Our Best Cottages with Real Fires: Part 2

Part 2: Retreats sleeping six or more

Whether you are looking for an autumn or winter break, a Christmas getaway or somewhere to take the chill off a spring night, here are our recommendations of some our best cottages with real fires or smokin’ hot log burners.

For cottages sleeping five or less, jump to Part 1 of our guide.

Duneside House, Beadnell

Minimalism is the name of the game here. The log burner takes the centre spot in the open plan living space where the atmosphere is suited to evening drinks around the fire with a group of friends. Sleeps 10 and within walking distance of Beadnell Bay and village.

Craster Retreat, Craster

Craster Retreat is picture perfect both inside and out from its beautiful stone front overlooking the harbour to its original inglenook fireplaces – one with a log burner in the lounge and the other stacked full of logs in the dining room. Close to the village pub and with sea views a plenty, staying here is like a warm hug when you most need one. Sleeps eight.

North Star House, Bamburgh

North Star House makes for a pampered stay in one of Northumberland’s most elegant locations. Leave your wellies behind and enjoy a stroll throughout Bamburgh village, dining in some of the area’s best restaurants. Return to North Star where you can recline by the log burner and take in the views or head to the cinema room for some light entertainment. Sleeps 12.

Garden Cottage, Tughall Steads

In the hamlet of Tughall Steads just a short drive from the coastal villages of Beadnell and Newton, Garden Cottage is a former farm worker’s cottage for six where there is a sense of stepping back in time, from the whimsical interior of floral wallpapers and rich tartan fabrics to the original stone inglenook fireplace with log burner.

The Old Gardener’s, Craster

In the village of Dunstan, just outside of Craster, The Old Gardener’s has a decadent roll top bath, large antique bed, pretty front and rear gardens and a log burning stove in the lounge. A home away from home, it has three bedrooms for six guests and a pub close by – if you can tear yourself away from chilling out by the fire.

Seafarer’s, Seahouses

In the heart of Seahouses old quarter, Seafarer’s has an arty but comfy look: think local coastal artwork, snug lounge and feature log burner encased in a wooden fireplace. An excellent base for exploring the The Farne Islands via boats from the nearby harbour. Sleeps seven.

Seagrass, near Bamburgh

The burnished copper and stately greys of this eco lodge for six make for a smartly styled, on trend Retreat. The double height ceiling and windows are certainly the wow factor in the open plan living area, but it is the feature log burner that provides the ambience. Spectacular views of Bamburgh Castle and the coast, just over a mile away.

The Apple Store, Tughall Steads

The Apple Store conjures up dreamy images of autumn from the green and russet hues of its ready to pick orchard to hearty meals shared at the table with the warmth of the log burner removing the evening chill. A refurbished barn conversion, sleeping seven and just a short drive to the coastal villages of Beadnell and Newton.

Coastguard’s Cottage, Craster

The rusticity of this four-bedroom cottage makes it one laid back Retreat for a family or friends gathering. The stripped back wooden flooring, reclaimed wood furniture and original brick fireplace with enamel log burner give the cottage a cosy, earthy feel. A place to let your cares drift away.

The Lantern House, Beadnell

Reinterpretations of French style in a New England case. The Lantern House sleeps six and is smart and luxurious with an enclosed outdoor deck. The double height ceilings and feature log burner in the lounge add to the grandeur. After dinner drinks by the fire are a must.

Dairy Three, Embleton

The first floor lounge of Dairy Three is the ideal place to hold court by the fire, but don’t be disheartened if your guests drift off – the beach and castle views are so good you’ll have to excuse their disinterest. Embleton Bay lies just a few metres away, with some excellent walks to Newton and Craster. Sleeps six.

Harbour Master’s House, Craster

One of a few Retreats with an open fire in our collection, Harbour Master’s House may have its roots firmly lodged in the past as the former salt and fish store for the nearby smokehouse, but it has embraced the 21st century with contemporary bathrooms and luxurious touches. Sleeps six, overlooking Craster harbour.

Nook End, Swinhoe, nr Beadnell

The snug living room of this family friendly cottage just one mile from Beadnell beach, is as cosy as they come, complete with wood burner to keep the temperature just right and is perfectly spacious with private and shared gardens. Adjacent Driftwood or Seasalt are similar in layout and facilities and make equally lovely options.

High Mill, Tughall Steads

This four-bedroom barn conversion has a great roaring log burner set in a huge fireplace, lighting up the open plan living area with its plentiful seating and dining table for 10. Cook some unforgettable feasts on the range in the kitchen or take a short drive to some Northumberland’s best beaches. Sleeps 10.

Moo House, Tughall Steads

Moo House has more than enough to keep you busy without you having to leave the front door. This former cow byre, hence the name, has fantastic socialising spaces in both the kitchen and the lounge with log burning fire. There’s also a separate chill out zone – The Cow Shed – with a pool table, table football and air hockey – and a play garden to the rear with swings, table tennis and a football goal.

The Fold@Rock, nr Alnwick

A great value break for eight, The Fold is a traditional style Northumbrian stone house in a rural location, for peace and quiet, while not being too far from some of the major attractions at Alnwick. The real wood burner means you can visit anytime of the year, and don’t forget to bring your wellies so you can explore the surrounding countryside or walk to the pub!

The Wood Store, Tughall Steads

The Wood Store is a pet friendly escape for six with a cosy forest lodge style interior. We particularly love the lounge’s feature log wallpaper behind the wood-burning stove and the exposed beams in the farmhouse kitchen. The perfect Christmas escape.