Guests say
The Folly is a well-received cottage in Northumberland, praised for its peaceful and beautiful location, cleanliness, and comfort. Guests appreciate the property's tranquility, stunning views, and its suitability for dogs. The cosy atmosphere and thoughtful touches, such as a welcome pack, are noted, although some guests mention minor issues with facilities and maintenance.
Most guests found The Folly to be clean and well-maintained, with a high standard of cleanliness. However, a few mentioned the presence of cobwebs and dead insects, suggesting room for improvement in deep cleaning.
The location is highly praised for its tranquility, stunning countryside views, and proximity to local attractions. The remote setting offers a peaceful retreat, though the access road and gates may present a challenge for some.
Guests generally regard The Folly as comfortable and cosy, with a warm welcome and good heating. Some guests, however, found the beds too firm and the pillows too soft, affecting their overall comfort.
The property is well-equipped, with a good standard of facilities. Criticisms include inadequate kitchenware, issues with the shower drain, and the need for better signposting and maintenance of outdoor areas.
Guests appreciate the thoughtful touches like a welcome pack and the inclusion of a vet number. While such gifts enhance the experience, it's noted that they are subject to change and not guaranteed.
About this property
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.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size double, 1 x twin plus flexible accommodation for a further two people.
Bathroom with bath, shower, basin and WC.
Utility with cloakroom and WC.
Kitchen/dinery with woodburning stove.
Sitting room with open fire
Oil heating with woodburning stove and open fire.
Oven and hob.
WIFI.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Set well back from a country lane with parking for three cars.
Lawned front garden and terrace to rear, both with garden furniture.
Two well behaved pets allowed, Outbuildings with covered games area and stables for horses by separate arrangement with the owner.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 2 miles, pub 4 miles.
Please note: During the off peak season, the property is only able to accept a check-in day of Friday, thank you.
Nearby points of interest
- Chesters Roman Fort
- Northumberland Country Zoo
- Thornley Woodlands Centre
- Laing Art Gallery
- Seven Stories
- BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art
Reviews (37)
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Stewart
We did find a few things that would put us off returning though, the biggest of these was the incredibly hard bed coupled with very soft pillows. We found the mattress so hard that my partner slept on the sofa one night, and only by sleeping on top of the duvet were we able to avoid having to cut the weekend short. I do appreciate this is maybe a personal preference and others may find it less of an issue, but an orthopaedic mattress is very firm for regular use. While the property was clean, we did notice a lot of cobwebs on ceilings and light fittings. We also found the initial log and wood supply provided to be rather minimal, 5 sticks in the kitchen, 4 logs in the living room and a total of 2 matches felt deliberately stingy.
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Jean
Meeting up somewhere in the middle for our annual pre christmas break. What a marvelous find this was. This is a lovely cottage, quite remote, (make sure you take what you need with you, you arent popping out to the shop f you forget anything. ) there is a well stocked village shop a few miles away in the nearest village, The cottage is surrounded by stunning views cosy, yet spacious. and exceptionally clean and well equipped to a high standard . One point to highlight , the beds have orthopaedic mattress, very firm, if you like a soft mattress you may struggle. We were contacted by our hosts two days before travelling , with detailed direction on how to get there. Key safe numbers etc. Our queries were promptly responded to. You do indeed (as advised) need your wellies if it is wet weather, opening gates (two) to get from the road, through the sheep field , to reach the cottage, not digfficult to do, the men sat in the cars while the women opened the gates, in the rain... the courtyard is well contained and was well suited to our small dog. (Lots of walks in the area). The weather wasn't great , to be expected at this time of the year, but the warm welcome from our hosts, cosy cottage open fires and good company made for a great long weekend break. Would highly recommend. We plan to return.
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Claire
Our booking was most definitely forgotten. The directions to get to The Folly from Belsay were poor, on the basis that the 'burn' we are told to turn left after, is really hard to notice, and actually, when you miss it, and follow the directions from the next obvious, 2nd burn, you end up in another property. It took us a while to find the property, only with the help of a local resident, who advised us of the phantom burn used in directions. If you go over a little bridge and swing to the left..you need to turn around. Once we found the entrance gate, with the tiniest signs possible, the lane was easy to navigate, and the cows and sheep were very welcoming and amicable. The key safe was very, very difficult to find. I know other guests have mentioned it was difficult for 'oldies', but actually no, its hard for anyone. It is small, disguised amongst fuse/socket boxes, and in the darkest corner of a brick shed,..oh, and black, not even where the diminishing light can fall...check in from 3:30pm, not 3pm! Had it been any darker, we would not have found it. (Once it was located, even in the daylight as we left, the phone torches had to be used to put in codes) It was during this search that we found the log shed, of which the door could not be opened fully to get logs. Not that it mattered for us, as we had forgotten to bring matches, and the only provision made for us was an empty box. The log baskets had not been replenished either. Confirming that the booking was forgotten. On our second evening, the electricty went off. It came back on again, 30 seconds later, and then back off again. This on and off lasted a couple of minutes, and then it just went off. It was just as night was falling. We anticpated an evening of no heat source, and so after contacting the owners, we decided it was better to pack and leave for home. The owners said it was a power cut, which, after experiencing these before, and managing with 5 small children, we found it to be an odd, and somewhat patronising explanation. Had we been prepared for the possibilty, we would have coped...TAKE MATCHES!! It was then that the electricity came back on, but our trust in the property was now completely gone, and the lack of care to ensure we were okay during the aleged power cut was actually alarmingly rude. It turned the the whole break into a farse. The Folly is beautiful. It is well decorated with gorgeous facbrics and adequate furniture. The garden is enclosed, however the yard at the back of the house does have a gate which requires supervision of determined escapees...children or doggos. We were not aware of outside games area? and parking is generous. The box room which is described as suitable for a cot bed or the zbed provided is actually a through room to the bathroom, and so would really only be suitable for really small children. The 'welcome pack' folder itemises all kitchen utensils, however some of these are still missing, which makes you feel guilty to be honest. As a property and location, The Folly is gorgeous, and comfortable, just be aware of the difficulties we've mentioned, be fully prepared, and it should be a good time. Oh, and maybe take wellies for the opening of the gates.....