A converted barn with eye-popping views, elegant interiors and a rural location.
Explore the North Pennines AONB from this tranquil private estate near Alston
Set amidst 1,000-acres of privately owned farm and moorland in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Williamston Barn offers a window onto the life of a working hill farm in this ruggedly beautiful part of England.
The sprawling Williamston Estate, which encompasses pasture for grazing sheep on the banks of the South Tyne, ancient woodland, and the heather-clad Williamston Moor, is managed by Neville and Viv Gill, the 11th generation of the Gill family to farm the land. The Gills have not only spearheaded a focus on conservation and sustainability across the estate but also converted two ancient farm buildings, Williamston Barn and Williamston Cowshed, into welcoming holiday cottages.
Tucked into a secluded spot at the foot of Williamston Moor and close to the South Tyne river, the adjoining stone cottages are known collectively as the Williamston Barns and can be booked independently or together for larger groups. Reached by a tree-lined country lane that crosses over the river just south of the village of Slaggyford, they offer blissfully uninterrupted views and a pastoral soundtrack of birdsong and other wildlife.
Dating to 1836, the Barns have been used over the centuries as granary and hay stores and for overwintering and milking cows. The Gills restored and converted the ancient buildings with the utmost sensitivity and attention to detail, blending the original stone walls and arrowslit windows of Williamston Barn with a striking double-height arched timber front door, contemporary cedar-panelled rear extension and charcoal steel frame windows.
The play on ancient and contemporary continues throughout the spacious four-bedroom property: exposed stone walls are punctured by a modern wood burning stove in the country-style kitchen and juxtaposed with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows in the first floor sitting room, which is accessed by a floating oak staircase rising from the hallway.
Designed with convivial living in mind, the kitchen leads through to a light-filled dining room that seats up to 14 guests comfortably and boasts sweeping countryside views through large sliding doors that lead onto a south-facing terrace for al fresco entertaining. The flagstone patio gives way to an enclosed lawn garden that, in turn, leads across pastures to the South Tyne river.
Oak floors, warmed by underfloor heating powered by a biomass woodchip boiler, feature throughout the property, complementing the organic colour scheme that echoes the stone walls. Further sustainable touches include the provision of seasoned wood from the farm for the log burners in the kitchen and sitting room, filtered water sourced directly from a spring on the estate and green electricity generated from the estate’s wind turbine. Honey, freshly harvested from beehives on the farm, is set to be the next exciting addition to the generous welcome hamper of local goodies guests will discover awaiting them here at Williamston Barn.
GROUND FLOOR
A large entrance hallway opens up to an open plan living space comprising a fully equipped kitchen with Rangemaster double oven cooker with induction hobs, microwave oven, toaster, electric kettle, large dishwasher, integrated fridge and freezer. A coffee Inissia Nespresso machine is also available, guests are welcome to bring their own capsules. There is a separate built-in storage area with washing machine and dryer. Technology includes Samsung Smart TV with Freeview, sound bar and sub woofer and DVD / Blu-ray player.
Dining room seats up to 14, with large sliding doors leading out to the terrace and garden. Adjacent wood burning stove with initial supply of logs provided.
Bedroom one with fixed super king bed, fitted wardrobe.
En-suite with roll top bath with shower attachment, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required. Hanging wardrobe, chest of drawers, side tables.
En-suite with shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
First floor sitting room with plenty of seating space to relax and enjoy the stunning views looking south down the valley from the large floor to ceiling feature window. Wood burning stove with initial supply of logs provided.
Bedroom three with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twins as required.
En-suite with walk-in shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
Bedroom four with fixed super king bed, beamed ceiling.
En-suite with rainforest head shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC.
OUTSIDE
The property benefits from a private south-facing garden with terrace patio, outside seating area and charcoal BBQ. Guests are welcome to explore the wider grounds of the farm and the estate.
There is a drying area for wet gear - separate to accommodation.
PARKING
There is ample parking available.
There is an external EV charging point at the property. For guests bringing electric vehicles and wish to charge their car, fees will apply and should be agreed and paid directly to the owner.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.
DOGS
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at a charge of £35 per dog. Regrettably, puppies are not permitted. There is an outdoor kennel and tap available for cleaning dogs prior to entering the property.
Please note - it is important that you refer to the dog policy of the property prior to booking.
GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen and towels are provided for guests. Guest toiletries are also provided. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
BT Infinity Wi-Fi is available which benefits from speeds of around 30mbs. Mobile reception can be variable depending on the network - O2 is known to be good and EE is poor. Wi-Fi calling is recommended for guests who experience a poor phone reception.
HEATING
The property benefits from underfloor heating throughout which can be independently controlled in each room to suit. There is a wood burning stove in the sitting room area upstairs and one on the ground floor adjacent to the dining room with initial supply of logs provided.
GUEST PRIVACY
Please note that The Barn adjoins The Cowshed. The properties can be let as one unit or separately. When the properties are let separately, the adjoining door is locked.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, Williamston Barn & Cowshed can be booked as one unit sleeping 14 guests.
North Pennines1 min walk - 0.0 miles
Vindolanda25 min drive - 17.2 miles
Hadrian's Wall27 min drive - 16.4 miles
Carlisle Castle49 min drive - 34.3 miles
Ullswater51 min drive - 35.4 miles