The Coach House

The collective name for this holiday accommodation is 'Stay on the Hill', which sums up perfectly the location of this collection of cottages on a private estate in a lofty location in the Tyne Valley, overlooking the big skies and glorious countryside of Northumberland. Location aside, though, the Coach House is a little bit different from its sister properties of Laverick Cottage and The Bothy in that it's not self-catering but simply offers four beautifully furnished and decorated bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms – ideal if you're a couple looking for a base for exploring this part of the country and are keen to discover brilliant pubs and restaurants in the local towns and villages.

Each of the four rooms has a Smart TV and DVD player, good wifi and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Beds are comfortable and generous sizes, and come with Egyptian cotton sheets and soft pillows; bathrooms have large fluffy towels and good quality toiletries.  Otherwise, each room is different: two have king-size beds and bathroom with a bath and shower combined; another is a twin with room for a cot if necessary, while the final room has a king-size bed and a small en-suite bathroom with shower only.

For groups of eight or more, a full catering service including breakfast can be provided. Private lunches and dinner parties are also possible and quoted on an individual basis. Otherwise, you can enjoy breakfast and other meals at the Boatside Inn, just down the road, setting you up to explore the many nearby sights – from Hadrian's Wall and the Roman site of Vindolanda to Kielder Forest and the Northumberland National Park. Or just try one of the many walks on your doorstep. The regional centre of Hexham is a short drive away, and there are some terrific country pubs to enjoy too – the Red Lion in Newbrough, which serves great food and local ales, the excellent Angel at Corbridge, and even a superb fine-dining restaurant – Hjem, in Wall.