Guests say
The Greystead Institute is a well-regarded holiday cottage, praised for its immaculate condition, stunning views, and peaceful surroundings. Guests appreciate the well-equipped kitchen, comfortable furnishings, and thoughtful touches like a welcome pack. Its location offers easy access to local attractions and natural beauty, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration.
Guests consistently describe the property as spotless and very clean, indicating a high standard of cleanliness throughout the cottage.
The property's location is highly praised for its beautiful countryside, proximity to local attractions, and opportunities for walking and cycling, although some guests noted occasional noise from a nearby road.
Reviews frequently mention comfortable beds, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a powerful heating system, although there were minor comments about heating issues during extreme cold.
Facilities such as the tennis court, well-equipped kitchen, and entertainment options are appreciated. However, some guests mentioned a lack of mobile phone reception, unreliable broadband, and minor maintenance issues like shower temperature control.
The welcome pack and additional touches are mentioned positively, indicating thoughtfulness. However, it should be noted that such gifts are a kind gesture and may not be guaranteed for every stay.
About this property
Greystead Institute is a fabulously converted Victorian church hall, nestled in beautiful Northumberland countryside close to Kielder Water and Forest Park. With the charming town of Bellingham nearby, and positioned right in the heart of Northumberland National Park, choose to send some quality time with your family or friends in this luxurious new conversion of a charming historic building. Step into the slate-tiled entrance hall, kick off your walking boots and hang up your coats before moving through to the fabulous open-plan living space, which boasts the original feature fireplace and Victorian pine floor, exposed beams, and a stunning new oak spiral staircase specially commissioned for the room. The beautifully appointed and newly designed kitchen with central island features granite worktops. Relax with your loved ones in the large sitting area before the woodburning stove, which brings warmth to a cool wintry evening, along with the heritage-style radiators emitting plenty of additional heat and enjoy the superb hill views from the full-height recreated Victorian window. Head into the dining room in the Conservatory next door for a late afternoon feast with the family, where you can enjoy the unspoilt countryside views beyond the enclosed patio through the floor-to-ceiling windows or enjoy winter warmth though the slate tiles with underfloor heating. Feel as though nature is seeping through as you open the French doors and allow a fresh summer breeze through during those warmer months. At the end of an evening of board games, TV or late-night chats reminiscing on days gone by, retire to the king-sized master bedroom on the first floor or catch your rest in the ground level double; each comes with its own beautiful en-suite tiled in stylish black and white, one with Victorian-style bath. The nearest local pub to the cottage is just over 2 miles away, while a plethora of amenities await in the thriving market town of Bellingham. Home to the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe and the largest working forest in the country, Kielder Water and Forest Park offers a wonderful day out for all tastes and ages, with its dark, star-filled skies and vast landscapes beckoning you to explore. Its lovely observatory, fishing opportunities, wildlife spotting, mountain biking and a wealth of walking trails will have you entertained for hours. As well as all this, you also have Hadrian's Wall, the sweeping Northumberland Heritage Coast, the Scottish Borders and the market town of Hexham. Choose Greystead Institute for your next holiday in a fascinating part of the UK.
Nestled on the banks of the North Tyne, this small village of natural stone homes is known as the 'capital' of North Tyne Valley. A 12th-century church, a heritage centre, and a 30ft waterfall can be seen immediately north of the market town, which is said to have been a Roman station.
Hadrian's Wall and Kielder Water and Forest are both nearby, as is the Northumberland National Park. Nature-lovers will swoon over the area's fishing, horseback riding, abundance of wildlife, and stunning hiking trails. In addition to the excellent golf course nearby, the neighbourhood is rich in historical landmarks, magnificent houses, and world-renowned botanical gardens.
Accommodation
Greystead Institute has been awarded 5 Stars by Visit England for 01/06/2022 - 30/05/2023.
Two bedrooms: 1 x king-size with en-suite freestanding bath, shower over, basin and WC, 1 x ground-floor double with en-suite walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Open-plan living space with kitchen and sitting area with woodburning stove.
Utility.
Conservatory
Oil central heating with woodburning stove.
Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher.
USB hubs around the property to charge your devices.
Alexa in the property.
Smart TV, WiFi.
Fuel, power and starter pack for fire/stove included in rent.
Bed linen and towels included in rent.
Highchair available.
Off-road parking for 2 cars.
Enclosed rear patio with furniture, use of owners' all-weather tennis court.
One well-behaved dog welcome.
Sorry, no smoking or Vaping in the property.
Shop 4.7 miles, pub 2.4 miles.
Note: Check-in from 3pm, check-out by 9:30am
Reviews (41)
-
Dawn
Comfortable beds. Well equipped kitchen. Enclosed garden which was ideal for our small dog. The tv stopped working at the beginning of our stay, which we reported to Sykes. Central heating is on a timer, off from 10am to 5pm. It was cold and damp for a few days, so we wanted the heating on during the day, we checked the instructions on the visitors book but found that the override control was in the locked cupboard. We lit the wood burner, carefully following the instructions, this emitted smoke into the room through the top of the closed door, until the flue got warm. The upstairs bathroom would benefit from a grab rail for getting out of the over bath shower safely. Despite these small gripes we had a great time here. Thank you.
-
Gillian
Fantastic forest walks close at hand.
-
Darren
There were a few things that stopped us giving full marks - however, we would recommend it fully. It was lacking a few basic items, grass could have being done before we turned up, not a day before we were leaving. It hadn't been cut by the look of it for a few weeks. Small gripes but other than that really enjoyable.