A stone cottage, tucked away in a walled garden
Longridge, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland · Sleeps 2, plus a small child
Longridge, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland · Sleeps 2, plus a small child
Behind old sandstone walls, a private garden opens out to the Cheviot Hills. Inside, a bright, vaulted living space is warmed by a wood burner.
Hidden Hus is a newly restored stone cottage for two, set in its own walled garden at Longridge, about ten minutes' drive from Berwick-upon-Tweed. It's a place to slow right down. Have breakfast on the patio, spend afternoons on the lawn, and finish the evening in the wood-fired hot tub under the festoon lights.
It's a brilliant base for walkers. You can reach the Northumberland Coast Path, riverside trails along the Tweed and Till, and the Cheviot foothills, then come home to the hot tub and a fire. Holy Island and Bamburgh are both under half an hour away, and the Scottish Borders are right on the doorstep.
The heart of Hidden Hus is one open-plan room under a vaulted ceiling, with skylights that fill it with light. There's a well-equipped kitchen with an island, a round dining table with a cushioned banquette, and deep sofas gathered around the wood burner.
Deep stone window sills look out over the garden. Oak floors and soft wool textures keep everything warm, whatever the Northumberland weather is doing.
The bedroom has a super-king bed with a pocket-sprung mattress, goose-down duvet and feather pillows. It can also be made up as twin beds. Its sash window looks straight out onto the lawn and rhododendrons.
Bringing a little one? A pull-out truckle bed for under-7s is available on request, and there's a highchair. A travel cot is also available on request.
Next door, the bathroom has a proper bath for a long soak and a separate walk-in shower.
This is what gives Hidden Hus its name. Old stone walls enclose a south-west-facing garden of lawn, sunny gravel terraces and borders with mature camellias and magnolias. You'll find sun loungers, a dining terrace with a parasol, a barbecue for two, and relaxing chairs around a fire pit. Tucked under the festoon lights is the wood-fired hot tub. Ask about having it pre-heated for your arrival.
From the garden, the view stretches across the fields to the Cheviot Hills
Hidden Hus sits between the coast and the hills, so you have a different walk on your doorstep every day. Take clifftop paths and empty beaches, follow quiet riverside trails, or head up into the Cheviots. Here are a few of the places we love.
England's most northerly town. Walk its Elizabethan ramparts, cross the old bridges over the Tweed and browse the independent shops and cafés.
Cross the tidal causeway to Lindisfarne for the priory, the castle and wide coastal walks. Always check the safe crossing times before you go.
A dramatic castle on the dunes above one of the finest beaches in Britain. It's perfect for a long walk and fish and chips after.
From Spittal Promenade to the quiet sands of Cocklawburn and the coast beyond, there are miles of beaches to yourselves.
The hills you can see from the garden. They're ideal for hiking, wild swimming in the burns, and spotting wildlife in the valleys.
Paxton House is just 2 miles away. Further over the border are historic abbeys and the cliffs and harbour at St Abbs.
An easy loop on top of the town walls, with views over the Tweed, the bridges and out to sea.
An easy 3.7-mile circuit through town and out along the pier to the lighthouse.
Around 6 miles (2.5 to 3 hours) on the Northumberland Coast Path, past Spittal to a dog-friendly beach.
Follow the Berwickshire Coastal Path north along the clifftops to this hidden bay, close to the Scottish border.
A flat, buggy-friendly loop along the river. Look out for the estuary's mute swans.
Award-winning ales and live music in an 18th-century building by the old bridge.
A tiny, much-loved micropub with an ever-changing line-up of real ales.
A proper traditional local. CAMRA lists it as a heritage pub.
Our nearest pub, just 2.4 miles from the cottage. It's cosy and known for its food and Sunday lunches. Booking recommended.
Berwick's own speciality coffee roaster, and the place for a really good flat white.
A homely, relaxed café with unusual cakes and plenty for vegans.
A café-bar for small plates, charcuterie, cheese and craft drinks. No dogs.
A relaxed restaurant for a special dinner, cooking with local produce such as Northumbrian venison.
Opening times change with the seasons, so it's worth checking before you set off.
Just 7 miles from the cottage, the Ford & Etal Estate is one of rural Northumberland's best-kept secrets. You'll find castles, a working watermill, whitewashed cottages, a thatched pub and England's most northerly steam railway, all linked by easy riverside paths along the Till. It makes a wonderfully quirky day.
Park at Heatherslaw and follow the easy 2-mile path along the River Till to Etal. It's flat and fine with buggies.
Explore the ruins of the 14th-century castle, run by English Heritage, at the end of the pretty village street.
Stop for soup, sandwiches or cake in Etal's traditional tearoom, which has a secluded garden for sunny days.
Ride the Heatherslaw Light Railway back along the river. Its little 15-inch-gauge steam engines run between Etal and Heatherslaw.
See the working watermill (there's been a mill here since the 13th century), then have tea at the Café at the Mill.
Pop next door to Ford to see the murals in Lady Waterford Hall. Then sit out on the terrace of Ford Village Tearoom, which looks across the hall and the village.
The Etal Castle, Ford Castle and Heatherslaw Corn Mill loop is about 5.3 miles. The estate also has a 4-mile riverside circuit from Heatherslaw to Ford.
The railway runs from spring to autumn and closes for winter, with festive specials in December. You can buy tickets at the station on the day.
Check the Heatherslaw Light Railway and Ford & Etal Estates websites for current timetables and opening times before you go.
Hidden Hus
Longridge, near Berwick-upon-Tweed
Northumberland TD15The full address and directions are sent when you book.
By train, Berwick station is on the East Coast Main Line, with fast trains to Edinburgh and London. By car, it's just off the A1.
Hidden Hus is booked through Crabtree & Crabtree, a trusted local letting agency. Check dates and book online, or give them a call with any questions.