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The Keeper's Hideaway

Bardon Mill, near Hexham, Northumberland
Sleeps 4
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
Dogs welcome 2
4 star
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Family friendly
Quirky
Internet access
Working farm
EV Charging
Open fire / wood burner
Enclosed garden / patio
Downstairs bedroom
Downstairs bathroom
13 more

At a glance

  • A cosy cottage close to Hadrian’s Wall and a beautiful lake where you can see birds and other wildlife
  • Draw the curtains and put a log on the wood burner or make use of the underfloor heating
  • Extend your days outdoors by dining alfresco by the fire pit and playing giant chess on the grass
Property code: OC-88032

This converted gamekeeper's cottage sits within 100 acres of peaceful countryside on a working farm, offering a tranquil rural retreat. You'll enjoy woodland views with plenty of birds and wildlife, making it ideal for couples or small families looking for a holiday getaway with opportunities for relaxation and exploration. The accommodation fits up to four people and welcomes two dogs. It's less than 2 miles from Hadrian's Wall, with Steel Rigg and Crag Lough within easy reach for history enthusiasts. The Roman forts at Vindolanda and Housesteads are nearby, while The Sill National Landscape Centre offers coffee and interesting exhibitions. Hexham, with its riverside walks and Abbey, is within easy reach, while Newcastle and Carlisle are just over 30 miles away. The holiday property is in Northumberland's International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.

Inside, you'll find an open-plan lounge, kitchen, and dining area with underfloor heating from the biomass boiler. Oak flooring, high ceilings, and exposed beams add charm to this rural accommodation, along with a wood burner for cosy evenings. Two sofas provide comfortable seating while watching the Smart TV. The well-appointed kitchen boasts everything needed for cooking up Northumberland feasts, while the dining table sits close to the fire and comfortably seats four. A utility/boot room contains a countertop freezer and washer/dryer for added convenience. The downstairs bedroom features a four-poster super-king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, and the first-floor bedrooms nestles under the eaves with a super-king-size bed that converts to twins on request – its en-suite bathroom with a whirlpool bath and separate shower completes the interior.

The garden area of this welcoming home has a table and chairs for al fresco dining, plus a fire pit for memorable evenings spent toasting marshmallows. A raised picnic bench looks out to the lake through the trees, offering a good spot for stargazing. Guests can explore the owners' gardens and play giant chess. Four electric bikes are on-site for exploring the area. The garden is not enclosed, and dogs should be kept on leads near the house due to the peacocks and hens that roam freely. There's off-road parking for two cars, while a bike store is also provided.

  • 2 bedrooms 1 super-king-size and 1 super-king-size zip-and-link bed (which can be made up as two single beds on request).
  • 2 bathrooms - 1 en-suite bathroom with bath and WC, 1 en-suite bathroom with whirlpool bath, separate shower cubicle, and WC
  • Electric oven and hob, fridge with icebox, coffee machine, microwave, and dishwasher
  • Utility with small freezer, washer/dryer
  • Underfloor heating from the biomass boiler
  • Wood burner in the lounge (logs provided)
  • Fibre broadband, offering reliable and fast connection
  • Smart TV/DVD
  • Travel cot, highchair, and stairgate available
  • Garden with furniture (not enclosed)
  • Firepit
  • Electric vehicle charging on site
  • Dog owners are asked to keep dogs on a lead close to the house and in the shared garden areas due to peacocks and hens roaming freely
  • Bike store
  • Electric bike hire available
  • Off-road parking for 2 cars
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Pub and restaurant 4 miles, supermarket 5.5 miles
  • Electric vehicle charging on site
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • 2 dogs allowed. Additional charges may apply

Laura Watts

This property is personally managed by Laura.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 15 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 starsOverall cleanliness 4.8 stars4.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 starsOverall equipment 4.5 stars4.5
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 starsOverall comfort 4.8 stars4.8
Overall location
Overall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 starsOverall location 4.8 stars4.8

Reviewed by Elizabeth 30th May 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

This cottage is in a great location and away from the hustle and bustle. There were lovely little welcoming touches and both hosts were friendly but not in your face. The grounds outside the cottage are beautiful and it is a lovely place to sit outside - we were very lucky to have amazing weather as well. It is mostly peaceful but the peacocks caRead moren be rather loud, which isnt a problem apart from when they start at 4am as it becomes light. They are beautiful however and come to ask for the peanuts that are provided for them. The sitting room/dining area/ kitchen area is compact as another guest noted but the space has been so cleverly used it wasnt a problem. We managed to cook a variety of meals with meat from a local farm shop with no problems. The four poster bed was very comfortable and the bath in that en-suite was amazing - especially as I havent been able to have one at home due to a knee replacement. The cottage was in a great location for visiting a wide variety of places as it was only half an hour to an hour from most places. It is definitely a forgotten corner and the perfect place to switch off. Thank you for letting us stay. Hide

Reviewed by Trevor 2nd May 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

This was a great place to stay for two couples. The owners were very pleasant and produced a marvellous cake and since we were walking on the Reivers Way the location was ideal.

