THE HOUSE

Chillingham Newtown is a grade-II Listed Farmhouse on The Lilburn Estate in North Northumberland. The Estate colour is a deep brick red which blends beautifully with the soft red sandstone buildings. You will see it on many well cared for properties in the area. The Farmhouse has far reaching views to the South the and to the West The Cheviot Hills and to the East Ros Hill and Bewick Hill and Hepburn Moor.

A BIT ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

We are Ed and Mhairi Seymour. We moved to Northumberland from London at the start of our married life 26 years ago.  We have 2 older children who are 23 and 24 years old. Degrees in Classics and International relations and living and working in Whistler and Sydney. When we first arrived in Northumberland we lived outside Berwick Upon Tweed and Ed commuted to Newcastle. Mhairi ran a holiday cottage business before moving to a large Farmhouse near Crookham which Mhairi ran as a B&B.  Life then took us just over the border to Scotland. After 7 years running a Shepherds Hut business in the Lammermuir Hills we missed Northumberland. We moved back to North Northumberland and opened a B&B in Chillingham at The Manor House - We ran it as Chillingham Manor for just over 5 years and we were in The Good Hotel Guide and Sawdays. We received hundreds of 5 star reviews, excellent press coverage and awards. We were featured in travel books and the beautifully decorated and furnished interiors were used in fashion shoots. Circumstances changed and we were delighted to be offered Chillingham Newtown - a mile up the road and a different world. Away from the frost pocket, ghost hunters and people knocking on the door all hours of the day and night looking for the castle - Its behind you!! - Back up into the sunlight with heart lifting views and a real feeling of space. It is wonderful and finally I will be able to keep chickens and grow vegetables again.

We have excellent local knowledge that we are happy to share on where to go, hidden gems to see and the best beaches to visit away from the crowds. Chillingham Newtown is first and foremost our home. It is furnished with care and attention to detail and full of family photos, books, maps, original art and a good mix of antique and modern furniture. It is all about being comfortable and relaxed and for our guests to feel completely at home. We share an entrance with our guests but your accommodation is in a separate “wing” so you have your own space and privacy.

My (Mhairi’s) roots are in hospitality and tourism – it is what I have nearly always done.  In my early twenties I worked as a cook in London, the Highlands of Scotland, African Safari Lodges and on yachts in the med.  I did this to fund my ski seasons of which there were quite a few…. Skiing is a huge part of my life and I continued until quite recently to work in the ski industry in sales and recruitment for a Val d’Isere based company. Skiing is now permanently off the menu for me since falling off a ladder last May.

Ed used to work in the world of property. Life he has realised is too short to sit in an office and he is never happier than when he is fishing or working his German Wire Haired Pointer in the hills.   He is also a River Tweed Commissioner. His interests also lie in environmental work. He looks after a beautiful estate nearby and keeps other peoples homes and gardens in tip top order. Happy to take on most jobs - he is a very useful chap to have around.

OUR DOGS

We have 3 dogs. 2 little grey hairy Lurchers - Bedlington Whippets - Mum and daughter who will always greet you with a big smile, and a German Wire Haired Pointer. They are very interested in people and very friendly. Their real interests are in squirrels and tennis balls… Sometimes lack manners - for this we apologise in advance….. If guests feel a walk is not a walk unless they have a dog to accompany them feel free to borrow one of ours. They will be very grateful as will we.

WORK TO THE HOUSE

The house needed a lot of TLC which is ongoing. IMPORTANT - The house is old. If you want all singing all dancing bathrooms with steam drench showers and waterfall taps, Massive TV’s with surround sound and a pillow “menu” it is NOT here. What you will find is a charming, quiet, comfortable and welcoming space where you can truly relax and be well exceptionally well looked after. The garden and yard is work in progress still. Once inside it is all about the comfort and the views. There is a new hot water system. So important to have lots of hot water after a day in the hills or on the beach.

We look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful, peaceful, relaxed home.