Whistlewood | Bamburgh | Northumbria | Self Catering Holiday Cottage

4.0★

6 Guests
3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Pets Yes
Show on map

Features

Off road parking
Open fire
Garden / Patio
Cot available
Highchair available
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Seaside
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

36 Customer Review(s)

Trish
October 2024

“The house is in excellent location but is looking very tired.”

The boiler needs servicing as the house smelt of the oil from boiler. The freezer is constantly buzzing and as it is in kitchen/dining area it is quite intrusive. The Sky box subscription needs updating. And I was very concerned about location of microwave. Bring only 5ft tall the microwave was almost above head height and very dangerous when removing hot foot. Finally maybe invest in front door mat.

The boiler needs servicing as the house smelt of the oil from boiler. The freezer is constantly buzzing and as it is in kitchen/dining area it is quite intrusive. The Sky box subscription needs updating. And I was very concerned about location of microwave. Bring only 5ft tall the microwave was almost above head height and very dangerous when removing hot foot. Finally maybe invest in front door mat.

- Trish, October 2024

Sorry to hear of your issues. The boiler is serviced regularly and being an oil boiler there is always a slight smell but it is in the utility room, it is perfectly harmless. The microwave is in built with the cooker and we have never had an issue with it. The property has also recently been redecorated , I’m sorry it was not to your liking . Property Owner
Martin October 2024

“Great place and great location - would def recommend and would like to re visit”

- Martin, October 2024
Karen September 2024

“Chest of draws need attention as they were difficult to open and close.”

More cleaning items and dishwasher tablets, we had to buy some. A few more mugs/cups would be useful. Apart from this it is a lovely cottage and we would stay again.

- Karen, September 2024
Nicola June 2024

“My dispute is not being managed on a personal level I am unable to talk to a ...”

My dispute is not being managed on a personal level I am unable to talk to a person at Sykes all I get is emails and in the chat I have been ignored

- Nicola, June 2024
Claire June 2024

“Whistlewood is an utterly charming property in a superb location in the heart of Bamburgh.”

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to return in the future. (I've only taken a point off the Facilities and Maintenance section because the shower was leaking, which caused a puddle to form on the kitchen floor!)

- Claire, June 2024

Hi the shower has had a problem that’s now fixed. We hope you still enjoyed your stay ! Property Owner
Jackie May 2024

“The property was very spacious with a very well equipped kitchen.”

It was great having 2 bathrooms and downstairs WC. I loved having a larder and 2 fridges meant we had a food fridge and drinks fridge, very convenient. Quirky little lounge area upstairs is good to have quiet time from downstairs lounge. There is a bbq covered area but it would be useful in the property description if it added that you need to bring your own portable bbq set as we brought coals, firefighters and bbq food only to find there wasn’t a working bbq. The mugs need replacing as a few were cracked and leaked but that is not a complaint, just feedback to the owners. Fabulous location, straight off the high street. I would return to this property.

- Jackie, May 2024
S J May 2024

“When w been emptied for weeks e arrived the bin in the en suite had not been emptied.”

As there were no plastic bags in the bins this was unpleasant. The recycling bin in the kitchen had not been emptied. The general was bin in the garden seemed not to have been emptied in weeks, it had also had grass cuttings in it. It was so heavy I had great difficulty moving it to get the recycling bin out. The general waste bin is now full to overflowing and, had I been staying this week, I would not have been able to move it. There were no spare toilet rolls. The oven had been cleaned but the cleaning medium had not been cleaned off; Doubtful it was safe to use.

- S J, May 2024
Jessica April 2024

“Lovely spacious house, well fitted out and wonderful location.”

- Jessica, April 2024
Mark March 2024

“Whistlewood is a very comfortable, pet friendly cottage.”

The large kitchen is well equipped and was a great space to enjoy with the whole family. The cottage was warm and clean and on our arrival and remained comfortably warm throughout our stay. The enclosed back garden was great for the dogs and was quiet and peaceful. The cottage is in a great position as it is tucked away from the Main Street but is within walking distance of the beach and castle. The parking spaces were a real bonus in this busy little village!

- Mark, March 2024
Elizabeth March 2024

“On arrival we were met by overwhelming oil fumes.”

We feel we should have been informed of this before arrival and offered the chance to cancel, be relocated, or proceed with our stay at discounted rates. We were informed that there had been and oil leak and the fumes should go. However there remained a strong smell throughout our stay and we informed you and we left a day early. We would appreciate some compensation for this unpleasantness.

- Elizabeth, March 2024
Kate February 2024

“What a lovely cottage - everything we needed and more.”

