This detached barn conversion, adjacent to the owner’s home, is located just outside the lovely conservation village of Fordyce, 1½ miles from the Moray coast. A magical place, the village is a warren of narrow streets and beautiful houses still following a medieval plan, and all wrapped around a magnificent centrepiece, Fordyce Castle, simply sitting on a bend in the village street. The holiday cottage is very spacious, comfortable and warm, and takes advantage of the panoramic views of both sea and countryside, with the arched French doors in the living room leading to a sunny sitting-out area at the front. Set within 1 acre of private grounds with dedicated guest outside area with garden furniture and BBQ available.

Fordyce also offers an attractive park opposite the old kirkyard as well as a Victorian garden. The sandy beach at Sandend is a quick drive or a 45-minute walk from the cottage, where local fish can be bought and surfers enjoy the waves. Good coastal walks abound through the old fishing villages of Portsoy and Cullen, or alternatively travel inland through castle and whisky country. There are plenty of golf courses in the vicinity, and the variety of bird and wildlife both onshore and off will please the keen nature lover. Shop, pub and restaurant 2½ miles.

Buttercup Lodge is a charming little lodge, ideal for couples, with uninterrupted views across open fields towards Warkworth Castle. Set in the owners’ grounds, this detached lodge with a large enclosed garden and secluded patio sitting-area with chimnea to the front, is a lovely spot to relax after a day’s exploring. In a peaceful location only 2 miles from Amble, it is an ideal base from which to explore the many visitor attractions throughout this friendly and unspoilt county. Amble, reputedly ’the friendliest port’, has a working harbour with boat trips to Coquet Island, a sandy beach and a bustling Sunday market with some excellent seafood eateries and fish and chip shops. A short drive takes you to the popular Druridge Bay Nature Resort. This ideally located holiday home offers a superb base from which to explore the magnificent Heritage Coast, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit Craster, famous for its smoked kippers and glorious walk along the cliff-top to Dunstanburgh Castle. It is only a few miles from Alnwick, with its famous castle used in Harry Potter and in Downton Abbey. A great central base from which to explore the whole of this unspoilt county from Hadrian’s Wall to the National Park and back to the coast again. Shop, pub and restaurant 2 miles

This semi-detached, period holiday cottage is a haven of peace and tranquillity, set in 6 acres of private woodlands and is just a stone’s throw away from the town of Newcastle Emlyn, famous for its 13th-century castle and traditional Welsh pubs and restaurants. Explore the Brecon Beacons National Park and other attractions including Dynevor and Dryslwyn and the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Shop, pub and restaurant ½ mile.

Hazel Grove House is a wonderful Georgian residence, originally a farmhouse, which has benefited from extensive upgrading. Notable changes were made by a gentleman doctor owner in the 1840s, and full renovation by the current owner, who lives in an adjoining cottage, means that the property offers an excellent level of comfort and facilities. Spacious and well-presented living spaces provide families and groups the flexibility to spread out a little and utilise the space to their own requirements. The kitchen flows beautifully into the dining area, sure to be a hub for socialising and enjoying time shared around the table. The more formal drawing room is complemented by the cosy snug, complete with a decorative wood-burning stove for cosy evenings in, and the additional relaxation area on the top floor allows guests a separate TV or quiet area. The generous bedrooms are beautifully presented and benefit from bathroom facilities for each room. Guests will no doubt appreciate the convenience of such an arrangement when holidaying in larger numbers.
Whilst first impressions portray a grand country residence with a formal frontage, the charm of the original farmhouse remains, giving a homely and comfortable feel to this spacious property. Sitting in 2 acres and tucked away in countryside on the edge of the Lakes, this fabulous holiday property has a lot to offer families and groups of friends looking for a high standard of accommodation in a most convenient location.
The delightful formal gardens, with year-round interest, are a joy to wander around, being well stocked with a variety of colourful and scented plants. Nature lovers will delight in the regular visits to the gardens of the roe deer and fallow deer which inhabit the surrounding fields, as well as hedgehogs, frogs, toads, a green woodpecker, curlews, herons, pheasants and owls. A short drive away in the Silverdale and Arnside Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you can explore the Leighton Moss RSPB Centre great for nature lovers.
Hazel Grove House offers an ideal location from which to explore a choice of popular destinations within a 30-minute drive, including The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. The popular market towns of Kendal and Kirkby Lonsdale are both well worth a visit, offering a selection of cafés, bars and restaurants for all tastes and occasions, along with a good mix of independent traders and popular stores. For those drawn to the coast, the Kent Estuary and Morecambe Bay are within easy reach, and walkers and cyclists will enjoy the routes available for all abilities. Inland, Farleton Knott is a popular local attraction and visible from the gardens, and from here and neighbouring Hutton Roof Crags, the Lake District Fells across Morecambe Bay can be seen, as well as the Howgill Fells and Middleton Fells in the Yorkshire Dales, together with the moors of Bowland Forest. Farleton Knott has some of the best-preserved limestone pavements in Britain and is a designated SSSI. Beach 4 miles. Shop 500 yards, pub 1 mile, restaurant 2 miles.

Dating back to the 17th Century and surrounded by open countryside, this detached farmhouse nestles on a 400-acre family-run working farm, with cattle, sheep and chickens, and where a warm welcome is assured. Trowley Farmhouse is situated in a tranquil, unspoilt location at the end of a private lane. Ideal for getting friends and families together, there is space to socialise with two lounges and a large farmhouse-style kitchen. There is also a private garden and nearby orchards and fields to have fun in or to simply relax. Stepping into the flagged stone entrance porch and through the grand oak door into the panelled hallway, you will get a sense of the history of this wonderful house. With oak beams, thick stone walls and original bread oven in the kitchen, the property retains much of the character of the original building, whilst every modern convenience is provided to make your stay comfortable whatever the season. On chillier evenings, the wood burner and open fire will provide the focal point for cosy nights in. Enjoy extensive views of the Begwn Hills and the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons, along with woodland and wildlife. The owners are happy to offer farm tours subject to availability.


The location is a must for nature lovers with red kites and buzzards often spotted, and up on Painscastle common, just a 20-minute walk, there are red grouse and curlews. Nearby is Rhosgoch Bog, a conservation area perfect for birdwatchers. At the highest point, known as the ‘Roundabout’ on the Begwn Hills, there are spectacular views and you can see seven counties on a clear day. The nearby town of Hay-on-Wye, famous for having close to 40 book shops, has plenty to keep you busy and one visit just isn’t enough. There are characterful antique shops and cafés, as well as many shops for those looking to discover a rare edition or bygone childhood book. Explore the atmospheric ruins of nearby Llanthony Priory, an early 13th Century Augustinian church which is open all year and entrance is free. Apart from being home to the internationally famous Royal Welsh Show, along with a host of other events, nearby Builth Wells offers everything from sports and leisure facilities, to an 18 hole golf course, pony trekking and renowned angling spots. The red kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm offers the opportunity to come in close contact with these rare and magnificent birds on a daily basis.