We Check into a Self-Catering Sanctuary With Views of the Cheviot Hills
For the perfect Sunday reset, we check into The Roundhouses
We chase the springtime sunshine to the Breamish Valley where, before arriving at our home-from-home for the evening, we’re keen to try the famous Sunday roast at The Bosk – a rustic yet elegant restaurant with rooms. We’re seated at a table by the window and admire the architecture and handmade chandeliers whilst ordering our drinks – a generous glass of merlot for me and a pint of Tyneside Blonde for him. We’ve already decided on our roast choices and we’re quickly served chicken breast and melt-in-the-mouth lamb shoulder on a bed of perfectly-seasoned mash, roasties and veg with a huge Yorkshire pudding on top. Greens, cauliflower cheese (with a seriously Instagrammable cheese pull) and gravy is served alongside. Whilst that would usually be enough for me, we’re tempted by dessert. My partner has already decided on a white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake while I opt for the sticky toffee pudding (almost being swayed by the chocolate brownie). We’re bird watching from the window when a friendly resident hen makes an appearance in the pretty garden, which is home to a pizza oven (we’re told The Bosk hosts popular pizza nights in summer.
We couldn’t think of a better way to start our Sunday in Northumberland and decide to continue our peaceful afternoon by taking a stroll around the nearby nature reserve – but the unpredictable Northumbrian weather has other ideas. Hailstones in April!? We run back to the car and head for The Roundhouses.
We reach The Roundhouses (of which there are three) by following a secluded track, slowing every now and then as lambs jump around in the field to our left. A small wooden sign points us in the direction of Wether Hill (where Robson Green has previously spent the night) and we’re instantly in love with the panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills. An adults-only retreat, this roundhouse features Scandi-inspired interiors and two chairs face outwards towards the floor-to-ceiling windows to take in that view. This roundhouse was designed by owner Michele and her daughter Ruth and whilst we instantly feel connected to nature, there’s a coffee machine, lighting with different settings and underfloor heating (not that it’s needed for our stay, now that the sun is shining again). We’ve even been treated to some delicious traybakes, which we’d be keen to dig into had we not had eyes bigger than our bellies at lunch. Our highlight is the outdoor bath sunken into the decking and facing towards the hills. No time for that though, because the recently-opened spa is calling.
Every stay at The Roundhouses includes full use of the luxury leisure facilities, which sit alongside The Bosk & Breamish Valley Cottages, and we have booked a two-hour slot to unwind. After doing a few laps of the pool we have the indoor jacuzzi to ourselves and although the wind has picked up a little, we’re looking forward to checking out the outdoor facilities. For warmer weather, there are loungers, seats and cushioned swings but we head straight for the huge jacuzzi in the centre. After heading back inside to check out the steam room, my partner challenges me to take a cold dunk in the ice bath but I only get as far as my hips before chickening out, and instead warm up in the sauna. Feeling thoroughly relaxed, we make our way back to The Roundhouses.
Call me a water baby but I’ve been desperate to run myself an al fresco bath, and what better time to do just that than at sunset? Gazing towards hills, I stay completely still as a hare hops its way from one side of the field to the other in front of me. There’s a fire pit outside too, which in hindsight I wish we’d lit earlier on. Back inside the roundhouse once the sun has gone down, I put together a charcuterie board which we enjoy at the two-seater dining table, then call it a night.
We awake to birdsong and enjoy a rare slow Monday morning, with coffee and tea (and those delicious traybakes) on the outdoor seating, taking in the stunning views one last time.
