A magical rural hideaway close to Hadrian's Wall

Stonecrop is a much loved cottage and enjoys a tranquil setting with a large, attractive garden, situated in a stunning part of Northumberland. Guests are welcome to wander through our adjoining field to reach the banks of the river South Tyne. It was built in 1760 and has retained its original character whilst benefiting from all mod cons. Many guests return year after year and dogs are welcome too. Stonecrop is within easy reach of Hadrian’s Wall, the Yorkshire Dales, the Borders and Lakes. The space The cosy and characterful lounge has comfortable sofas, a wood burning stove (set within an original inglenook fireplace) and a table and chairs. The light and well equipped kitchen overlooks the garden and orchard area. There is a small cloakroom (WC) and utility area, plus a separate study with a bookcase and sofa bed on the ground floor. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, a further smaller bedroom with bunk beds, and a well equipped bathroom. The attractive private garden surrounds the cottage on three sides with a large, expanse of lawn, flowerbeds and fruit orchard at the back. There are lovely, uninterrupted views across the valley and up to the fells. You can often hear the South Tyne river, especially in spate, from across the field. Stonecrop is located in the tiny hamlet of Eals, and enjoys a tranquil position along a quiet, no-through road. There are wonderful walks in all directions and the cottage lies within unspoilt countryside, which is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The local pub is within easy walking distance and is about to re-open after an extensive overhaul. It will offer pub meals and an a la carte menu for celebrating those special occasions The South Tynedale railway is nearby at Slaggyford and Hadrian's Wall is just 10 miles away. Stonecrop is 7 miles from Alston which is England's highest market town. The cottage provides an ideal base from which to explore much of the North of England including the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland National Park and the Lake District. Ullswater for example is only a 40 minute drive away. The valley is a haven for birdlife including many moorland birds such as curlew, snipe and lapwing. The natural woodlands on both sides of the river provide excellent habitat. A wide variety of garden birds regularly visit the feeders and guests often sit out on the terrace and watch the birds such as siskins, woodpeckers and nuthatch. The South Tyne trail runs through the woods directly behind the cottage and both the Pennine Way and the Pennine cycleway are nearby. The cottage has been the much loved holiday home of the present owners for the past 60 years. Guest access Guests have exclusive use of the entire cottage and garden/orchard areas. The secluded aspect of the cottage affords maximum privacy, backing only onto fields and woods that abut the river. Other things to note Guests are welcome to browse our own website by searching for Stonecrop holiday cottage - ours is the whitewashed one.