A picturesque, double-fronted, detached property surrounded by stunning countryside just outside the village of Belsay, near Ponteland in Northumberland. Set well back from a country lane, The Folly is a very pretty cottage set within its own idyllic farm steading, ideal for a family or small group of friends wanting to enjoy a relaxing rural retreat. The cottage features a spacious sitting room; a bright and airy space with lovely countryside views you can enjoy while relaxing on the sofa, with an open fire crackling in the background. The newly fitted kitchen is well-equipped to support you with your every culinary requirement. You can enjoy delicious meals at the dining table, or just relax with a glass of wine in front of the cosy wood burner while you make plans for your stay. There is also a handy utility room and downstairs cloakroom and WC with basin on the ground floor. Head up the stairs to find two large bedrooms; a king size double with lovely sash windows and a stunning view, plus a twin room with a day bed, which can convert into a useful extra bed for a child or small adult. An additional box room provides the perfect place for a travel cot or a camp bed for another child. The stylish family bathroom completes the upstairs layout with a bath and shower cubicle to choose from when you’re getting ready each day. The south facing lawn is ideal for adult relaxation or child play and is enclosed by a pretty stone wall, beyond which lies miles of beautiful countryside with cattle and sheep grazing happily. A terraced area to the rear of the cottage is a sun trap in the late afternoon and early evening – perfect for a sit down with a glass of something special while you review the day’s activities. There is attractive garden furniture on both sides of the house. The Folly has plenty of space for parking up to three cars, as well as good outbuildings, including stabling and an undercover games area. There is direct access to beautiful walking direct from the door, as well as fabulous riding should you wish to bring a horse or two. Stabling and grazing are available at an additional cost by arrangement with the owner. The small village of Belsay has a brilliant shop and post office which can cater for nearly all your culinary needs, including excellent locally sourced meat, cheese and vegetables, as well as spirits, wine, beer and even gifts. For anything else you can venture the 7 miles to Ponteland, where you will find a Waitrose, a Sainsbury’s as well as a local butcher, greengrocers, village pubs and restaurants. Back in Belsay, locals love the nearby Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop which serves delicious lunches and teas and is famous for its scones and tray bakes. A visit to the Greek-inspired Belsay Hall with its medieval castle and amazing gardens is a must for your stay at The Folly, and equally close is the lovely Bolam Lake Country Park – perfect for an afternoon stroll. The Folly is perfectly placed to allow you to discover Northumberland’s wonderful countryside, historic market towns and stunning coastline. Morpeth is within easy reach, while slightly further north is Rothbury and then Alnwick with its superb ‘Harry Potter’ Castle and equally famous Garden. To the south west, Corbridge and Hexham both boast a super selection of shops, boutiques, pubs and restaurants. Walkers and history enthusiasts can enjoy Hadrian’s wall, or a visit to the Roman forts of Chesters and Housesteads; you can also explore Devil’s Causeway or head onto the coast and discover Druridge Bay, Newton-by-the-Sea, Beadnell, Seahouses and Bamburgh – all well within an hour’s drive away. Those looking for a little more metropolitan excitement can head into Newcastle upon Tyne with its wonderful architecture, a plethora of shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as attractions such as the Quayside, the Millenium Bridge, the iconic Sage building, as well as a castle and a cathedral. The Angel of the North and Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, as well as the Cathedral city of Durham are also within easy reach. If you are the sporting type you can try a round of golf on the stunning course at the nearby Matfen Hall Hotel & Spa or take in some fishing at Higham Lake or on the River Tyne. Football fans might want to take in a match at St James Park, home of the Toon Army, or if horse racing is your thing, there are race courses at Gosforth Park, Newcastle or Hexham. With plenty of opportunities for days out close by, The Folly is the perfect choice for a stunning secluded base in the heart of Northumberland.

Belsay is a popular village and civil parish in Northumberland, about 5 miles from Ponteland on the A696, which links Newcastle upon Tyne to Jedburgh. Being about 20 minutes from central Newcastle, with a 7 minute drive into the popular village of Darras Hall where most of the Newcastle United footballers live, Belsay has a tea room, post office and pub to name a few of the amenities available to you. As you head out of Belsay there is a right turn taking you to the popular Bolam Lake and just before you get to Bolam this farm is situated off the road down a farm track. Belsay is a village Scottish nobleman and doctor John de Strivelyn was granted the manor around 1340 by Edward III. On his death, the estate passed to his daughter, who was married to Sir John Middleton, and has remained with the Middleton family since. Belsay parish includes the former parishes of Bitchfield, Black Heddon and Bolam, and is home to Belsay Castle and Belsay Hall. Belsay Castle is a 14th Century medieval castle situated at Belsay - a Grade I listed buidling and nationally important archaeological site. This lovely village is steeped in history and you are sure to enjoy your visit to this iconic location, while having easy access to Newcastle as well as neighbouring towns in Northumbria.

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