The Hemmel Branxton

The Hemmel is just outside Branxton, near Cornhill-on-Tweed. That's right on the edge of Northumberland, so Scotland is basically over the back fence. It's part of a converted farm building, semi-detached to its sister cottage, The Granary.

It's got two bedrooms and sleeps four. The place feels solid, lots of stone and wood. The main bedroom has a four-poster bed and an en-suite shower you could have a party in, it's that big. The second room has two single beds that can zip together into a huge double if you prefer.

Inside is mostly open plan. Big patio doors and skylights, so it’s bright. You get your own enclosed garden out the back. The owners live on site and have some alpacas and sheep, including one called Nigel. He’s a character.

The rating is 4 Star. It has things like a woodburning stove, dishwasher, wifi, and parking. It's also wheelchair accessible at the entrance. They allow two well-behaved dogs.

Location wise, you're in the countryside but not far from things. Holy Island and Bamburgh Castle are about twenty minutes by car. The coast at Goswick or Berwick is the same. For a bigger day out, Alnwick Castle is under half an hour. The River Tweed is close if you fish.

Useful links for planning: Northumberland National Park and National Trust North East.