6 Cosy Retreats with Log Burners for a Snuggly Autumn Break

Let these cottages with fires soothe your frazzled soul, recharge your batteries and warm your heart. If your toes are itching to escape, these Retreats may just be the place to pull on your big socks and hit the ‘out of office’.

Moo House, Tughall Steads near Newton

You can’t help but enter Moo House with a smile on your face. From the milk churn at the door to the cow wall art. It is the kind of place where you feel that all is right in the world (even when it isn’t!). The heart of this Retreat is its lounge with feature log burner, which makes a perfect spot for board games, late night chatting, movie watching, countryside gazing and a blissful night’s sleep. Normally it sleeps 12 but during the current COVID restrictions it is available for smaller parties at a reduced rate.

The Old Ale House, Dunstan near Craster

After a day of exploring the Craster coastline and the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, The Old Ale House lounge offers that extra slice of cosy that’ll have you reaching for your big socks, a good book and a night-time tipple. Its large inglenook fireplace with log burner envelopes the room while plantation shutters are great for keeping the warmth in. There’s also a range cooker for rustling up some one-pot dishes and a pub a short walk away should you wish to venture out.

Number Nine, County Durham

For countryside walks straight from the door, you can’t beat Number Nine. Located just 20 minutes’ walk from the County Durham village of Lanchester with its shops, pubs and restaurants and 15 minutes’ drive from Durham’s World Heritage site, this former iron worker’s cottage has been renovated to the highest of standards by its owners with every luxury accounted for. The open plan living space, centred around the gas-fired log burner, is the just the spot to tuck into the latest Netflix drama.

Craster Rocks, Craster

With the sea just metres from this seafront Craster cottage, you are ideally placed to snuggle up by the log burner and watch the waves from the comfort of the sofa. The full height windows of the lounge maximise the sea view, and both the master and twin bedrooms both have picture postcard views of the sea. Craster Rocks is situated at the start of the walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and in walking distance of Craster’s pub and café.

North Star House, Bamburgh

Bamburgh is famed for its iconic castle, white sandy beach and elegant village, and North Star House certainly lives up to its location’s hype. Recline by the log burner in the large living room and take in the views of Bamburgh Castle or retreat to the entertainment room with its large screen TV for a cinema-style experience. The impressive master bedroom overlooks the garden and the sea and castle beyond. An idyllic spot for stargazing. It’s also a short walk to the village and beach. Normally it sleeps 12 but during the current COVID restrictions it is currently available for smaller parties at a reduced rate.

The Old Gardener’s, Dunstan near Craster

The Old Gardener’s is a charming character cottage just outside of Craster village has many classic features including a decadent roll top bath, a large antique bed, a Belfast sink and a log burner in the lounge. Catch views of Dunstanburgh Castle on the headland from the upper floors of the cottage from the master bedroom before exploring the village 10 minutes’ walk away with its gastro pub, art gallery and smokery.