All done and dusted...

The significant lack of blogging at the cloth shed has been due to work, Miss Ottie and the above. Big apologies...

Safe to say though, we are finally done after 4 years of extremely hard graft. Looking back at the old photos it is hard to believe it is the same house.

The rare 'wrestler' roof is happy now with all the new work below it...

And the huge boulder walls are well supported with the new lime mortar...

Inside....the kitchen is full height to the old beams, dramatic iron chandelier and modern task lights over the cooking/work area. Well equipped with built in microwave, oven, dishwasher, induction hob and big ceramic sink.

The original 16th century bastle doorway that allowed the beasts and horses to be driven into the building for safety is now the backdrop to the kitchen table and chairs. 

The boot/utility room with washing machine, Belfast sink and big squirty tap also has a loo....

Up the glass and timber staircase, lit with low voltage lighting... Perfect at night to see your way ....

Along the landing through an original latch door...

To the bedrooms.

A twin bedded room,

The hare room...with its hare head handles.

And the king size bed room with fox head handles!

Cabbages and roses lavender heart from my gorgeous friend Helen at Busy Bee Studio x

The bathroom is the wow... 

Full height to the beams, another chandelier, deep bath, rain head power shower, limestone tiling on the walls and floors...

I love it.

Outside a raised glass and timber deck overlooking the courtyard provides extra seating on a nice day.

Finally the living room....

Beams, exposed stone walls, fireplaces, wood burner, flagstone floor with underfloor heating, comfy, get your feet up sofa and chairs to watch the smart TV ....play DVDs or read a book on the Border reivers of Northumberland.... Safe and warm in your 16th century fortified farmhouse.

We had our first guests last week... From Belgium. The weather was glorious and they enjoyed exploring the coast and countryside of Northumberland.

So I think we are up and running... The website is under way,

www.thebastle.co.uk

And we have a provisional booking for Christmas too.

If you want a historic house with character and comfort to use as a base exploring beautiful Northumberland, Hadrian's Wall, impressive castles and stunning beaches do get in touch at 

info@thebastle.co.uk

We also offer short breaks... A minimum of 3 nights available ... Midweek or long weekends.

Long enough to re charge the batteries and RELAX ....

Julie x