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The Old School House

(Ref. 1122243)

Rochester, Scottish Borders Show on map

4.2

Sykes rating

  • 4 Guests

  • 2 Bedrooms

  • 1 Bathroom

  • Pets Yes

Features

  • Off road parking
  • Open fire
  • Garden / Patio
  • Highchair available
  • Washing machine

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing
Cleanliness
Comfort
Facilities and Maintenance
  • All reviews
  • lovely (9)
  • cottage (9)
  • garden (6)
  • location (6)
  • comfortable (5)
  • cosy (5)

15 Customer Reviews

  • "Lovely warm and comfortable cottage in a great location."

    There are lots of walks from the door step. In a very quiet location

    Reviewed by Pauline5.0Nov 2024

  • "What a lovely, welcoming nest, in a beautiful location."

    The cottage feel likes a proper home, not just a holiday rental - we were greeted with gifts of fresh ground coffee, bread, milk, posh biscuits and real butter; there were books, games, DVDs, CDs, a bird feeder with refills, and bird logbook - and what a selection of feathered friends you'll see. Could have happily watched them all day. The Old School House is indeed on the Pennine Way (as advertised!) so we only needed to walk out the front door and head up the hill behind the house for a splendid forest walk - delightful even on the rather drizzly day we opted for (we visited in October). The location is incredible, very secluded and surrounded by pristine forest (the lichen everywhere tells you how clean that air is). You can hear the occasional car or lorry on the road that passe through Redesdale, linking England and Scotland, but it's muffled by trees and didn't disturb us, whether we were snuggling up in our cosy attic bedroom, enjoying leisurely meals in the spacious traditional kitchen, watching movies on the squashy sofas in the sitting room, or enjoying a glass or two while gazing at the night sky in the beautiful back garden. This area is rightly famed for its Dark Skies, and I can definitely recommend a trip up to Kielder Observatory. Closer to home, you've got Forest Drive, England's highest forest road, I believe, leading to the amazing Blakehope Nick, plus the waterfall Hindhope Linn... and much, much more. A wonderful and memorable trip. Do hope we get a chance to return one day soon.

    Reviewed by Kate5.0Oct 2024

  • "Had a lovely stay Property was clean, comfortable and had everything you could possibly need for your stay."

    Enclosed small garden great for the dogs. Beautiful location, great near walks and stunning scenery, our dogs loved it right next to the forest. Lovely pub 10 minutes drive away with lovely food Redesdale Arms.

    Reviewed by Paula5.0May 2024

  • "Beds were very uncomfortable."

    The outside was very overgrown. It was cold getting out of the shower. Maybe an electric heater in there when the Rayburn is off. Some of the pots and pans were dirty so didn’t want to use. Maybe a what 3 words would help to find the property. Overall a good holiday. Thanks

    Reviewed by Gillian3.1May 2024

  • "The School house is a lovely property and perfect for couple and small families with dogs."

    The surrounds of and the approach to the house are very overgrown. We drove past it and had to turn at the Rectory. The smell of rotting vegetation as you approach the back door is not good. There is a note in the bathroom about the water which is a bit disconcerting. What is wrong with the water? Perhaps a note in the description to say bring bottled would be a good idea. Inside the main areas used were clean but it just looked like it needed to be closed for a couple of days and give it a thorough clean. For instance the trays in the bottom of the raeburn and things things on the shelf to the right of it looked like they had not been touched in years. If not being used, get rid, less to clean.

    Reviewed by Diane3.1Nov 2023

  • "Listing stated wifi but there is none."

    I phoned owner on arrival and he said he had contacted Sykes Cottages in this regard, but listing was not corrected. Disappointing misrepresentation by Sykes.

    Thank you for your comment, we appreciate your feedback. We have checked all our pages and wifi has never been listed on the webpage for this property, even third party sites. However it was accidentally on your booking confirmation, which has now been removed. We apologise for this oversight and hope it doesn't deter you from booking again with us, The NCCC team Property Owner

    Reviewed by R3.4Apr 2023

  • "Had a really lovely stay, loved the bird feeding window, games in the cottage and the rustic feel of it."

    Very cosy cottage in a lovely location.

    Reviewed by Philippa4.7Mar 2023

  • "We loved the cottage."

    It was comfortable, warm, cosy and peaceful. We felt very at home there. An excellent combination of walks, exploring the area and reading by the fire. Very restorative.

    Oct 2019

  • "This was a lovely warm cottage in a good location for walking,and sight seeing."

    Sep 2018

  • "Delightful cottage, wonderful garden and wildlife, red squirrel on doorstep every morning."

    Fabulous weather, everything you need and more.

    Jun 2018

  • "Excellent cottage."

    Well appointed and everything thought of. Especially good for bird watching - food provided. Lovely garden.

    Jun 2018

  • "Lovely cottage, feeling very secluded surrounded by a mature garden which was great for our dogs."

