This terraced family home on a quiet street in Belford sits next to an AONB, is a couple of miles from the coast and is an excellent choice for a family holiday, a break with friends or colleagues, and two well-behaved dogs.
Its central location in this charming Northumbrian town gives easy access to the local pubs, shops and warm hospitality. At the same time, the secluded back garden allows for private al fresco dining at any time of the day or evening.
Take your pick of the heritage landmark historic castles, the beautiful Scottish borders, Cheviot Hills, two national parks and a world-famous bird colony.
Sleeping four upstairs in one double and one twin bedroom, a spacious bathroom with shower over bath, wash hand basin and WC.
Directly through the front door is a stylish, carpeted, roomy and naturally lit living area with two big leather sofas, around a coffee table and rug, with the big flat screen tv in front of the window.
Through the knocked-out wall is the kitchen diner, with a fully fitted modern kitchen and dining suite, leading to the smart conservatory for chillier weather, and its French doors opening out onto the private garden, itself a sun trap at the right time of day and year.
Belford is a historic market town on the Great North Road, about 20km south of Berwick upon Tweed in the Northumbrian borders. Start the day off in the garden or conservatory, pop into the village for some provisions courtesy of the local farms and fishermen. Spend some time at Belford Hall, the 18th Century (quite new for this part of the world) Grade I listed building in acres of sculpted grounds, perfect for stretching human and canine legs.
An easily manageable walk or very short drive eastwards is the Northumberland Coast AONB, which has 43km of clifftop walks and sandy beaches. Bamburgh Castle and lighthouse are the nearest landmarks, and Holy Island is just to the north; check the tides before setting out on the causeway. As well as its castle and priory, the island is home to the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve, home to migratory birds and rare wildlife. To the south is Seahouses, from where there are boat tours to the Farne Islands, home of a spectacular puffin colony.
To the west of Belford lie the Cheviot Hills, home of the Northumberland National Park and the furthest northern section of the Pennine Way, which ends just across the border at Kirk Yetholm. There are hundreds of miles of challenging paths to explore, historical sites including Flodden, plus rugged border towns like Roxburgh and Jedburgh for any refreshments and supplies you might need along the way. The river Tweed dominates the landscape, and Berwick sits high over it as it enters the North Sea, with its own history and stunning views to enjoy.
Beggars Den in Belford has a lot to offer the family or group of pals with a couple of energetic dogs along for a healthy holiday. It is a genuine family home rather than a conversion, so you’ll feel comfortable walking through the front door. Drop your bags in the bedrooms, maybe freshen up in the shower and stretch out on the big leather sofas in a comfy, carpeted living room naturally lit through big windows and spaces, head through the kitchen to the conservatory or keep going through the French doors into the secluded back garden.
Make the most of Belford, an old town with everything the modern, dog-owning visitor needs, and take your choice of the local attractions on offer. There is a heady mix of nature reserves, clifftop walks and sandy beaches to explore, all right on the doorstep. It’s hard to escape history in this area. Those with an interest will spend hours at Bamburgh and Lindisfarne castles, possibly fortified by the mead still made under licence from the island’s monastery.
Explore the England – Scotland border on either or both sides, not forgetting to sample the local produce and hospitality on offer all around. Head back home for drinks or a quiet supper in the garden or conservatory in your own home from home in Northumberland.
