WILLIAMSTON COWSHED - a holiday home that sleeps 6 guests in 3 bedrooms

An ancient stone milking parlour that blends sophisticated design with convivial charm.

A rural bolthole that feels blissfully remote yet places historic Alston and Hadrian’s Wall on the doorstep
A former milking parlour and winter refuge for the cattle of the 1,000-acre Williamston hill farm, Williamston Cowshed boasts a tranquil setting within the estate at the foot of Williamston Moor. Dating to 1836, the stone building has been sensitively converted into a three-bedroom holiday cottage by the 11th generation of the Gill family to run the estate, Neville and Viv Gill. Set around a cobbled courtyard alongside the adjoining Williamston Barn, the property is available to book independently or together for larger groups.

Williamston Cowshed not only pays homage to its heritage with its name and the provision of organic Cowshed bathroom products but also in its many original features, such as the original exposed beams in the vaulted open-plan kitchen and dining room. This welcoming space is flooded with light thanks to the skylights that run the entire length of the room and beyond, continuing along the hallway and linking it with the two-storey section of the property that houses its three ensuite bedrooms.

With its bucolic location, Williamston Cowshed offers visitors the opportunity to experience the rustic charms of a working hill farm as well as explore the wild beauty of the surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The rugged environment is reflected within the Cowshed with framed botanical prints, two-foot-thick walls hewn from local stone and dotted with alcoves that house old lamps and books, and a wallpaper-sized print of the immediate area’s ordnance survey map in the sitting room.

Thanks in part to the extensive conservation measures introduced by the Gills across their estate, such as planting over 2,000 trees and creating habitats for local wildlife, installing a wind turbine to generate electricity for the farm and using biomass wood boilers to heat the Williamston Barns, the area teems with wildlife such as red squirrels, curlews, lapwings and oystercatchers as well as red and black grouse and roe deer. You’re likely to stumble across these, and plenty of other local residents, while following the walking farm trails available within the estate and beyond.

In addition to offering guided wildlife tours on request, the Gills can set up picnic lunches at a shepherd’s hut that sits just below the brow of Williamston Moor, affording outstanding views of the North Pennines, and can also help book stargazing trips to local Dark Sky Discovery Sites or tastings at the local micro-brewery.

GROUND FLOOR
Fully equipped kitchen with Rangemaster double oven cooker with induction hobs, microwave oven, toaster, electric kettle, large dishwasher, integrated fridge and freezer. A coffee Inissia Nespresso machine is also available, guests are welcome to bring their own capsules. A washing machine and dryer is provided in a separate area of the property.

Dining area with formal seating for 6, with access to its own seating area in the cobbled yard

Sitting room with plenty of seating space to relax. Features a wood burning stove with initial supply of logs provided.

Boot room with bench seating and hanging space.

Cloakroom with basin and WC.

Bedroom two with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required. Chest of drawers, hanging wardrobe. Glazed door to cobbled courtyard.

Large en-suite shower allowing disabled access, heated towel rail, double basin, and WC.

Bedroom three with zip and link beds which can be adapted to super king or twin as required. Beamed ceiling, side tables, chest of drawers, double wardrobe. Glazed door leads to a cobbled courtyard.

En-suite bathroom with bath and shower over, heated towel rail, basin and WC.

FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom one is the master bedroom with fixed super king bed, side tables, hanging space. Private seating area, Velux windows.

En-suite with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.

OUTSIDE
There is a cobbled courtyard including a table for outside dining and a barbecue. Guests are welcome to explore the wider grounds of the farm and the estate.

There is a drying area for wet gear - separate to accommodation.

PARKING
There is ample parking available.

For guests bringing electric vehicles and wish to charge their car at the property, charges will apply and should be agreed and paid directly to the owner.

BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and highchair are available on request.

DOGS
Two well-behaved dogs are welcome at a charge of £35 per dog. Regrettably, puppies are not permitted. There is an outdoor kennel and tap available for cleaning dogs prior to entering the property.

Please note - it is important that you refer to the dog policy of the property prior to booking.

GUEST AMENITIES
Bed linen, towels and guest toiletries are provided. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.

WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
BT Infinity Wi-Fi is available which benefits from speeds of around 30mbs. Mobile reception can be variable depending on the network - O2 is known to be good and EE is poor. Wi-Fi calling is recommended for guests who experience a poor phone reception.

HEATING
The property benefits from underfloor heating throughout which can be independently controlled in each room to suit. There is a contemporary wood burning stove in the sitting room area with initial supply of logs provided.

GUEST PRIVACY
Please note that The Cowshed adjoins The Barn. The properties can be let as one unit or separately. When the properties are let separately, the adjoining door is locked.

ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together, Williamston Barn & Cowshed can be booked as one unit sleeping 14 guests.