The Property
Built in 1734, Whitesand Shiel was last used as a salmon netting station in 1992 and has since been lovingly restored to create a unique and delightfully quirky couple’s retreat in an enviable position on the banks of the River Tweed. The cottage boasts magnificent views of the river and Berwick’s famous Royal Border Bridge, a Grade 1 listed railway viaduct designed by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1850 by Queen Victoria.
Downstairs the open plan living area is a winning combination of earthy colours and organic materials. Wooden floors, sumptuous leather sofas, cosy tweeds, solid oak and pine furniture create a style of understated luxury that blends effortlessly with the surroundings.
Upstairs a superb light-filled, glass-fronted sitting room offers a captivating view and a fabulous spot to sit and watch the river and its many inhabitants including salmon, seals, otter and an extraordinary array of birdlife. The cosy adjacent bedroom comes with exposed beams, a fabulous view through to the sitting room and a very special bespoke bed.
The owner’s passion for the renovation project is reflected in the incredible attention to detail that is a reminder of the building’s history. Former wooden fish crates have been reborn as a coffee table and as a unique headboard draped with original fishing nets. Oars have been transformed into coat hooks and a wooden fishing boat in the garden has been skilfully converted into a sheltered bench!
Whitesand Shiel sits in a fully-enclosed garden with views to the river and bridge to the front and to open pasture behind. An outside dining area with a charcoal barbecue and wood fire pit provides the perfect spot for dining al fresco during the warmer months.
There are excellent walks from the house both along the river and into the town and surrounding countryside. Berwick’s beaches also provide excellent walking or enjoy a wander around the town’s historic Elizabethan Walls, the best preserved in Europe. For something a bit different, take a boat trip from Berwick upstream to Paxton House, a superb Adam mansion boasting an impressive collection of art.
Whitesand Shiel offers guests the best of both worlds; the location is surprisingly peaceful and private and yet Berwick’s shops, pubs and restaurants are just a ten minute walk from the front door. Unusually for this part of the world, Whiteand Shiel is one of very few properties where a car is not required. Berwick upon Tweed is on the main East Coast line which also links to the west coast and the station is about a 10 minute walk from the house.
Whitesand Shiel is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland’s Heritage coastline, 25 miles of golden sands and secluded rocky coves that remain almost deserted even in the summer months. Some of our favourite spots include the stunning beach at Bamburgh, miles of pristine sand, popular for walking, riding, surfing, coasteering and kite surfing. The magnificent views from the cliff top walks at St Abb’s Head and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. This tiny, picturesque island linked at low tide to the mainland, is an overwhelmingly mystical place, home to the evocative remains of a ruined eleventh-century priory, a beautifully restored castle and the infamous Lindisfarne Mead. Head to the Farne Islands to see the resident seals and incredible birdlife including Puffins.
With the legendary Tweed on the doorstep, Whitesand Shiel is an ideal base for lovers of fishing. As the river is still tidal at this point, fishing for trout, salmon and sea trout is free but catches must be returned. Slightly further upstream is some excellent fishing starting at just £5 per day for a trout permit and £20 a day for salmon.
Golf fanatics will also not be disappointed with 34 courses within a 30 mile radius including the links courses at Goswick, Bamburgh and Eyemouth and parkland courses at The Hirsel and Roxburghe.
The charming, ancient towns of Duns and Kelso are also nearby and Edinburgh is an easy day trip either about an hour by car or 45 minutes on the train from Berwick upon Tweed.
Accommodation
Ground floor
Open plan living area comprising:
Fully-equipped kitchen with electric cooker with 2 ovens and 4 ring hob, fridge / freezer, dishwasher, plenty of utensils and good quality china and glasses.
Dining area for four guests.
Cosy seating area with log burner and TV with Freeview.
Utility room with washing machine and additional storage space.
Shower room with walk-in shower with drench shower head, basin and WC.
First floor
Fabulous sitting room with glass wall offering superb view across the river to the Berwick Bridge, books and games.
Bedroom with 4’ 6” double bed, dressing table and chest of drawers. Hanging space is provided by a door hook and hangers.
Mobile coverage
There is good mobile coverage on most networks.
Guest amenities
The beds are made up with good quality bed linen, hypoallergenic duvet and pillows. A hair dryer is provided. Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries and luxurious bath sheets and hand towels are provided for all guests.
Babies and children
Regretfully Whitesand Shiel is not suitable for children and babies.
Garden and grounds
Whitesand Shiel is set within a fully-enclosed garden with an outside seating area, charcoal barbecue and wood fire pit with superb views across the estuary. A former wooden netting boat has been converted to provide a quirky bench. There is ample parking outside the house.
Welcome pack
A welcome pack is provided.
Catering
The owner of Whitesand Shiel is a professional cook and offers a homemade meal delivery service to guests. She also runs cookery classes at her B&B in Berwick-upon-Tweed about a 15 minute walk from the house. Please enquire for further details. Wine delivery is available in conjunction with renowned wine merchants Corney & Barrow or Majestic in Berwick-upon-Tweed. Tesco, Asda and Sainsburys will also deliver to the house.
Dogs
One well-behaved dog is welcome at Whitesand Shiel to be kept to the downstairs area only.
Logs
Logs are provided.
Heating
Heating is provided by electric panel heaters and the wood burning stove.
Access
Access to Whitesand Shiel is via a concrete track which is usable by all vehicles other than in severe weather conditions. Please do not hesitate to give us a ring if you have any concerns.
