Wednesday 17 September 2014

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




15 comments:

  1. It looks positively AMAZING, what a very talented pair you are. I will defintely look on the website and hopefully book for our next trip North.

    LLX

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  2. Julie it looks absolutely stunning congratulations to you both for all the hard work you have put in. Will have to come and visit one day when we can find a Pug sitter for 10 Pugs xxx

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  3. Julie and Colin this looks wonderful - like one of the prize winning properties in Period Living - get it entered! Its simple, classy and looks very comfortable.

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  4. Such a beautiful house, your hard work has paid off. Its stunning x

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  5. What can I say?
    Simply wonderful, a dream.
    Congratulations for the great work!
    Love Susy x

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  6. The house is magnificent!
    I was slightly disappointed that Ottie was nowhere to be seen though during the breathtaking tour.
    I'm sure there will be plenty of bookings.
    Susan x

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  7. I knew it would turn out fabulous from the snippets we've seen and I wasn't disappointed.Love the fox head handles, the bookings will flow in. x

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  8. Looks absolutely glorious Julie! I love the little windows and the shutters, and the roof and the walls....in fact all of it! Well done!

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  9. It's gorgeous Julie!......but we always knew it would be! The two of you have worked so bloody hard, I am sure it will be a huge success! You both deserve it.
    Time to put your feet up..........and open a glass of something fizzy!! Much love Helen xx

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  10. What a treasure this house is! You must be so proud and happy - and planning, in the very back of your mind of course, the day when you decide it's time to book your own long holiday in it!

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  11. Such a wonderful restoration Julie, you must be delighted with the results after all of your hard work. I am sure it will be fully booked in no time. Hope you are well, hope to catch up with you soon. Jayne

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  12. That's a gorgeous restoration. I can imagine all the work that's gone into it. I know some of our neighbours in OXON have undertaken restorations and it sure it's a harder thing to do than our wooden houses here in Vancouver. But magnificent work and full of character and charm.

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  13. Hello, just popped over from Nilly's blog. Absolutely loving your holiday let. Northumberland is on our places to visit list, so is your beautiful Bastle.

    Jean
    x

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  14. I too hopped over from Nilly's - what a gorgeous property you have restored.
    Northumberland is often overlooked which is such a missed opportunity, it has so much to offer the visitor. We lived there for several years - it was a wonderful county for our sons to grow up in.
    Incidentally I too have a child who lives in Paris.

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  15. Oh, Julie, this is spectacular. I've just visited your website and it, too, is gorgeous. My hub and I visit the UK at least twice a year and the Bastle is now on our to do list. Please tell me the closest international airport to the cottage. Thanks.

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