A true one-off, Walltown Byre is an eclectic country retreat that blends cutting-edge design and contemporary art with unabashed fun and a dose of philanthropy.
Sabina Forwood, the owner of the 17th-century Walltown Byre, set in 700 acres of rolling Northumberland countryside, does not do beige. As she says: “Life is colour. Colour is life – it’s everything. Colour is evocative; it’s sexy; it makes you think.”
So, if you like your interiors bland, look away now.
Filled with the unusual and unique, Sabina’s creative influence is evident in every inch of this property. After inheriting the working byre (the old English word for cowshed) Sabina worked closely with local specialists to convert the simple stone property into a stylish three-bedroom house.
The open-plan kitchen, dining and living area spans a generous nine by five metres and is flooded with light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, which frame the front aspect of the property. The byre’s original stone arches create a natural divide between the dining and sitting areas while retaining a relaxed flow throughout the space, enabling guests to chat, relax and entertain at ease.
Sabina’s design influences are by no means limited to vibrant colours – an accomplished artist who loves collecting and showcasing works by fellow artists, she’s also dedicated to the reuse and repurposing of items that are so thoughtlessly discarded in our throwaway culture. Stay at Walltown Byre and not only will you get to cook in a magnificent pillar box red kitchen, you’ll discover a thought-provoking world of antique furnishings revived by local artisans using vintage fabrics, abstract sculptures, wall-hung kimonos and eye-popping tapestries.
Despite such striking interiors, one’s gaze is always drawn back to the sweeping countryside views afforded by the byre’s large windows. Soak up the verdant beauty of Roman wall country from the dining table or kitchen bar, from the comfort of your bed or - our favourite - from the bubbling embrace of the outdoor hot tub on the patio to the front of the property.
Three suitably quirky en-suite bedrooms lead off from the main living space while a separate wing houses an impressive cinema and games room, where natural light from arrow-slit windows is complemented by bespoke chromatic lighting. Complete with a ping-pong table and piano, this is the spot for big kids of all ages to kick back and indulge in serious games and screen time. Although, given that guests can stream films from iPlayer, Amazon, Netflix and YouTube, family debates about what to watch on the huge cinema screen are inevitable...
Finally, a separate utility room leads into a ground floor wet room with plenty of storage for outdoor gear, wellies and walking boots.
ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION
For guests looking to holiday together but enjoy their own space, Walltown Byre can be let in conjunction with Walltown Farm Cottage sleeping six plus a child's bed and sofa bed, Lowtown Cottage sleeping four, and Fell End sleeping eight plus five children's beds. Walltown Farm Cottage sits 50 yards from Walltown Byre while Lowtown Cottage is approximately a 10 minute walk away along the public footpath, and Fell End is approximately a 25 minute walk away along the public footpath or a short drive.
GROUND FLOOR
Access into open plan kitchen, dining and living area measuring 9m x 5m. Dining area with extendable table seating up to 12 guests. Three floor to ceiling windows open directly into the courtyard/patio area. Writing desk/office space.
Sitting room – ample seating with large sofa and armchairs, electric stove, Smart TV, selection of books and games, Wi-Fi printer.
Kitchen – all with integrated appliances. Large island unit/breakfast bar area with 4 bar stools, 4 ring ceramic hob, 3 drawer freezer, dishwasher, large fridge, single oven, combi microwave.
Utility room with separate sink, washing machine and dryer. This leads into a ground floor shower/wet room with shower, heated towel rail, basin, WC and drying pulley.
From the hall, this leads into a separate 3m x 7m cinema room and games room – with ping pong table, electric piano, large sofa, 2 armchairs, large cinema screen (3m x 1.7m) and projector (TV, DVD, streaming or HDMI connection for your laptop).
Off the open-plan sitting room to the right, leads down a hallway into;
Bedroom one with king size bed, two side tables, arched window with door opening, window seat, hanging hook, small storage cabinet.
En suite bathroom with large bath (1800mm) with shower over, heated towel rail, basin, WC. Please note that the en suite bathroom does not have a door.
Bedroom two with 3’ twin beds, two armchairs, side table, small chest of drawers, hanging hook.
Four steps down from the bedroom lead to the en suite bathroom with large shower, heated towel rail, basin, and WC. Please note that the en suite bathroom does not have a door.
Six steps down at the end of the hallway lead into bedroom three.
Bedroom three with twin beds, chest of drawers, armchair, hanging hook, and small wardrobe.
Two steps up to the en suite bathroom with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC. Please note that the en suite bathroom does not have a door.
OUTSIDE
There is a gravelled courtyard to the front, facing South with far-reaching views across the North Pennines which is enclosed by a drystone wall and a set of gates. Patio area with garden furniture with seating for eight/ten guests (Garden furniture is provided from April to October inclusive). The Byre sits in a working farm therefore farm machinery may be in use around this area, and to the barns to the rear of the property. There may also be some movement of sheep and cattle. It is absolutely essential that children are supervised by adults at all times. This also includes the immediate outdoor area around the hot tub. Guests should be aware that the area around the property is farmland. Under no circumstances should guests walk through fields with cattle, or during lambing and calving season. Dogs must be supervised and kept on leads at all times.
A hot tub is available at an additional cost. Maximum six guests. Rules of use apply. It is important to note that the hot tub is drained, cleaned and refilled at the end of every stay therefore if guests have departed on the day of your arrival, the hot tub will take time to re-heat to the correct temperature and will not be available for use until the following day. Important – please note that the hot tub needs daily testing and will require attendance by a member of the property team to check the PH levels. Privacy will be respected but this is essential for health & safety purposes. If guests are not agreeable to daily checks, then regrettably the hot tub will have to be removed from use for the duration of the stay. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Parking for three cars in the gravelled courtyard area. Additional parking for 5 cars outside the courtyard.
DOGS
Two dogs are welcome (£25 fee per dog). Additional dogs may be welcome by prior request. We are dog lovers ourselves and welcome well-behaved dogs. We ask that you please keep dogs in the heated kennels until they are clean and dry and do not allow dogs on the furniture or in the bedrooms. Please clear up after your dogs. Two double kennels with heating and runs are provided in a nearby outbuilding. Guests should be aware that the area around the property is farmland. Under no circumstances should guests walk through fields with cattle, or during lambing and calving season. Dogs must be supervised and kept on leads at all times.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Walltown Byre is a detached property in a rural farm hamlet.
Walltown Byre sits on a working farm therefore farm machinery, equipment and farm vehicles will be in use around this area and to the barns to the rear of the property. It is absolutely essential that children are supervised by adults at all times. This also includes the immediate outdoor area around the hot tub.
