Special Places to Stay - More than a bed for the night

Such a pretty spot. Along country roads and down a track to find a 200-year-old cottage, standing alongside the owners' house, with its own charming garden with espaliered apple trees. All is sleek and spruce inside: an open-plan living area soft with duck-egg blue walls, colourful rugs, large sofas, ample cushions and cosy wood-burner, and a kitchen off it, ideal for cooks. There are cream Shaker-style units, a big family table topped with fresh flowers and welcome biscuits or cake, a smartly tiled floor and immaculate white china. For those who prefer not to tackle the spiral staircase there's a comfortable twin downstairs with bright curtains and its own gleaming white bathroom. Upstairs' rooms (light and peaceful with an 'under the eaves' twin ideal for children) share a good-sized, well-heated family bathroom. You are near to Corbridge with good local shops, and Hexham for supermarkets. Days out might involve rugged coastal walks, pots of Roman history, or a spot of retail therapy in Newcastle. Just lovely.