Website and company are great to deal with. We will definitely be returning. Thank you

- Kate, February 2024
Kelly January 2024

“We have stayed in many holiday cottages in Bamburgh and agreed that Whistlewood was our favourite by far.”

It’s like a home from home and is very well equipped, we had everything we needed and enjoyed cooking in the amazing farmhouse style kitchen and then relaxing in front of the perfect wood burning stove. The bedrooms are comfortable with lots of storage. Location is great for dog walks on the beach followed by a nice meal or drink in the village and two parking spaces was an added bonus. The only areas for improvement (and there aren’t many) would be a family size toaster (4 slices) as this would speed up breakfast and the curtains in the main bedroom could also do with replacing as they kept falling off their hooks. We will be back!

- Kelly, January 2024
Philip January 2024

“An absolutely 'home from home' property where we had an incredibly comfortable stay.”

Everything was just as listed (or better). Thank you for thinking of all the little things that make a holiday away from home work so well. We only used a fraction of the TV sets at Whistlewood, but the books (especially the recipe books) were very appreciated reading. We had a lovely, peaceful holiday.

- Philip, January 2024
Francesca December 2023

“We booked Whistlewood early last year for a stay over Xmas.”

After seeing recent reviews we were dubious about the cleanliness, comfort and heating with the cottage however, we absolutely loved our stay! Yes the sofas could do with an upgrade but all in all it was perfect. Plenty of space, the facilities were superb! 2 fridges and a washing machine and tumble dryer made our stay even easier! Beautiful location just minutes walk from the beach. We would definitely recommend!

- Francesca, December 2023
Sarah December 2023

“We have just returned from a lovely week in Whistlewood.”

Weather a bit iffy but one doesn’t go to Northumberland for the weather. We have stayed in this cottage many times and we love it. It is immaculately clean and well presented. Yes there are some issue but what home doesn’t have those. What I can never understand however is that when the cost of energy is so high why there is a huge sofa blocking the heat from the radiator in the sitting room and same with the church pew and old chair in the kitchen diner, removing those would give more heat, more space especially getting round the kitchen table. The armchairs in the sitting room are terribly comfortable but sad to say the sofas are too big for this room snd are past their best by date, We did have two problems both of which were resolved promptly snd with kindness and patience. The agency lady who helped me, Jaquie, is an absolute star. Kind, helpful and patient particularly when I seemed to be stupid enough to lock myself out because I didn’t have the strength in my hands to turn the key properly in the back door. We have already booked for next year Thank you to the NCCC staff for letting us stay in Whistlewood. Sarah

- Sarah, December 2023
Lou November 2023

“The cottage was comfortable enough on the whole, well equipped with most things, but there were a few issues.”

Firstly, there is now only one log burner, this needs updating on your website. There was no starter pack for the fire and only 3 logs supplied, so we had go directly to the shops on arriving in order that we could have a fire on the first night to buy kindling and matches, there was nowhere in the village that had firelighters, so we purchased those the next day with more logs. There was no ash bucket (unless we were supposed to use the little 'coal skuttle' next to the fire, but this wasn't fit for purpose as it was too narrow for the size of the ash collecting pan from the log burner) and there were no heat resistant gloves to prevent being burnt when wanting to add extra logs. Unfortunately we ran out of hot water when we wanted a bath and there seemed no way of boosting the hot water - all on a timer. The curtain rail in the lounge also collapses when you draw it. We also found the beds a little saggy

- Lou, November 2023
Samantha October 2023

“Lovely property and we had a really good stay.”

The kitchen was well equipped and the laundry area was a real bonus. It could do with a general update however and a good clean, pillows were too flat and the main bedroom could do with a larger bed and also a shower in the en-suite (not a hand held shower). The double bed in the second room was very rickety, felt like the bed was going to fall apart at every move. The living room furniture could do with being updated, the chairs looked a bit grimy and the sofas were uncomfortable. When you are charging over £1000 a week (nearly £1500 for our week) I don’t think the updates needed are too costly. Having said that we probably would visit again as the location is so good.

- Samantha, October 2023
Susan October 2023

“It’s a lovely cottage, the kitchen is very well equipped and the dining area a nice social space, we cooked there several times.”