    It is very conveniently located close to the A68 - so no problems finding it. The cottage is very well appointed and decorated making us instantly feel comfortable there. The owners left us a lovely welcome pack and note which was more than welcome after a long journey. Plenty of fuel for the wood-burner helped make the evenings lovely and cosy.

    Sep 2017

  • "Amazing location, close to Kielder and easy access to much of Northumbria."

    The bird feeders outside the living room window and the use of the log burner made the living room really nice and cosy. The parking was fine and it was easy to find.

    Sep 2017

  • "Lovely spot, pretty pretty garden, lovely birds, decent space and well equipped."

    Appreciated all the walking maps and info. Great base for walking.

    Jun 2017

  • "Very clean comfortable cottage set in the middle of the rural area we wanted to be."

    Oct 2016

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This property is part of the Northumbria Coast and Country Cottages collection.
The number 1 choice and best value holiday cottages from the Northumberland specialists. Discover our beautiful county with us.

Summary

  • Two bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x twin
  • Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
  • Kitchen/diner
  • Sitting room with woodburning stove
  • Oil fired Rayburn
  • Range oven, electric oven, grill and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer
  • TV/DVD player
  • Fuel and power inc. in rent
  • Bed linen inc. in rent
  • Ample off-road parking
  • Enclosed gardens, patio, patio furniture, storage for 2 bikes
  • Three well-behaved dogs welcome
  • Sorry, no smoking
  • Shop 10.3 miles, pub 5 miles
  • Note: Logs for woodburning stove provided
  • Note: Both bedrooms are under roof eaves so have restricted headroom
  • Note: There is a refundable security deposit of £100 to pay
  • Note: This property does NOT offer Wifi
  • Note: This property does not provide towels

The property

Resting in a beautiful, bucolic location in Northumberland National Park near to Rochester The Old School House offers traditional accommodation bursting with original features and is the perfect place for a memorable family holiday.

Inside, the rustic sitting room has exposed stone walls, traditional wood ceiling beams and an original feature fireplace complete with woodburning stove, which all add up to make a really welcoming space.

Step into the country kitchen, which has an attractive range cooker for a really rustic vibe.

The dining table and chairs are all ready for guests to gather and tuck into hearty food together and enjoy many happy holiday hours.

If the sun is shining, then get yourself outside into the delightful gardens with the lush forests of the national park providing a beautiful backdrop.

You can really be at one with nature here and relax in the tranquil rural surroundings.

All that fresh air will no doubt have tired everyone out, so choose from a double or a twin bedroom; both offering a calming space in which to rest your weary heads.

Waking up in the morning at The Old School House is a delight, with the sights, sounds and smells of the forest having a truly rejuvenating effect on guests.

You couldn’t ask for a better location for exploring the wonders of Northumberland National Park with hikes, trails and walks aplenty.

Just a short drive away is the attractive town of Otterburn home to Otterburn Mill which boasts a rich and vibrant past.

Bellingham is also nearby and is well worth a visit as are the stately homes of Wallington Hall and Cragside.

Alnwick is not far where you will find a stunning castle and gardens, the setting for Hogwarts School as featured in the Harry Potter films.

The town also has a good selection of shops and amenities as well as miles of beaches to explore.

The Old School House offers guests the best of both worlds; a rural idyll yet close to the vibrant and stunning Northumberland coast.

Note: This property has a refundable Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

View on map

About the location

ROCHESTER

Otterburn 5 miles; Bellingham 11 miles; Carter Bar 11 miles; Keilder Water 20 miles.

The historical little village of Rochester, which dates back to Roman times, sits in the heart of the Northumberland National Park, just ten miles from the border with Scotland at Carter Bar. This area was set at the very edge of the Roman Empire and the remains of the fort of Bremenium, built to protect the important road of Dere Street, form part of the village green. Rochester is surrounded by stunning rolling hills and moorland, and lies close to the banks of the River Rede, offering some of the best salmon and trout fishing in England. Visitors will find a good local pub and restaurant, The Redesdale Arms, and what is affectionately known as The Last Café in England, The Camien. There are endless opportunities for walking and cycling from the village, whilst watersports including canoeing, sailing and water skiing can all be enjoyed at nearby Keilder Water. Five miles south lies Otterburn, the former home of a busy weaving industry, and the popular attraction of Otterburn Mill marks the village's historic past. Nearby Bellingham, built predominantly from local stone and slate, houses a handful of shops, pubs and tea rooms and a highly-regarded 18-hole golf course. Visit the majestic stately homes of Wallington Hall and Cragside, or the significant market town of Alnwick, with its stunning castle and gardens, which can be found in just under an hour’s drive should you fancy a day trip. Rochester is a superb location for a relaxing holiday all year round.

Note: Logs for woodburning stove provided.
Note: Both bedrooms are under roof eaves so have restricted headroom
Note: There is a refundable security deposit of £100 to pay
Note: This property does not have Wifi.
Note: This property does not provide towels.

This property offers the following short breaks:

  • Winter