Greystead Old Church

About this property

Bellingham 5 miles. This stunning conversion, of an early 19th century, Grade II listed former Georgian church in the heart of the North Tyne Valley. Rated 5* Gold by Visit England, and winner of a 2022 Rose Award for exceptional customer service, Greystead Old Church sits adjacent to the owner's Georgian Old Rectory, within its own very private setting, making it perfect for a family gathering or a getaway with friends! Lovingly and sympathetically restored in 2013 to provide holiday accommodation of an exceptional standard, this inspirational, architect-designed conversion is just yards from the banks of the River North Tyne, and only 4.2 miles from Kielder Water. The property's many stunning original features include a fully-restored Victorian stained glass window and colourful tiles, a Gothic archway, exposed stonework, flagstone flooring and Georgian panelling, which combine with eco-friendly heating to create a conversion of outstanding merit. Luxuriously appointed throughout, this Kielder Water cottage has a vast first-floor mezzanine open plan living area covering two-thirds of the former nave, and it boasts a fabulous fitted kitchen with a central island and granite work surfaces, spacious dining and sitting areas, all with hill views from the original lancet windows and sight-lines over the balcony to the east end. The ground floor east-end sitting room of this Kielder cottage features a woodburner and sumptuous seating in the area which once housed the church altar, under the fully-restored stained glass window. To make the most of this exceptional space, and the surrounding views, this wonderful conversion is in an upside-down style, with the bedrooms and bathrooms of this Kielder cottage on the ground floor, offering axial views along a central corridor to the stained glass window, with one of the bedrooms, formed from the original panelled vestry, housing an original fireplace. Outside this Bellingham cottage, the enclosed garden is situated in a secluded corner of the owners' spacious rectory garden and is a private space with furniture and BBQ. The new star-gazing platform for visitors to view the area's famous 'Dark Skies' is superbly situated near the Old Church garden; bring your telescope or just enjoy a panoramic view of the night skies! In an exciting development, the church tower opened in December 2023 after a full restoration, which included the installation of a specially commissioned spiral staircase, the replacement of the decayed Georgian floors and wooden louvres in the windows with ‘like-for-like’ replacements and the opening up of four of the Gothic-style lancet windows with glazing to allow light into the restored interior. Guests can admire the stunning views from the top of the tower over neighbouring farmland whilst relaxing over coffee or a drink on the Moroccan-style ottomans, and the new space is also perfect for meditation or yoga. Just a short drive from picturesque Bellingham and located in the Northumberland National Park, Greystead Old Church is also within easy reach of Kielder Water and Observatory, Hadrian's Wall, the Northumberland Heritage Coast, the Scottish Borders and the market town of Hexham. Salmon, sea trout and trout fishing can be arranged via the owners on adjacent stretches of the North Tyne. Greystead Old Church, an award-winning church, forms the perfect base for touring the area's many delights.

Hidden deep within the luscious green Northumberland countryside, you will find the picturesque village of Bellingham. Lined with pretty stone houses that rest peacefully on the banks of the North Tyne River, this idyllic setting is said to be the capital of the Tyne Valley and it’s little wonder why. The village itself is home to both a well-stocked supermarket and a number of local pubs, providing everything you could possibly need during your stay. Steeped in history, visitors to the area will be spoilt with an abundance of historical monuments and landmarks to see, as well as a number of scenic nature trails and off-beaten tracks waiting to be explored whether it by foot or bike! The countryside also acts as home to a variety of wildlife and there are several nature reserves from which you can observe animals in their natural habitat.

Accommodation

Reverse-level accommodation.

Four ground floor bedrooms: 1 x king-size double with en-suite bath, shower over, basin and WC, 2 x king-size double with en-suite shower, basin and WC, 1 x twin.

First-floor open plan mezzanine living area with kitchen with central island, dining area and sitting area.

Ground floor sitting room with woodburner.

First-floor snug.

Entrance hallway

Eco-friendly wood pellet heating from biomass boiler, underfloor in some rooms, with woodburner.

Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher, 2 x TVs with FreeSat, DVDs, CD/radio, WiFi, free phone, selection of books, games and DVDs.

Fuel, power and starter pack for woodburner included in rent.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Cot and highchair.

Ample eco-friendly grass-effect off road parking for 4 cars.

Two well-behaved dogs welcome.

Sorry, no smoking.

Shops 5 miles, pub 3 miles.

Note: The owner of this property charges a £200 Good Housekeeping Bond, this will be pre-authorised on your payment card.

Note: The tower is unheated but rugs are provided in the winter
Note - All bookings must start and finish within the Friday-Friday changeover days