Hartleyburn Hall Halton Lea Gate

Hartleyburn Hall is in Halton Lea Gate, up in Northumberland near the Cumbria border. It's one big house for a lot of people. Honestly, it's huge.

It sleeps eighteen, officially. Seven bedrooms and six bathrooms. So everyone's not queuing. It’s got a 4 Star rating. It’s comfortable, not pristine.

It used to be the village shop. That part is now the main kitchen and dining area. It still feels a bit like an old shop in there, in a good way.

There are two kitchens and two living rooms. It gives you options if you've got a big group. One of the living rooms has a woodburner. The games room is in what was the garage. Table football, a pool table, that sort of thing.

The garden wraps around the house. It’s half an acre, so plenty of space. There’s a hot tub out there. It's got a patio and a BBQ.

Practical things: there's parking right there. Bedding and towels are included. There's a cot, highchair, and stairgate if you need them. Washing machine, dishwasher, WiFi.

The village is in the North Pennines. The North Pennines AONB website is good for walks. The Pennine Way is just east of the village. Lots of footpaths around.

The nearest shop and pub is about four miles away in Alston. Alston is England’s highest market town. It’s a proper little place with a narrow-gauge railway.

Within half an hour or so, you’ve got Hadrian’s Wall. National Trust sites along it are worth a visit. The RSPB Geltsdale reserve is nearby if you like birds. Hexham and its abbey are about a 40-minute drive. Carlisle is under an hour. Newcastle is about an hour if you want a city day.

No pets, sorry. The place is set up for big family gatherings, Christmas and the like.