Bitchfield Tower Cottages - The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse at Bitchfield Tower is a detached cottage on the grounds of a 15th-century pele tower, equipped for self-catering with a fully functional kitchen, wood-burning stove, and everything needed for a stay—electricity, bed linen and towels are all included. The open-plan ground floor has an oak floor, dining space and sitting area with TV and DVD player. Upstairs, a single bedroom with kingsize bed and en-suite bathroom with bath and shower serves two guests.

The cottage opens onto a lawned garden with seating and a barbecue. Beyond that are six acres of shared grounds where you can fish for trout free of charge, or use the tennis court (also shared with other properties on the site). On-site parking accommodates two cars. The 15th-century setting sits among countryside, though it is within reach of Newcastle's city centre, and nearby Hexham and Morpeth are popular with visitors. Belsay Hall and Alnwick Castle are both worth a day trip. The nearest shops, pubs and restaurants are three miles away. Note that access between floors is via steep spiral stairs, and the grounds include a lake.