Reviewed by John 12th September 2025

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Reviewed by Alison 29th August 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The cottage is situated in a beautiful part of the country. It is nicely furnished and very cosy. There is unlimited hot water which is very much appreciated after a long day walking. Tall people beware as the height in the upstairs bedroom is quite challenging in parts. I am a shortie so it was not an issue! The space is quite compact so cooking iRead mores a bit of a juggling act even though the kitchen space is nicely fitted out. The farm has a fine selection of birds and beasts, nice peacocks! Hide

Reviewed by Christine 8th August 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

What a fabulous cottage! It is remote but also really near the main attractions on Hadrians wall. Pubs, shops all easily accessible by car. We were delighted by the birds - feeding peacocks, and daily inspections by the ducks, chickens and guinea fowl. There really are emus too. Native wildlife too.Beds are super comfortable, kitchen well equipped,Read more lots of eco friendly products as well. The cottage is finished to a very high standard. Fast internet too. Hide

Reviewed by Mick 11th July 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Ideal position to enjoy all the attractions in Northumberland . A nice quiet location off the beaten track.

Reviewed by Oliver 16th May 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by Rebecca 18th April 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

The cottage is in a beautiful location and very comfortable. It is quite remote however and accessed by a single track farm road with free roaming animals, and the cottage is on a farm with quite noisy peacocks. The owners were very friendly

Reviewed by Sarah 11th April 2025

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Absolutely beautiful surroundings and a lovely cozy, comfortable place to stay! We loved all the wildlife, animals / birds at the property - it was a real novelty for us to feed the peacocks close up. And the lovely welcoming gifts such as the cake (delicious!) and dog treats / peanuts for the birds was a nice touch and much appreciated. Would highRead morely recommend - especially for dark sky enthusiasts! Hide

Reviewed by Rebekah 4th April 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Lovely and comfortable, in a great location with many options for walks, some from the cottage door.

Reviewed by Jane 21st March 2025

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

If you are done with peopling and prefer the natural world then this is definitely the place for you! The cottage was excellent, comfortable and very clean. We loved our daily visits from the peacocks for their nuts. We had one small issue which was dealt with in a swift manner. No complaints apart from not being able to live there! Would highly reRead morecommend if you need peace, quite and bird song. We would absolutely return! Hide

Reviewed by Thomas 13th March 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

My partner and I had a lovely stay in the cottage - everything was great and well thought out...the wood burner was even lit for us ahead of our arrival. The location is stunning, set in lovely grounds and surrounding by wonderful countryside. Everything in the cottage worked well, the beds are huge and there are two great baths too. Wifi worked weRead morell which is good as we had no phone signal there. The grounds have chickens, ducks and peacocks which are lovely to have around. Highly recommend! Hide

Reviewed by Ceinwen 4th October 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

If you want a lovely place to chill out, this is it. Ideal for walking any part of Hadrian`s Wall, or touring further afield. Really warm cottage, no need to use the woodburner, although everything supplied to use it. Our dog quite enjoyed seeing the peacocks when they came round for their treats, which were also supplied. To be honest, couldn`t faRead moreult it at all, even a lovely cake to have on our arrival, thanks so much for a lovely break. Brian, Ceinwen and Poppy Hide

Reviewed by Christina 9th August 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

The cottage was wonderful, the location secluded and quiet, the wildlife was super and we relaxed in this beautiful place. So much to explore and help from hosts if needed. Cosy and warm throughout.

Reviewed by Anne 21st June 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Pleasant cottage attached to owners home, generous welcome pack. Big very comfortable beds. Lovely location, remote perfect for walking. Dogs allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times outside because there are 5 peacocks and various poultry roaming. If you like cooking your own food the kitchen maybe a little challenging because it is small bRead moreut we managed. Remember to pack insect repellent , midges. Overall we recommend staying at this cottage anytime of year. Hide

13 more
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Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Farm Holidays is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.