Meets luxury living
There’s something particularly special about that peaceful pocket of the North East where Northumberland meets County Durham.
It’s an unspoilt county border, one where beauty spots are etched with centuries of Anglo-Saxon and Roman history and the ebb and flow of the River Derwent, making it an ideal part of the great British countryside to escape the hustle and bustle of city living.
Just north of that border, a short drive from Blanchland, Corbridge and Shotley Bridge lies Newlands Lodges, named after the nearby hamlet in this secluded corner of south Northumberland.
A cluster of six lodges, each named after trees, it’s set on a private 300-acre family estate where you can really switch off from the outside world.
Here’s what to expect if you’re looking for some staycation inspiration.
An avenue of towering trees leads to the Lodges, which are all really well spaced out on their own plots with their own parking areas – the beauty of having plenty of land to play with.
The location makes it an ideal stepping stone for active pursuits, such as walking the many footpaths of Northumberland – or just walking the paths in the lodges’ private forest – getting in the saddle to explore the nearby Kielder and Hamsterley forests and Chopwell Woods and the outdoor pursuits offered up at Derwent Water and Slaley or a wander round the picturesque villages and market towns dotted about nearby.
However, the lodges are so picturesque themselves, you may just want to hole up and enjoy the luxury.
Whether it’s a couple after a romantic getaway or a family after a holiday in the great outdoors, there’s a choice of six selfcatering lodges, from those sleeping two to the two family lodges which sleep up to eight people.
Each have their own style cues, from the very on trend black and grey accents of Blackthorn Lodge to the gleaming white and gold of Willow Lodge.
We stayed in Olive Lodge, all soothing teal blue hues and copper fittings.
I’ve stayed in couples lodges before where you couldn’t swing a cat. Not that I want to swing a cat, but I do want enough space to truly recline and relax.
The couples lodges here are vast for two people, spread over three indoor living areas.
There’s an open plan kitchen and living area with smart TV, free Satellite broadband and wifi and a very well-equipped kitchen indeed, down to the piri piri sauce and a nifty mini handheld hoover ideal for crumbs.
This leads to a dining area with tranquil views of the forest to enjoy whilst you dine and through to the pièce de résistance: the bedroom.
It’s a beautifully serene space, all high ceilings and panoramic windows that bring the outside in.
There’s been great attention to detail in the design, from lighting strips in the distressed blue headboard, that really come into their own at dusk, a huge walk in shower that makes great use of the space behind said headboard to the freestanding copper bath, stylish make up station and remote-controlled blinds.
It’s an elegance that flows through to the separate ensuite.
And it doesn’t stop there: the lodges also have their own outdoor areas and patios. As an added bonus, couples lodges have