Hesleyside Hall

Having happened upon Hesleyside and the lovely Charlton family quite by accident we've been back within the month! We just couldn't stay away and can't wait to go back again. The house itself is beautiful, full of history and set amidst stunning landscaped grounds. A wonderful location in the beautiful Northumberland National Park, close to Hexham and to the fabulous Kielder Water the spot is astoundingly peaceful and perfect for stargazing too! William and Anna could not be more welcoming and warm. For our first stay we arrived at around 3.30 in the afternoon to a fresh cream tea served in the glorious library. A room especially for guests to enjoy. The library itself is spacious, comfortable and very cosy with a blazing log fire and a very generous set of refreshments available too. Despite the grandeur and history of the house it feels exceptionally homely and it only took moments for us to feel completely at ease and relaxed. Having been welcomed in by Anna we were then shown upstairs to our sensational room. To say the End Bedroom is beautiful is something of an understatement. A huge double aspect room with gorgeous views over the estate and the biggest and most delicious bed I've ever slept in. Just like the rest of the house though the room doesn't feel stand-offish or too grand to touch, on the contrary it really invites relaxation. Every comfort is catered for, some really lovely touches included chocolates on the bed side table and fresh milk. The in-room refreshments are great, lots of choice and a fantastic espresso machine for early morning coffee. Being something of a bath fanatic I was simply in heaven in the bathroom. Beautifully decorated it is crowned with a sensational copper bath, the absolute height of luxury and it fills very quickly too! I managed to squeeze in 3 baths on our last visit. When we managed to drag ourselves away from the bed (or bath in my case) we were treated to an excellent breakfast in the beautiful dining room. Fresh fruit salad, yoghurt and cereals, toast and warm croissants as well as freshly brewed coffee and tea from the pot (this is very important to me too). Followed by a deliciously fresh full English cooked to our liking and served by our hosts, the little Charltons also helped by bringing in toast which was so sweet. Throughout all of our stays we have been made to feel like family, Anna and William, while never intrusive, are very attentive and genuine hosts who really couldn't do enough for us. Offering to call and book us a table at a local restaurant and recommending some great places to eat they are so eager for everyone to enjoy their home as much as they evidently do. That's the most wonderful thing about staying at Hesleyside, yes it's fabulously grand and special, it feels like true luxury but it also feels like home. We arrived for our most recent stay to another lovely welcome and, as were arriving rather late at night fresh hot water bottles in our bed and a roaring library fire. We left with hugs and really sincere wishes to see us soon. I think we've found a really special home from home and I hope we can go back as often as possible. I am really torn between wanting the whole world to enjoy this lovely place and wanting to keep it just for us!

AilsaD

In a land full of B&B's this is a standout. Firstly it is a family home for William and Anna and their 3 lovely children (not forgetting William's grandmother), it is in a beautiful part of the country, it is a stately family home which can trace its roots back to 1400 and beyond, it has been in the Charlton family all its long life, it is in a beautiful part of the UK with the lovely town of Bellingham close by, next to a river, on the trail of Hadrian's wall. The conversion of part of the house to a B &B by William and Anna Charlton has been done in such a way as to restore this magnificent dwelling to the charm and beauty expected in what will soon be one of the top places to stay in Northumberland. The rooms are enormous especially the end room, the bathrooms are generous and appointed with everything one could possibly need, the beds are superbly comfortable, appointments within the rooms are fantastic and Anna and William are great hosts. Guests get to eat in the magnificent dinning room, relax in the library in front of that wonderful fire place and can be surrounded by fascinating family history - married to a Charlton maybe even some of his family. Like the previous reviewer we struggled to write this because the world will know of this "Secret on the Border". Thank you Anna and William, your dedication to giving this building a new lease on life, the superb standard you have achieved and allowing the world into your home does you credit, well done both. Phil and Elaine, Australia.

ElaineC

This is the most enchanting house. Nothing is too much trouble for William and Anna and our stay was lovely. We stayed in the Nursery, which was clean, beautifully decorated and truly luxurious. The breakfast was delicious and we went for a lovely walk in the beautiful surrounding parkland. We wish we could have stayed longer. This must be the best kept secret. We whole heartedly recommend this truly luxurious house. Thank you!

PeterL

We have had a wonderful stay here recently. We were looked after superbly by William and Anna in this grand and friendly house. Spotlessly clean and stylish this was a really memorable week-end. The most comfortable bed we've ever slept in and a fabulous breakfast. So much to see and do locally that a couple of nights was not enough. We will be coming back soon.

JoD

We recently had a two night say in this wonderful house. William and Anna are excellent hosts. We arrived to tea and homemade scones in the library. Our room was fabulous with views from 3 windows overlooking the grounds, a large bathroom with free standing bath and plenty of hot water. Breakfast was great. We will certainly return for another short break.

DianeW

With such a warm welcome from the family, who really couldn't do enough for us we had such a wonderful stay and would highly recommend this beautiful home for a tranquil special treat. The House is magnificent, the rooms are luxurious and the personal service was impeccable. We would love to return one day, Thank you.

LucyJ