Meet Liz, a fashionista and stylist from Stuy-Town. Make sure to check back as we follow Liz in 3 looks over 3 days. Today’s look: A Night Out.
Life’s simple pleasures; Justine Halifax finds peace and tranquillity at an historic estate in Hadrian’s Wall country.(Features) web site hadrian s wall
The Birmingham Post (England) December 30, 2010 Byline: Justine Halifax ir Winston Churchill once said: “My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best.” SAnd it’s this maxim that the owners of Lanercost’s luxury holiday cottages, in the tranquil valley of the Irthing River, 13 miles north of Carlisle, have tried to adhere to.
Described as an “ancient and magical place with a truly modern twist”, even before setting foot inside these six cottages, nestled in a large courtyard, you are touched by a sense of history.
For these pretty buildings, which lie at the heart of the ancient Naworth Castle estate, the seat of the Earls of Carlisle and still privately owned by the Howard family, are set in the shadow of the ruins of the 12th century Lanercost Priory.
And the dramatic backdrop of this magnificent 1169 Augustine Priory – once home to the Romans but devastated by William Wallace – is just one of a host of historic sites on your doorstep at this idyllic spot in the rural borderlands of Cumbria and in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country.
In fact you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to visit as these six, four-star stone cottages are less than 400 metres from Hadrian’s Wall and close to Birdoswalt Roman Fort, Naworth Castle.
You can walk along the section of Hadrian’s Wall near the cottages which our children thoroughly enjoyed doing and visiting Naworth Castle, only open to private tours, was a fascinating experience.
The wealth of delights in the northern Lake District, Carlisle, Scottish borders, Northumberland and County Durham, are all within easy reach too.
Carlisle Castle was a huge hit with our children as there was plenty to explore, nearby Tuille House was interactive and fantastic, and Walby Farm Park is a great indoor and outdoor attraction. go to site hadrian s wall
Luxurious aspects of Lanercost’s contemporary cottages, named after powerful families connected to the spot like the Howard and Dacre family, include oak floors, Persian carpets, reclining leather sofas and Egyptian cotton sheets. Sleeping four to eight people, three of the cottages are single storey, while the rest are two storey.
But while they are both quiet and secluded, you’re not completely isolated.
As well as free wi-fi, there’s an on-site farm shop selling Cumbrian products, fresh vegetables, meat and ice-cream, and a contemporary tea room serving homemade cakes, breakfast and lunch.
Our stylish home for two comfortable nights was the two bedroom Greystoke house. It was spotlessly clean, very cosy and was ample room for my family to spread out in and relax. The spacious lounge opened out into the attractive courtyard and the hall and dining room opened out into the peaceful grounds of the Priory’s Garth. The kitchen was well-equipped, the master bedroom was large and had a large en-suite bathroom, with bath.
It also featured a quirky, little, low-ceilinged room which made a great play room that our children loved and were sad to leave.
The children’s bedroom was also large with twin beds and another good sized en-suite bathroom with a powerful, double, power shower.
For just one night we also sampled life in one of the smaller cottages, the two bedroom, single storey Dacre Cottage.
Although much smaller than the houses there was still enough room to live in comfortably for my family of four.
The children’s twin room was a good size and the master bedroom large and both featured en-suite bathrooms.
Every Lanercost holiday cottage also has a booklet of information on where to visit, close to home and further afield, where to eat as well as a selection of DVDs.
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Hadrian’s Wall and Naworth Castle are among the prime visitor attractions around Carslile. Below: Lanercost cottages with the priory in the background
