The Bastle | A romantic Northumbrian fortified Tudor farmhouse near Hexham

This is a gorgeous, snug retreat for couples who want their own little space away from the world, in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. The Bastle is a Grade II listed, fortified farmhouse built in Tudor times, with a whole bunch of character and no luxury spared. You can find it close to the market town of Hexham, and Newcastle, Carlisle, some stunning coastline or even the Lake District are all within easy reach.

From the French word “Bastille”, a bastle provided a strong, fortified building for the protection of valuable livestock, horses and people during the troublesome times. Now, this building is a retreat for romantic couples seeking a charismatic getaway spot with modern luxury and 400 years of history.

The Bastle is impeccably presented with under floor heating on the ground floor, with internal stone walls, old beams and reopened fireplaces of yesteryear, all brought back to life with a decorating flourish.

Step inside the original 16th century ground floor and kick back on its comfortable sofa and chairs. Light the wood burning stove for chilly evenings, close the shutters and enjoy the atmosphere. Upstairs there are two bedrooms and bathroom, each with that super comfy rustic vibe.

The Fox Room has a kingsize bed under old beams, with stone walls, while The Hare Room has twin beds and the original fitted Victorian wardrobe. The modern bathroom has a deep bath, a huge chandelier and walls reaching up to the rafters.

Enjoy a comfortable meal at the refectory style table in front of the old farmhouse fireplace with brick bread oven. The original bastle doorway and slab floor can still be seen at the back of the fireplace.

The Bastle kitchen has views over the courtyard and a stable door leading onto a raised, glass and timber deck, where you can dine alfresco when the weather is fine.

This accommodation is pet friendly and one well behaved dog by arrangement is welcome to explore the footpaths, roads and river nearby.

While you are staying at The Bastle, you are in a great spot to explore the Northumberland countryside – we recommend walks round Allen Banks nearby, just for starters. Beltingham is a very pretty small village, boasting three ancient yew trees, reportedly over 900 years old. Nearby there is a choice of character market towns with restaurants, shops and galleries. Popular days out include Hadrian’s Wall, Alnwick Castle and the beautiful Cheviot Hills.

The owners recommend a trip to the Farne Islands with its impressive seabird colony including around 37,000 pairs of puffin as well as great views of the grey seal colony with more than 1,000 pups born every autumn. It was from here that in the 1800’s Grace Darling, the daughter of the Longstone lighthouse keeper heroically saved crew and passengers from a shipwrecked steamboat. You can now relive this romantic story in the Grace Darling museum in Bamburgh.

While in the area make sure you visit Lindisfarne Castle, a romantic picture-perfect 16th-century castle with spectacular views. The castle was renovated by Arts and Crafts architect Edwin Lutyens and during the same period Gertrude Jekyll created a magical walled garden. Stay ‘over the tide’ and feel the true isolation of Holy Island – a truly romantic day out.

This property is no longer available on our site but please click on the link below to see some very similar romantic holiday cottages in Hexham with our partner HolidayCottages.co.uk.