Originally home to the Head Gardener of Twizell Estate, this three-bedroom house has been beautifully renovated to create an elegant escape that’s ideally positioned for exploring both coast and countryside. The house sits alongside the estate’s listed walled garden that dates to 1819 – indeed, the original 200-year-old vines that were planted at the garden’s inception are still growing here.
Twizell Estate has a fascinating history as it once belonged to the eminent botanist, ornithologist, and artist Prideaux John Selby. Fellow ornithologist and renowned artist John James Audubon visited Selby and painted many birds during his inspirational stay at Twizell, and several of Audubon’s distinctive artworks are showcased in Gardener’s Cottage. Filled with warmth and personality, many features of the newly-renovated interior reflect this rich heritage – not least the striking wall mural in the dining room that references both the wild trees of Northumberland and the arboretum that Selby planted on the estate.
On arrival, you’ll find parking in the rear courtyard with the entry leading to an inner hallway and onto the kitchen. Dove grey Shaker-style cabinets and marbled quartz worktops reflect the natural light streaming through the windows, while the range cooker is recessed into the chimneybreast, creating a hardworking heart to this beautifully designed kitchen – the perfect spot to rustle up a delicious meal after a day spent exploring.
The dining room adjoins the kitchen and oozes sophisticated style with its intricately carved period fireplace, treescape mural, and dado-height wall panelling. The sitting room lies across the hallway and is another elegant space with plaster wall detailing showcasing the artworks, including two pieces by Audubon. The fireplace features a wood burning stove, creating a cosy ambience, while plump sofas invite you to curl up with a book and simply enjoy the peace.
The ground floor bedroom is a relaxing haven with a carved wooden and upholstered bed to sink into at the end of the day, while the neutral walls are offset by the flourish of botanical print in the curtains. The equally stylish en suite shower is lined with soothing green scallop tiles, while intricately detailed tiles add a subtle vintage touch to the basin and floor.
The staircase leads to the two bedrooms and shared bathroom on the first floor. Each bedroom has its own distinct character: one is light and airy with neutral walls, a French-style rattan bed, and a delicate chandelier exuding a sense of tranquillity, while the second echoes this in the furnishings, but with a moodier palette of warm greens with midnight blue and amber accents.
The bathroom is simply stunning. The freestanding copper tub is positioned by the window, so you can enjoy a long soak while taking in the leafy views. The large walk-in shower is lined with floral tiles and the green tones are reflected in the peppermint walls and the botanical-print curtains, creating a relaxing sense of the outside spilling indoors.
Gardener’s Cottage has an enclosed garden and dogs are welcome to stay here, while the wider grounds of woodland and parkland are literally on the doorstep – including the historic walled garden. A public footpath leads around the estate, while private estate walks can also be organised for guests. If you’re keen to try something new, Twizell Estate is also home to the outdoors activities business Northern Outdoor, offering everything from canoe trips and archery to courses in wilderness skills, while the scenic coastline is just waiting to be explored, from Bamburgh’s famous beach to the sweeping beauty of Embleton Bay.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
Gardener's Cottage sits in the same ownership as South Lodge, Twizell and may be suitable for larger parties who wish to holiday together. It should be noted that South Lodge sits on the other side of the A1 in the village of Warenford, and is approximately 1.8 miles from Gardener's Cottage by car, or is 0.8 miles on foot as the crow flies through the estate grounds and under the A1.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Rear access into inner hall.
Kitchen with Cookmaster Range cooker with double oven and five burner ceramic hob, fridge, three drawer freezer, dishwasher, microwave. There's a washer/dryer in the cloakroom.
Dining room with mahogany dining table seating six guests, sideboard, decorative fireplace.
Sitting room with two large sofas, Smart TV, wood burning stove.
Off the rear hallway is a ground floor bedroom and a separate cloakroom.
Bedroom one with king size bed, side tables, chest of drawers, large mirror.
En suite bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Cloakroom with WC and a washer/dryer.
Central stair positioned between the dining room and sitting room leads to the first floor.
FIRST FLOOR
The two first floor bedrooms sit either side of the central stair. From the first floor, there are a further three steps to each of the bedrooms. The family bathroom (two steps up) sits between bedroom two and bedroom three.
Bedroom two with king size bed, two side tables, chest of drawers, two occasional chairs, cupboard with hanging rail and storage, decorative fireplace.
Family bathroom with large shower unit with rainforest head and hand held mixer, large copper bath tub, heated towel rail, decorative fireplace, basin and WC.
Bedroom three with super king bed, two side tables, chest of drawers, chaise longue, cupboard with hanging rail and storage.
OUTSIDE
There is a large gravelled access drive to the rear. To the front of the property is an enclosed patio and lawned garden leading out into the old walled garden of the Estate. This extends into wider woodland and parkland with designated walks in the immediate area. A private tour of the Estate can be arranged directly with the owner to see more extensive and private areas of the Estate.
There is ample private parking in the gravelled courtyard to the rear of the property.
