LYDIA - first floor stylish apartment in a tranquil countryside setting, Alnwick

Northumberland. Sleeps up to 2

Proof that small is beautiful, this studio apartment is all you need for a romantic break for two.

A stylish bolthole in which to lose yourself to the rugged beauty the Northumbrian countryside

Following small country lanes through the heart of rural Northumberland, you'll discover a sensitively restored stone farm building nestled into a rugged landscape of undulating grazing fields criss-crossed by burns. The barn retains all its rustic charm and secluded setting but has been transformed from its humble farming origins into a trio of slick one-bedroom cottages, including the bijou Lydia.

Accessed by a private external stone staircase, Lydia is a stylish first floor studio apartment. A timber stable door painted in soft grey brings you into the apartment - we like to leave the top half open to capitalise on the uninterrupted views across rolling countryside. Once inside, you'll discover an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, with the compact kitchen laid out on either side of the front door. The apartment's sloping rooves are dotted liberally with large skylights to bring in plenty of light and enable romantic stargazing beneath Northumberland's celebrated Dark Skies.

Continuing the navy blue and bright pink colour scheme of the living area, a double bed is tucked into one corner of the apartment, discretely tucked behind a bookshelf. A bathroom fills the opposite corner, complete with a walk-in shower with rainforest head.

Finally, you can enjoy romantic meals à deux on the enclosed gravelled patio that wraps around the corner of the barn and leads through a wooden gate to the surrounding fields.

Lydia offers a tranquil and stylish sanctuary in the heart of the country, with endless countryside rambles and adventures awaiting discovery by simply slipping out of the back gate. However, for further exploration, the extensive walking and cycling trails of the Northumberland National Park (which is also celebrated for its exceptional stargazing) and the historic city, castle and gardens of Alnwick are both under half an hour's drive away, with the white sands of Alnmouth beach just 10 minutes' beyond Alnwick.

Located in Alnwick, this apartment is in a rural area. College Valley Estate and Willowburn Sports and Leisure Centre are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cragside Country Park and Northumberland National Park.

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