The “ boot room” was useful too with the washing machine and tumble dryer( good for cossies after a swim in the sea!) It’s spacious and the garden is lovely and would be a real bonus in the summer months. A few things let it down unfortunately; the double bed in the smaller room was very uncomfortable and rackety. The sofas in the front room and the chair in the kitchen are quite old and worn as are some of the curtains. I think maybe it’s in need of a general update, it’s a bit worn out in places. If these were addressed I would recommend it as overall it’s a lovely cottage and we had a really great stay with our friends. It’s ideally placed in the beautiful town and the 2 parking spaces are a real bonus.

- Susan, October 2023

Hi, thanks for your feedback have redecorated the property and fixed the issue with the bed. Property Owner
Paul September 2023

“This is a pleasant, cosy and warm cottage that is well furnished and our needs were well provided for.”

However it was badly let down by very poor cleaning with dead insects and dust on most window ledges. The garden is cosy and quite well laid out but the garden furniture had to be cleaned of dirt and bird droppings before it could be used; perhaps it should be covered up rather than guests having to clean it before it can be used. The specifications for the cottage do not mention the front access, which is some 20 yards away from the parking area along a narrow pathway (trip hazard where cracked) which has bushes either side along its length. These bushes need cutting back as some caught on clothing. Also, this path is used as a thoroughfare, with people walking directly past the front windows, causing dogs to bark. In the bedrooms, the pillows wer too flat, the mattress was not comfortable and a larger than double size would have been appreciated. The shower cubicle is small and tired and the ensuite to the main bedroom has a bath only. For a cottage that cost £1200 for a week it should have been better. We enjoyed our stay, the cottage is perfectly adequate, Bamburgh and the area are lovely and we would go again but not to this same cottage.

- Paul, September 2023

Thank you for your feedback. We are really sorry to hear that you felt the property could have been better cleaned. We have since removed this cleaner and employed someone different. In regards to the garden furniture, we do ensure this is cleaned weekly, but obviously it is open to the elements. We have considered a cover, however we are then asking guests to do more by folding and storing it somewhere – but we will certainly look at what we can do to make this easier. Parking in Bamburgh is a premium so having a designated parking area is great and it is a small walk to the front door. We appreciate that there is a path in front of the houses however we have never found that to be an issue for people. The bushes however will be cut back to make sure this is an easier walk. The descriptions on the property do clearly state that there is a bath in the ensuite with a hand shower to the side. We have changed the pillows though as a good nights sleep is key to a good break and we do have some time booked out in October to do some of those maintenance jobs around the house. Property Owner
Jane August 2023

“A super cottage in a great location with parking.”

Nice feel and size (it’s actually a double Cottage) with a perfect enclosed quiet garden for two dogs. Kitchen is lovely, airy, and well equipped and a cosy environment to sit in. Sitting room has comfy sofas, warm lamps and there is another snug area upstairs so we can separate as a family with teens. Great boot room for storage and Laundry facilities. Two fridges, separate dryer. Improvements? For the top rental cost, it could do with an overhaul; appliances like the dishwasher hard to work the buttons, general wear and tear like aging furniture and cushions, paintwork etc. Pillows far too flat (wish we had brought our own). Downstairs loo could do with liquid soap and a hand towel. Garden looking scruffy. None of this mattered for us. And we would highly recommend. Note the village doesn’t have a general store at all - can buy loo roll / basic vegetables in the bakery and there is an excellent butcher as well as some fantastic restaurants! Seahouse ten mins away drive for shops. We used Tesco for an online delivery and I saw an Asda van as well - Waitrose doesn’t deliver here.

- Jane, August 2023
Nicholas May 2023

“Excellent accommodation for family/ friends break.”

Contained garden is great for kids and dogs. Lamp bulbs in lounge not working but hot and light so didn’t need them! Note bbq ‘ area’ does not include equipment so need to take own. Otherwise fully equipped and highly recommend this property!

- Nicholas, May 2023
Nicola May 2023

“Just some hand soap to start you off in the bathrooms would be helpful a few little touches would make this 5 star.”

Beautifully clean and comfy though

- Nicola, May 2023
Graham April 2023

“Ideal cottage for large family (and dog) with three good size bedrooms, two bathrooms, very cosy lounge and kitchen/dining area.”

It has everything in terms of facilities and great outdoor space for all including dog. It is ideally located in the centre of Bamburgh with its own parking space an added bonus. Perfect location to explore Bamburgh itself and the beautiful Northumberland coast. Would highly recommend.

- Graham, April 2023
Joan April 2023

“You have a lovely cottage, so peaceful, well equipped and comfortable.”

We did have issues with lack of heating and hot water. A maintenance man did come out but we still had problems which was a shame as we couldn’t have a hot shower/ bath. The garden is lovely but could do with a good tidy up. The allocated parking had a big skip in it (apparently for number 1) luckily for us not all the holiday cottages were occupied so we managed to park.

