Holidays In History - Belsay Hall
Imagine living among the beautiful gardens and outstanding landscapes of Belsay Hall in Northumberland, as Sir Charles Monck and his family did almost 200 years ago.
Now holidaymakers can do just that as Field Hall Lodge, a 19th Century Grade II listed cottage in the tranquil setting of the grounds of Belsay Hall becomes available as a self-catering holiday cottage for the first time.
Designed by Sir Charles as a summerhouse, Field Hall Lodge echoes the Greek revival lines of the ‘big house’ on the brow of the hill. With its highly unusual pillars and porticos to the front, the cottage is like Belsay Hall itself in miniature, and the very pleasant lawned and tree-lined garden offers views over the fields to the hall.
The cottage is simply yet very comfortably furnished and sleeps six adults in two double bedrooms (one en suite) and a twin room, a spacious bathroom and a sunny cottage-style kitchen diner, fully equipped including dishwasher, washer/tumble dryer and microwave oven.
In the cosy lounge there’s an open fire in the lounge for those cooler nights (in addition to the oil-fired central heating), with a TV/DVD player and CD/DAB radio music system. And if they fancy an evening walk followed by a drink, The Highlander pub is less than a mile away.
Rob Flower, head of visitor operations for English Heritage in the North East, said: “Field Hall Lodge offers a unique setting for a holiday at the heart of this magnificent 19th Century family home and its superb grounds and gardens.
“The buildings being developed in this programme were formerly redundant and are being brought back into beneficial re-use, giving our visitors the chance to experience English Heritage properties in a completely unique way.”
Belsay Hall’s Field Hall Lodge is the sixth cottage to become available for hire, with further cottages located at the heart of English Heritage’s historic buildings and estates being added over the course of the year. There will be a total of 30 properties ready for rental by 2008.
Other English Heritage cottages currently available are the elegant four storey former residence of the Battery Sergeant Major of Dover Castle; Pavilion Cottage in the grounds of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight which was used as a cricket pavilion by the Royal Naval College; the Custodian’s House, perching on the ramparts of Pendennis Castle in Cornwall; Fort House at St Mawes Castle, also in Cornwall and Abbey Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire.
Reservations can be made by calling 0870 333 1187. Full details of the holiday cottages and prices can be accessed via www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages.
Email this to a friend