Hesleyside Huts

• Sleeps: 1-4 per unit
• Bedrooms: Varies
• Bathrooms: Varies
• Minimum stay: 2 nights

Utterly unique and absurdly magical, Hesleyside Huts occupies an other-worldly location in the heart of Northumberland National Park, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Featuring magnificent Capability Brown-designed parkland and gardens, the 4,000-acre Hesleyside Estate is also dreamily nestled underneath the Dark Skies Reserve, meaning on a clear night, you can actually cast your gaze over the Milky Way.

Better still, you’ll be bedding down in a haven that looks as though it’s been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale.

Home to the Border Reiver Charlton family for over 750 years, current estate owners Anna and William Charlton are passionate about sharing their beautiful surroundings with their guests and you may have spotted them in Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes on TV!

Having fallen in love with their little shepherd’s hut-on-wheels whilst on a working holiday in Patagonia, they decided to bring that same feeling of simple-yet-detail-oriented luxury to their own slice of rural paradise back home.

As such, guests can choose from three shepherd’s huts, two cabins, a treehouse, and a watchtower. Each uniquely crafted from reclaimed oak, and individually designed by Anna herself, the sumptuous retreats are dotted around the estate, and bordered by ancient, whispering sycamore trees.

Whichever you choose, there are full self-contained facilities that include a charming kitchen and a piping hot power-shower… with a freestanding or outdoor bath for an indulgent treat. You’ll also be provided with a ready supply of marshmallows to toast on your al fresco firepit; the perfect accompaniment to a star-sprinkled sky.

At a glance

• A sumptuous selection of uniquely-designed, individually-styled retreats, beautifully positioned on the 4,000-acre Hesleyside Estate, in the heart of Northumberland National Park.
• Choose from 3 shepherd’s huts, 2 cabins, a treehouse, and a pet-friendly watchtower, each lovingly crafted from reclaimed oak and featuring full kitchen and bathroom facilities.
• Each insulated retreat sleeps between 1-4 guests, making them ideal for couples, small families, and friends.
• Additional luxuries include a freestanding or outdoor bath, a telescope and binoculars to aid stargazing in the Dark Sky Reserve, and a supply of marshmallows to toast on your al fresco firepit.
• Walk or drive to the nearby town of Bellingham to stock up on supplies. There are lots of pubs, restaurants, and attractions in the surrounding area.

Features

• Dog Friendly
• Family Friendly

More information

Back inside, sheep’s-wool insulation and a soft-glowing woodburner will keep you perfectly toasty, and there’ll be a downy kingsize bed all ready and waiting to aid you into a sound, snuggly night’s sleep.

You’ll find each haven has its own intriguing story to tell, too.  Heather, an exquisite shepherd’s hut sleeping up to three guests, was once featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, while Holly is an incredible chapel-on-wheels that’s inspired by the story of Hansel and Gretel.

Skylark is a treehouse that boasts its own enchanting turret and treetop walkways, and Raven is a dog-friendly watchtower, its striking design borrowed from Northumberland’s majestic castles.

What to do once you’ve settled in is completely your choice. Perhaps you’ll take a peaceful turn around the estate, taking in the abundant charms of nature as you go.

Maybe you’ll hop in the car – or don your walking boots! – and head for the pretty town of Bellingham to stock up on supplies, or to sample the local pubs.

Or it could be that you’ll savour these precious moments of freedom from your ‘to-do’ list, as you prepare your stove-top kettle to boil, and get wonderfully lost in catch-up conversation with your loved one.

Things to note

Minimum stay 2 nights midweek, 3 nights on weekends. Check in on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 4pm, check out by 10am.  Dogs are regrettably not permitted except in Raven, for an additional charge. There are luxury kennels close by.