresses, cushions and bedding ready made up for your arrival. We measured the beds against Hemscott's tall one, Phil, who is 6'3" to make sure they were a decent length. Each cabin has a reading light, double socket and USB charger so you can charge your devices from inside your cabin. Bedding is provided but towels are not. There are 3 self contained bathrooms at the end of the corridor with loo, basin and shower in them. Designed as a home from home with groups, walkers, cyclists and swimmers in mind it has a large cosy living area with Freeview TV and a wood burning stove. A dining area and fully equipped kitchen mean you knock up a meal and eat inside, or make use of the shared paddock garden available for all guests. The main space is very versatile with dining tables to seat 16 and plenty of armchairs and casual seating. There is a small bar at the back of the barn that can be opened up by arrangement in advance with the team for special occasions. As we're also a wedding venue we have an in house stylist who can be booked for an additional fee to set up your table and style it for a celebratory dinner from our extensive collection of tablescape elements. Locally there is a popular beachside cafe under a mile along the beach (The Drift Cafe, Cresswell) and there is a good pub called The Widdrington Inn 2 miles up the road who offer a warm welcome and good food. We can offer space to lock up bikes and there is a verandah to hang wetsuits up, just let us know in advance what your requirements are so we can accommodate you. Calico Barn is also a wedding venue in it's own right and can be booked for intimate weddings (all wedding bookings must be booked through our Weddings Team and weddings and marriage celebrations are strictly prohibited unless booked in advance for legal requirements). For more information about weddings please see The Barn on The Bay or submit an enquiry that will be forwarded to our Weddings Team. There is a two night minimum stay on weekends, with a three night minimum stay on bank holiday weekends. STYLING SERVICE If you are planning a special occasion in Calico Barn our stylist can be booked (subject to availability) to make the barn look extra special. This service costs £250 and includes: Consultation with our stylist to agree a look for your table Layout agreed and furniture set up on arrival day Hire items and LED candles included Runners, chargers or placemats set up Hire of our premium crockery and cutlery with 'return dirty' boxes for you to leave used items in for us to wash up Glassware hire on 'return dirty' basis Please note that our stylist sets up before your arrival so this service is available on the first night of your stay. We do not come into the barn (unless for emergency) during your stay so dirty crockery, cutlery and glassware to be left outside the barn at the end of the night and a box will be provided for the return of other styling items. Charges are applied to broken items. SAUNA We have a resident wood fired barrel sauna on the farm called Sauna Hetta. In the summer the sauna is based over the road in the dunes and in autumn/winter it comes over to the farmyard. The sauna can be booked by guests for £90 per hour (a 2 hour minimum hire applies for each session). 6 people at a time are permitted into the sauna. SHARED FACILITIES IN THE FARMYARD Depending on the time of year you come to us there may be events in the Cowshed Barn next door. Although you have private use of Calico Barn itself the area outside is shared with The Barn on The Bay. There will never be a wedding on during your stay but the feast nights and other dining experiences may be taking place next door. We’ll always let you know what is happening and if you’re particularly interested in coming to an event or feast night please let us know and we can let you know what is planned. FOOD & DRINK There is a commercial kitchen on site for weddings with private dining available if booked in advance. Whether it’s a bbq, sharing meal or pizzas delivered to the barn we can usually accommodate your needs. This needs to be arranged in advance and we’ll put you in contact with the kitchen team. Guest access We have plenty of parking just across the road from the barn. Getting to the beach is across one of our fields with a private access. There is a cafe within walking distance along the beach or the coast path and a pub that is around 40 mins walk away. The nearest bus stops are Cresswell (1 mile) and Widdrington (2 miles). Other things to note We are on a working farm and although there is a closed gate onto the actual farming area there may be (friendly) farm dogs and (also friendly) farmers who will stop to chat with you. The access is shared by the resident farmer and farm workers but tractors use a seperate access. Other users of the farmyard include events access to The Barn On The Bay and the loo/shower facilities for the pods are located in the farmyard. Calico Barn is private and self contained and you are welcome to shared use of the outside seating areas at The Barn On The Bay and the paddock. Please note that although bedding is provided, towels are not so please pack them to bring with you.