Northumberland has only appeared on my short break radar in recent years. My parents enjoyed wonderful holidays in the area for many years but my first visit was not until June 2012.
The occasion was a Bank Holiday, it was pouring with rain, but I have never seen anything as magical as my first sighting of Bamburgh Castle, high on the hill, emerging through a swirling mist. The following morning the rain had stopped, the mist had cleared, and the castle looked just as splendid bathed in sunshine and framed by a brilliant blue sky. I have a print on my wall at home of the castle in the snow. Whatever the time of year the sight, to me, is just breathtaking.
I now make a point of visiting Northumberland as regularly as I can. The whole area instills a feeling of peace in me. Perhaps its the rich history, or maybe the wide open beaches, huge skies, or the spectacular national park. Whatever it is, and whatever the weather, this is a very special place to visit.
Such a special area requires an equally special place to stay! St Cuthbert's House in Seahouses is my accommodation of choice. The comfort and relaxation of their guests is of paramount priority for Jeff and Jill Southern the proprietors. Just take a look at their website to see all the awards they have won or have been nominated for! Talking of their website, it is a real treat to read; an interesting insight into the renovation of St Cuthbert's Chapel, Jeff and Jills' background and family, their philosophy around responsible tourism, and above all, their care for me, the paying guest! By the time you have read the website you too will feel you know Jeff and Jill well, and have a sense of the warmth and friendliness I have come to know and love from them.
In addition to the wealth of information about the accommodation and the surrounding area, Jeff and Jill devote a website page to recognising their local suppliers, something I love to see; a proprietors pride in their local producers who are proudly playing their part in ensuring the success of the business. I experienced similar at Hotel Diderot in Chinon, France.
If pampering their guests wasn't enough to keep them busy, Jeff and Jill are also a musical couple, and are passionate supporters of live music. They regularly hold house concerts, inviting less well known, yet still highly talented musicians to perform to an intimate audience.
The facilities at St Cuthbert's, whether for laying your head, sampling a delicious breakfast, relaxing with a book, or attending a concert, are top notch! In addition, if whisky is your tipple they also have one of the finest selection of whisky ever to be found in a Bed and Breakfast!
St Cuthbert's House is one of those places where any stress you may be feeling on arrival just leaves you the minute you walk through the door! Jeff and Jill really have thought of everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible!
There are many high quality places to stay in Northumberland, but for me, I have found perfection in St Cuthbert's House, so why would I stay anywhere else?
A wonderful Bed and Breakfast in one of the most spectacular parts of the country!
To quote Jeff and Jill:" Come see us and refill your soul!"
