I had decided to go North this year, instead of heading to Cornwall to celebrate my birthday week. Just for a change. It was actually to avoid the school holiday traffic that we didn’t choose the south this time.
I have never been to Northumberland before, but we knew we could find a perfect and relaxing escape from the city spot. Our accommodation was a little Bothy in Longframlington, a hamlet in the proximity of the village of Rothbury.
As part of a little farm by a quiet country lane, this self-catering cottage was modernised without losing the rustic features of the property itself. It was perfect for a long stroll.
And it fits perfectly with the scenery with the animals from the farm as our “company” every single day. Horses, dogs, chickens, and cats gave our holiday the true spirit of being out of the city.
Staying in an isolated cottage requires having your own transport and bringing food. But I can guarantee that being next to Rothbury made all the difference when we needed some extra bits. There is plenty of food shops, pubs, a butcher, a bakery, and even a fish and chip shop in the village.
The meaning of Bothy as a small cottage that used to be shelter and basic accommodations in secluded spaces had to be revised in the case of this property.
This Bothy was bigger than expected inside. We found a well-equipped kitchen with some essential utensils and even a mini freezer, just in case, you will stay for a long period there.
We cooked most of the whole week there and it was just cool to know we could count on local food available around. We appreciate the treats provided for Marianne, like a bottle of prosecco and fresh flowers in a nice welcoming package. Some little details that always make a difference in your stay.
The bedroom was one of the cosiest I have ever slept in. With a very comfy king-sized bed and some extra blankets and duvets for colder nights. The selection of books available to the guests is a real joy. You can’t go wrong with Gabriel Garcia Márquez.
The location is quiet as you can imagine and the only noise around came from the sheep and the horses when being fed. The tranquillity is guaranteed in this Bothy. And during the pitch-black nights, it was possible to have a great view of stars in the sky in the garden outside the property. The charming garden was also used as our breakfast lounge.
TV and wifi were provided on the property. But there is so much to be done in Northumberland itself that these are not going to be the first option of entertainment in the location. The footpaths around were inviting and we made the most of our usual countryside walks.
The bathroom had an internal heating system that worked pretty well at night. I imagine it is really useful in the winter when the temperatures drop considerably in that part of the UK. The shower worked perfectly for hot or cold days, just the way you expected after a long day of sightseeing.
The Bothy was a pristine, warm, and extremely comfortable place to stay for a week. And the sunset views we could catch during the whole week were just a bonus. I do recommend the Bothy for couples that are looking for a super remote location with a little bit of comfort. Plus, it is really cheap accommodation with a flexible check-out time.