- Joan, April 2023

Thanks for your feedback. The issues with the boiler have been rectified now. The garden is booked in to have a full spring clean as the weather has allowed us to do all the jobs we wanted to. The parking space allocation is for space number 5 and the skip was in 4. Sorry for any confusion. We do hope you will come again. Property Owner
Katie March 2023

“Property was perfect for us although it is probably in need of a bit of money spent on it now as it felt a bit ‘tired’.”

Wouldn’t stop us rebooking though.

- Katie, March 2023

Thank you for your feedback. we have had the cottage fully booked for some time but have now managed to fit in a week to freshen and update. We hope you will come again and see all of the improvements. Property Owner
Sally March 2023

“We loved our stay at Whistlewood.”

Really lovely comfy cottage, with a great kitchen, and so close to the restaurants. A shame the weather didn’t let us utilise the garden as much as we’d hoped. Maybe next time.

- Sally, March 2023

We are pleased you liked our lovely cottage! Please visit again! Property Owner
Mark March 2023

“Could be a lovely property with a little bit of maintenance.”

Currently no locks on bathroom doors; no shower curtain in en-suite; several curtain rails falling off; Missing handles from cupboards; a lot of lightbulbs broken; etc.

- Mark, March 2023

Thank you for bringing this to our attention all of the above issues have been addressed. We hope you will come back again. Property Owner
John January 2023

“No heating and no hot water on Sunday morning.”

This was rectified shortly after lunch by one of your staff. The boiler had lost pressure. Didn't get her name but she did a great job helping us out. No logs left out and the log store was locked.

- John, January 2023

Sorry to hear about the issues with the boiler but I'm glad to hear that the management company sorted it out promptly for you. There should have been logs out for you and I'm sorry that this did not happen, I will chase this up with the cleaners. We hope you will visit again! Property Owner
Caroline December 2022

“The cottage is in a fabulous location.”

Beds and towels pristine. The rest of the cottage just needs a little but TLC. Little things like chipped mugs and plates and I wiped down all the kitchen surfaces as I always do on arrival at any cottage , unfortunately they were grubby.

- Caroline, December 2022
Oct 2021

“Cosy terraced property tucked away behind the main street in Bamburgh.”

Well equipped and comfortable, excellent shower! Beautifully quiet at night. Excellent location.

- , Oct 2021
Sep 2021

“Charming property in the heart of Bamburgh.”

Well equipped and a lovely garden. Would definitely book it again

- , Sep 2021
Aug 2019

“Great location of the property being so close to the beach and the amenities in Bamburgh which we loved!”

The garden was big and was a lovey place to sit out in the evening. It was well enclosed for the dog as well

- , Aug 2019
Jul 2019

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Whistle Wood.”

An outstanding holiday property!

- , Jul 2019
May 2019

“Wonderful...”

.....a house I would love to own!

- , May 2019
Apr 2019

“The property is beautiful, very well stocked with a fabulous kitchen.”

......

- , Apr 2019
Apr 2019

“A superb cottage.”

Very well equipped and with lovely furnishing and fittings. Garden very safe, secure and dog friendly. Warm and cosy at all times. Very convenient for Bamburgh shops.

- , Apr 2019

Show less

Summary

Three bedrooms: 1 x double with TV and en-suite with bath, hand shower, basin and WC, 1 x double with TV, 1 x twin
Shower room with walk-in shower, basin and WC
Cloakroom with basin, heated towel rail and WC
Kitchen/diner
Utility
Pantry
Sitting room with woodburning stove
Oil central heating
Electric Aga oven and grill, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher
Smart TV, 2 x TVs, DVD player, WiFi
Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Highchair available on request
Private parking for 1 car
Enclosed gardens, decking area, patio furniture, covered barbecue area
Two well-behaved dogs welcome
Sorry, no smoking
Shop 0.1 miles, pub 0.1 miles, beach 0.5 miles
Note: Neighbours have right of access through garden to put bins out
Note: Starter pack for woodburning stoves provided

The property

Located in the sought after village of Bamburgh is Whistlewood, an attractive double fronted mid terraced cottage (formerly 2 cottages) offering spacious, homely family accommodation with a welcoming Aga and comfortable furnishings throughout and benefitting from two bathrooms and private parking.

