Beacon Hill Farm in Northumberland, England can be a perfect choice of vacation accommodation if you want to get out of the big cities, enjoy the British countryside and at the same time not compromise on luxury and style. These are not ordinary cottages; they are all furnished with top quality items and designed to feel like a country home including books on the bookshelves and a well equipped kitchen. There is even a washer and dryer!
The concept is that you get your own home away from home in the gorgeous Northumberland countryside where you can cater for yourself but at the same time have maid service and spa amenities usually only found in hotels.
There are 15 self-catering 4 and 5 star luxury cottages at Beacon Hill Farm each with an individual character. There are cottages suited to 6, 4 and 2 people.
The Beacon Hill Farm Spa
On the farm a short walk from the cottages is a fully equipped spa offering spa treatments and facilities such as Jacuzzi, steam room, pool and gym. All the amenities are included in the price of your stay. The spa has large glass windows facing the beautiful English countryside. This is really a top of the line spa facility and an unusual feature to get when staying in a country cottage. You get the best of both worlds, the secluded independent cottage with the luxurious and pampering spa.
Beacon Hill Awards
Beacon Hill Farm has won several awards: England's self-catering holiday of the year (twice); North-East England's self-catering holiday of the year; Green Tourism Silver Award; Pride of Northumberland (three times) and Country Landowner's Farm and Country Buildings Award.
The Beacon Hill Site
The site meets a good balance of informative text with pleasant graphics, there is a lot of information but it is not overwhelming as with some other travel sites partly because the info is sectioned off onto separate pages.
The site seems to have thought of everything, when going through the site I had no unanswered questions. Your every wish and query has been preempted: order pre-cooked meals; no pets allowed; no smoking; some cottages have wheelchair access; there is WiFi in the cottages and computers in the reception; there is a gym, beautician and spa facilities; plenty of outdoor activities in the area including fly fishing. This site will leave you fully prepared for your stay at Beacon Hill Farm.
Cancelation and Payment Methods
Their payment method and cancelation policy seem a little tough, this is normally the case when dealing with smaller companies as they can't take on the loss of a broken contract or a cottage standing empty when canceled. Full payment is due 8 weeks before arrival and if the booking is within 8 weeks of the stay you need to pay the whole amount up front. Cancellation also comes at a price. It is worth taking up the Rent Waiver of 5% which will cover fees if you cancel.
It is also not possible to book for less than a week in several of the cottages and during the peak tourist season. Rates range roughly from 255 GBP a night to 1845 GBP a week. It is hard to name an average price as the prices vary through the year and for each cottage.
Who does Beacon Hill Farm Suit
Travelers who prefer rural settings to big city life and who have rented a car can then reach the farm easily and explore the surrounding villages, national parks and coastline. This vacation location would best suit older travelers, those on an active hiking, cycling, riding or climbing holiday and couples looking for a romantic getaway, as well as families who want to self-cater. Younger travelers looking for night life and action should look else were, this is more of a sleepy hollow.
The prices could be economically viable for groups or families but for couples they may seem
steep. One also needs to consider the cancellation and payment method as discussed above.
If you've had enough of London and want to see another side of British life and enjoy the spectacular countryside as well as pamper yourself
Beacon Hill Farm could be the place for you.