Just returned from a week long stay in 'Acorn' cottage, part of Scotchcoulthard farm. We love being outdoors in the countryside and you get this at Scotchcoulthard in abundance. I am a keen runner and I could run through miles of forest track, almost from the front door.

The cottage itself is compact and cosy. The delicious homemade welcome cake went down very well (and quickly). The double bedroom had a handy corner recess for a camp style bed, which did not make the room feel too cramped. Spent time watching the house martins who had nested right outside the bedroom window. We were fortunate enough to see the cute fledgings sat on the roof looking at us through the window.

Our 3 year old son loved this place - a big lawn to run around on at the back of the cottage and bushes to make dens in. Plus the back terrace attracted the evening sun. The kitchen was a long galley style and well equipped. There is a small table to eat at and myself, husband and boy sat round it without feeling cramped.

The property is spring fed water so the shower is not a 'power shower' but when you stay in such remote stunning locations, then this is to be expected - we'd trade in gallons of gushing hot water for the views and character of Scotchcoulthard any day. There are very small windows in the lounge as (I think) the property is listed so they would be unable to put larger ones in when it was converted. Didn't bother us; we liked its character and quirkiness and the light was adequate.

Lots of friendly dogs ambling around, which all added to the character of the place. My son made friends with Sadie dog, who was very good with him.

We knew the games room was undergoing repair before we arrived so we were not deterred. The pool is big enough to get a decent swim in. Yes, it's a bit worn but we weren't expecting a spa. For us having a pool and games area on site at all was a bonus, especially considering how reasonable the price of the accommodation was. Susan, Andrew and family were helpful and friendly and we had such a relaxing and happy family holiday here that we plan to return again.

This was now our 3rd visit to this wonderful retreat in the middle of nowhere.

If you want a quiet place to get away from it all, Provide you with excellent accomodation, plenty of fresh air, and a good base from which to explore the delights of Northumberland then this is the place for you.

All the cottages are clean, tidy and well equiped, and have lots of little touches that make it feel just like home. Well equiped kitchen, ensuite bathroom, and a big open fire are just a few things that keep us coming back. Being dog owners these cottages are perfect and the dogs just love running around in the open spaces and mixing with the owners dogs who always end up in our cottage joining us for breakfast.

Best of all the owners Susan and Andrew care and listen, nothing is too much trouble.

Top Tip: dont mess around get ASDA to deliver the weeks shopping, they will deliver your online order, direct to the cottage, at the time of your choice - saves a lot of messing around

Highly recomended, you wont be dissappointed.

My boyfriend had booked this as a surprise present for my 21st which was in December but as our dog was still just a puppy he had booked it for May when the weather was due to pick up. He did not disappoint me!!

Scotchcoulthard is in the middle of 178 acres of sheer blissful nothingness!! Just what you need when you are both busy at work back to back. I am honestly quite shocked that there are any bad reviews on this place. We stayed in Acorn cottage which was a lovely small 1 bedroom with wood beams , stove fire and a cute little kitchen space.

We were immediately greeted by their super friendly doggies who were more than happy to welcome themselves into our cottage to give our pup a bit of company. We had a nice little chat with the owners who also pre warned us about a House Martin nest above our bedroom window which was amazing to watch in the mornings when they were feeding the young. Our dog felt right at home running around on the vast amount of land. The cottage was clean and ready for us to turn into our home away from home , we had very comfortable nights sleep every night enjoying the Dark Skies above.

I had such fun in the pool- yes a little maintanance would make it 1000 times better but to say we could pretty much have it to ourselves most days - i wasnt turning my nose up. We were aware beforehand the games room was going through referbishment so were not dettered by some of the bare woodwork. It was lovely playing pool and table tennis towards the end of the week when the weather deteriorated.

I will advise that if you dont love dogs as much as i do this may not be for you, if you are expecting pristine cottages with modern features then you are looking for the wrong type of holiday. I loved having no phone signal in the cottage (with access to good WiFi if needed) walking the dog down the stream and waking up early to see the pigs and horse were parts of this holiday we loved. I thought that both the owners and their whole family were very kind with us and gave us lots of tips as to where is best to go and when.

We spent the last two days of the holiday in the cottage during the day because the weather was pretty miserable and we had done four days of hiking prior.. it was so perfect just to snuggle in front of our big stove fire and enjoy peace and quiet.

I can not recommend this place highly enough for its fantastic location, room and friendly service.Will definitely be returning.