Guests say
The Old School House is a cosy and peaceful cottage, appreciated for its rustic charm, lovely garden, and wildlife. Guests enjoyed the bird feeding window, the wood-burner, and the thoughtful welcome pack. The location is convenient for walks and exploring Northumbria. Some concerns were raised about cleanliness and maintenance.
Most guests found the main areas clean and comfortable. However, a few noted that certain aspects, such as trays and shelves, appeared neglected, suggesting a need for a more thorough cleaning.
The cottage's location is highly praised for its convenience to the A68, proximity to Kielder, and easy access to Northumbria. The mature garden and surrounding wildlife add to the charm, though some found the approach overgrown.
Guests described their stay as comfortable, warm, and cosy, with a restorative atmosphere. The presence of a wood-burner contributed to the cosiness, although there were comments about uncomfortable beds and a cold bathroom.
The property is well-appointed with games, bird watching facilities, and a log burner. However, there were mentions of misrepresentation regarding wifi and concerns about water quality, as well as suggestions for improvement in kitchenware cleanliness.
The owners' thoughtfulness is evident from the welcome pack and note left for guests, as well as the provision of bird food and walking maps. While such gestures are appreciated, future guests should note that specific offerings may vary.
About this property
Resting in a beautiful, bucolic location in Northumberland National Park near to Rochester The Old School House offers traditional accommodation bursting with original features and is the perfect place for a memorable family holiday. Inside, the rustic sitting room has exposed stone walls, traditional wood ceiling beams and an original feature fireplace complete with woodburning stove, which all add up to make a really welcoming space. Step into the country kitchen, which has an attractive range cooker for a really rustic vibe. The dining table and chairs are all ready for guests to gather and tuck into hearty food together and enjoy many happy holiday hours. If the sun is shining, then get yourself outside into the delightful gardens with the lush forests of the national park providing a beautiful backdrop. You can really be at one with nature here and relax in the tranquil rural surroundings. All that fresh air will no doubt have tired everyone out, so choose from a double or a twin bedroom; both offering a calming space in which to rest your weary heads. Waking up in the morning at The Old School House is a delight, with the sights, sounds and smells of the forest having a truly rejuvenating effect on guests. You couldn’t ask for a better location for exploring the wonders of Northumberland National Park with hikes, trails and walks aplenty. Just a short drive away is the attractive town of Otterburn home to Otterburn Mill which boasts a rich and vibrant past. Bellingham is also nearby and is well worth a visit as are the stately homes of Wallington Hall and Cragside. Alnwick is not far where you will find a stunning castle and gardens, the setting for Hogwarts School as featured in the Harry Potter films. The town also has a good selection of shops and amenities as well as miles of beaches to explore. The Old School House offers guests the best of both worlds; a rural idyll yet close to the vibrant and stunning Northumberland coast.
The historical little village of Rochester, which dates back to Roman times, sits in the heart of the Northumberland National Park, just ten miles from the border with Scotland at Carter Bar. This area was set at the very edge of the Roman Empire and the remains of the fort of Bremenium, built to protect the important road of Dere Street, form part of the village green. Rochester is surrounded by stunning rolling hills and moorland, and lies close to the banks of the River Rede, offering some of the best salmon and trout fishing in England. Visitors will find a good local pub and restaurant, The Redesdale Arms, and what is affectionately known as The Last Café in England, The Camien. There are endless opportunities for walking and cycling from the village, whilst watersports including canoeing, sailing and water skiing can all be enjoyed at nearby Keilder Water. Five miles south lies Otterburn, the former home of a busy weaving industry, and the popular attraction of Otterburn Mill marks the village's historic past. Nearby Bellingham, built predominantly from local stone and slate, houses a handful of shops, pubs and tea rooms and a highly-regarded 18-hole golf course. Visit the majestic stately homes of Wallington Hall and Cragside, or the significant market town of Alnwick, with its stunning castle and gardens, which can be found in just under an hour’s drive should you fancy a day trip. Rochester is a superb location for a relaxing holiday all year round.
Accommodation
Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin.
Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Kitchen/diner.
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil fired Rayburn.
Range oven, electric oven, grill and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer.
TV/DVD player.
Fuel and power included in rent.
Bed linen included in rent.
Ample off-road parking.
Enclosed gardens, patio, patio furniture, storage for 2 bikes.
Three well-behaved dogs welcome.
Sorry, no smoking.
Shop 10.3 miles, pub 5 miles.
Note: Logs for woodburning stove provided.
Note: Both bedrooms are under roof eaves so have restricted headroom.
Note: There is a refundable security deposit of £100 to pay.
Note: This property does NOT offer Wifi.
Note: This property does not provide towels.
Nearby points of interest
- Kielder Observatory
Reviews (12)
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Kate
The cottage feel likes a proper home, not just a holiday rental - we were greeted with gifts of fresh ground coffee, bread, milk, posh biscuits and real butter; there were books, games, DVDs, CDs, a bird feeder with refills, and bird logbook - and what a selection of feathered friends you'll see. Could have happily watched them all day. The Old School House is indeed on the Pennine Way (as advertised!) so we only needed to walk out the front door and head up the hill behind the house for a splendid forest walk - delightful even on the rather drizzly day we opted for (we visited in October). The location is incredible, very secluded and surrounded by pristine forest (the lichen everywhere tells you how clean that air is). You can hear the occasional car or lorry on the road that passe through Redesdale, linking England and Scotland, but it's muffled by trees and didn't disturb us, whether we were snuggling up in our cosy attic bedroom, enjoying leisurely meals in the spacious traditional kitchen, watching movies on the squashy sofas in the sitting room, or enjoying a glass or two while gazing at the night sky in the beautiful back garden. This area is rightly famed for its Dark Skies, and I can definitely recommend a trip up to Kielder Observatory. Closer to home, you've got Forest Drive, England's highest forest road, I believe, leading to the amazing Blakehope Nick, plus the waterfall Hindhope Linn... and much, much more. A wonderful and memorable trip. Do hope we get a chance to return one day soon.
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Gillian
The outside was very overgrown. It was cold getting out of the shower. Maybe an electric heater in there when the Rayburn is off. Some of the pots and pans were dirty so didnât want to use. Maybe a what 3 words would help to find the property. Overall a good holiday. Thanks
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Paula
Enclosed small garden great for the dogs. Beautiful location, great near walks and stunning scenery, our dogs loved it right next to the forest. Lovely pub 10 minutes drive away with lovely food Redesdale Arms.