Hemmel House
Hemmel House is a brand new eco house near Craster village in Northumberland, built employing local craftsmen and natural materials. This holiday property to rent is really something special. Constructed in the general style of a barn conversion, it is a spacious, elegant and very comfortable place to stay for a few days or even longer.
Huge picture windows run the length of the dining room, they look out onto a breathtaking view of the Northumberland coast and countryside. From the house you can see both Dunstanburgh castle and the glittering North sea, as well as the open countryside rolling down to the cliffs. There is plenty of outside space for sitting or dining al fresco when the weather permits.
Hemmel House sleeps six guests. The master bedroom is on the ground floor and is fully wheelchair accessible. The other two rooms, one double and one twin are up the wooden staircase and each has their own bathroom.
The ground floor features a huge open plan kitchen/ diner with everything you could possibly need, plus that view to die for.
The cosy sitting room has another picture window, a log burner and a telescope for star gazing after dark. We did see pheasants in the field opposite and some deer at dusk.
The epitome of eco chic
The house is heated by an eco friendly heat pump and features slate floors with under floor heating. It is certainly extremely comfortable and warm and it is super well insulated. The giant windows make it feel like the Northumbrian countryside is actually a part of this stunning property.
Hemmel House decor is quite beautiful with calm colours, restored original G plan furniture, lots of comfy sofas and stylish local artworks. The kitchen has some beautiful ceramics too and a selection of contemporary cook books to inspire creativity.
Hemmel House – your very own chef
If you don’t feel like cooking for yourself however, you can engage the services of a local chef to come and cook and serve your dinner for you. Perfect!
We were lucky enough to be served by Laura from Kooked North a talented chef who managed to cook and serve up a delicious three course meal, whilst chatting to us about her business. She uses all locally sourced fresh ingredients, to create colourful, healthy cuisine.
Our starter was Thai fishcakes with chilli sauce followed by Lamb Koftas with yoghurt, pomegranate seeds and a fresh herb salad. In addition we had some delicious roast potatoes from the Particularly Good Potatoes farm in nearby Wooler, as seen on the Hairy Bikers show. Dessert was poached pears cinnamon and mascarpone. A quite delicious offering. It was the best start to a weekend ever. Laura will cook for six people at Hemmel House as well as for larger groups at the gorgeous Dunstan Hall opposite.
Things to do in the area
The house is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside, just under a mile from the harbour village of Craster. This quaint harbour village is the start of a beautiful cliff walk to Dunstanburgh Castle and beyond along the delightful North East coastline.
The stunning beach at Embleton Bay is a mile or so north and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, with powder white sand and huge dunes fringing the picturesque Embleton links golf course.
The weather was so perfect when we visited, that we were happy to walk right along past the castle and all the way around the bay before heading back for a delicious lunch at the Jolly Fisherman pub in Craster. It’s about a three hour walk and 15km there and back. The Jolly Fisherman is pretty famous for its fresh local sea food in these parts, but you do need to reserve a table well in advance as it is extremely popular.
Alnwick Castle and Garden, Bamburgh and Holy Island are all fairly nearby. As are the beautiful the Farne Islands and Warkworth castle. Craster itself is world famous for its kippers.
You can hear the sea from Hemmel House. I loved it so much that I would have quite happily have moved in there permanently. A beautiful property in a lovely place, what more could you ask for?
Beach and Quiet Ltd – book Hemmel House
Based on the Northumberland Coast, the founders of Beach and Quiet are Jane Riley and Jude Inman.
Beach and Quiet was borne out of a desire to provide an exceptional personal service for Guests and Owners alike. Book the properties directly through Jane and Jude. They offer a very personal direct service and exceptional customer care. Nothing is too much trouble.
Jane – worked mostly in central London and Manchester, for fifteen years, as an Associate Director for Chesterton International. A residential lettings and property management company. She and her teams successfully let and managed portfolios of high value property to both individuals and corporations.
Jude – Demonstrated significant skills in conference organisation and her cakes are legendary too!
Hemmel House can be booked through Beach and Quiet
Check out Dunstan Hall here