Retreat and relax in this charming family home on the legendary Holy Island – one of Britain’s most prestigious locations.
It was 635AD when Saint Aidan first crossed the causeway to Holy Island and – likely smitten by its beauty, remoteness and rich potential for undisturbed contemplation – decided to start a monastery here.
Expect the same seduction as you near Cambridge House. Part of a row of period cottages on the tiny village of Lindisfarne, a stay here means you can enjoy privileged access to A-List historical sights.
Behind its classic stone facade, Cambridge House delivers interiors that are chicly contemporary, yet still retains the charm and character of the original period property. That includes an airy, open-plan kitchen and dining space accompanied by slick dark navy cabinetry and furniture. And indeed the sitting room, whose vintage iron-legged coffee table contrasts with a svelte, modern log-burning stove built neatly into the wall. This cosy den is a great place for families or friends to relax together in slumberous comfort.
All four bright, spacious bedrooms – one of them on the ground floor – can be configured with twin or super-king beds as required. Two are en-suite to allow for total comfort and the others share a big bathroom with a tub.
Outside, the property benefits from an enclosed private back garden where you can relax, chat or plot your next adventure! There’s ample bike storage here too should you wish to pedal around. That might be a good idea, what with there being so much to see.
One of Holy Island’s undoubted headline attractions is its ruined 11th-century priory (built after Vikings attacked the original), offering a chance to learn about how Aidan and Saint Cuthbert pioneered Christianity’s spread across the world. Then there’s the renovated, visible-for-miles castle, with its 1900s-style society rooms.
You’ll also find the award-winning Gertrude Jekyll Garden and a pretty harbour where upside-down herring boats form sheds. If possible, sip some of the renowned Lindisfarne Mead, still concocted from a secret recipe, and cross to Hobthrush, a still-dinkier tidal isle where St Cuthbert supposedly retreated for extra peace. Seals often rest on the sandbanks here.
While the Priory and castle can be busy with tourists by day, other parts of the two-square-mile island are much emptier. That includes some starkly beautiful white-sand beaches and two obelisk-style lighthouses. Lindisfarne village also offers one or two enticing cafes, pubs and shops.Shadowed by a pilgrim’s path, the causeway road is safe to cross long enough to easily enable drives to Bamburgh Castle or Coast Path pub walks on days out – keep an eye on the changing tide times though to allow yourself ample time to return! You may however, simply prefer to stay put: resting and relaxing in this uniquely spiritual place.
Property Layout
GROUND FLOOR
Three steps to main access door.
Small utility room with hanging rail, combined washer/dryer.
Kitchen with 3/4 dishwasher, ceramic hob, electric oven, microwave, large fridge/freezer, small island unit. Dining table seating up to eight.
To the right of the dining room is a ground floor bedroom with:
Bedroom one with zip and link bed which can be configured to a 6' super king or 3' twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe with storage and hanging rail. Wall-mounted Smart TV.
En-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (electric shower), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
To the left of the dining room is an inner hall and central stairwell, with main door leading to the rear garden (2 steps)
Cloakroom with basin and WC.
Sitting room with two large sofas, armchair, wood burning stove with logs supplied. It is imperative that the log burner is not over-loaded - strictly 2 logs only. Large Smart TV.
FIRST FLOOR
Stairs to the first floor with handrail.
Bedroom two with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, dressing table, built-in cupboard with shelving and hanging space, wall-mounted Smart TV.
Bedroom three with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, chest of drawers, wardrobe with storage and hanging space, wall-mounted Smart TV.
Family bathroom with bath, basin and WC.
Bedroom four with zip and link bed which can be configured to a super king or 3' twin, side tables, dressing table, wall-mounted Smart TV. Separate dressing room with hanging and storage space.
En-suite bathroom with large walk-in shower (rainforest head), heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
The property benefits from an enclosed private garden to the rear with a 6ft. close-boarded fence. This is a combination of patio, lawn and planting. An outside tap is available.
To the front access is a gravelled drive with private parking. Log store and secure bike storage for up to eight bikes.
There is private parking for up to four cars.
Location
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a fabled location which holds an iconic presence on the Northumberland coastline. Cut off from the mainland twice daily, residents enjoy a true a sense of seclusion and ability to explore the island's beaches and coves long after the majority of visitors have departed. Once home to medieval monks and victim to the first Viking raids on English shores, today it's known for it's fascinating historic sites, golden mead, and diverse birdlife.
In addition to the attractions of Lindisfarne Priory, the Gertrude Jekyll Garden, and Lindisfarne Castle, the island is home to a pretty harbour and several lovely cafés and pubs. For nature lovers, the white sandy beaches, often empty save for seabirds and seals, and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve are an endless delight. The smaller St Cuthbert's Island, also known as Hobthrush, is accessible by foot at low tide and is another haven for wildlife observation.
Nearby, the coastal villages of Bamburgh and Seahouses are perfect for day trips spent immersed in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Further afield, Berwick-upon-Tweed provides more extensive amenities and rail links to Edinburgh and Newcastle, while venturing a further inland will take you to a huge network of walking trails through the Northumberland National Park and the Scottish Borders.
Dog Friendly
Two dogs are welcome but they should be clean before accessing the property, and should be kept to the ground floor only. They are not permitted on the furniture or in the bedrooms. An outside tap is available.
Cambridge House sits in a row of three properties. Cambridge House is the middle property, with Cambridge House Cottage Number One and Cambridge House Cottage Number Two on either side - all are available as holiday lets for larger parties who wish to holiday together.
There are two complimentary EV charging points in the parking bays to the front of the property. These are available for use by guests staying at Cambridge House, Cottage Number One, and Cottage Number Two. For safety reasons, please only use the dedicated charger for car charging at this property. Discover alternative electric vehicle charging points here.
Holy Island is cut off from the mainland twice a day during high tide. During high tide, the causeway is completely submerged and it is impossible to cross. It is imperative that you adhere to the safe crossing times and do not attempt to cross during the unsafe periods when travelling to and from the island. Please check timings carefully: holyislandcrossingtimes.northumberland.gov.uk
Arrival time: 4pm
Departure time: 10am
Accessibility
Please call a member of the team on 01573 226711 to discuss your requirements.