It is perfect for families and their four legged friends wanting to be in the heart of the village with all its amenities; shops, pubs, museum and within walking distance of the castle and our wonderful Heritage coastline. ACCOMMODATION GROUND FLOOR Kitchen with induction hob and electric oven, Belfast sink, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Dining area with table and chairs. Utility room with microwave, oven, washing machine and tumble drier. Pantry with drinks fridge. Cloakroom with WC, basin and heated towel rail. Lounge with wood burning stove, comfy sofas and armchairs, Smart TV and DVD player, stereo system, selection of DVDs and board games. Stairs leading from dining area to FIRST FLOOR Snug area with TV and 2 chairs. Bedroom 1 with double bed, TV, fitted wardrobes with en-suite bathroom with bath, hand held shower, WC, basin and radiator. Bedroom 2 with two single beds. Bedroom 3 with double bed and TV. Family shower room with shower cubicle, WC, basin and radiator. OTHER FACILITIES Private parking for 1 car.

Enclosed garden to rear with undercover barbecue area (neighbours have access rights to put bins out).

Oil central heating.

All power, linen and towels included in the rent.

Starter pack provided for both fires.

Two well-behaved dogs welcome.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £150.

View on map

About the location

BAMBURGH

Seahouses 3.5 miles; Beadnell 5.1 miles; Alnwick 16.9 miles.

The village’s sweeping sandy beaches and dramatic fortress - Bamburgh Castle - make Bamburgh one of Northumberland’s major visitor attractions. The castle can be seen for miles and dominates this part of the county’s coastline. Today it remains home to the family of the great Victorian industrialist Lord Armstrong, and is open to the public on a daily basis. Although overshadowed by the great castle, Bamburgh village is picturesque with neat grey stone cottages facing a manicured village green. There are excellent pubs, hotels with restaurants and a small selection of village shops. There are golf courses in Bamburgh and nearby Seahouses, and within easy reach are more wide sandy beaches, lovely fishing villages, stunning castles and coastal islands to explore along the dramatic Heritage Coast. There are numerous other attractions also a short drive away, including the famous Alnwick Castle and Gardens and the historic walled border town, Berwick-upon-Tweed. A superb base for exploring Northumberland.

Note: Neighbours have right of access through garden to put bins out. Note: Starter pack for woodburning stoves provided

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute
Christmas

Your selection:

Features

Reviews & Ratings

“The house is in excellent location but is looking very tired.”

“Great place and great location - would def recommend and would like to re visit”

“Chest of draws need attention as they were difficult to open and close.”

“My dispute is not being managed on a personal level I am unable to talk to a ...”

“Whistlewood is an utterly charming property in a superb location in the heart of Bamburgh.”

“The property was very spacious with a very well equipped kitchen.”

“When w been emptied for weeks e arrived the bin in the en suite had not been emptied.”

“Lovely spacious house, well fitted out and wonderful location.”

“Whistlewood is a very comfortable, pet friendly cottage.”

“On arrival we were met by overwhelming oil fumes.”

“What a lovely cottage - everything we needed and more.”

“We have stayed in many holiday cottages in Bamburgh and agreed that Whistlewood was our favourite by far.”

“An absolutely 'home from home' property where we had an incredibly comfortable stay.”

“We booked Whistlewood early last year for a stay over Xmas.”

“We have just returned from a lovely week in Whistlewood.”

“The cottage was comfortable enough on the whole, well equipped with most things, but there were a few issues.”

“Lovely property and we had a really good stay.”

“It’s a lovely cottage, the kitchen is very well equipped and the dining area a nice social space, we cooked there several times.”

“This is a pleasant, cosy and warm cottage that is well furnished and our needs were well provided for.”

“A super cottage in a great location with parking.”

“Excellent accommodation for family/ friends break.”

“Just some hand soap to start you off in the bathrooms would be helpful a few little touches would make this 5 star.”

“Ideal cottage for large family (and dog) with three good size bedrooms, two bathrooms, very cosy lounge and kitchen/dining area.”

“You have a lovely cottage, so peaceful, well equipped and comfortable.”

“Property was perfect for us although it is probably in need of a bit of money spent on it now as it felt a bit ‘tired’.”

“We loved our stay at Whistlewood.”

“Could be a lovely property with a little bit of maintenance.”

“No heating and no hot water on Sunday morning.”

“The cottage is in a fabulous location.”

“Cosy terraced property tucked away behind the main street in Bamburgh.”

“Charming property in the heart of Bamburgh.”

“Great location of the property being so close to the beach and the amenities in Bamburgh which we loved!”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Whistle Wood.”

“Wonderful...”

“The property is beautiful, very well stocked with a fabulous kitchen.”

“A superb cottage.”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

BAMBURGH