Life's simple pleasures

Dec 31 2010 By Justine Halifax

Justine Halifax finds peace and tranquillity at an historic estate in Hadrian's Wall country.

Sir Winston Churchill once said: “My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best.”

And it’s this maxim that the owners of Lanercost’s luxury holiday cottages, in the tranquil valley of the Irthing River, 13 miles north of Carlisle, have tried to adhere to.

Described as an “ancient and magical place with a truly modern twist”, even before setting foot inside these six cottages, nestled in a large courtyard, you are touched by a sense of history.

For these pretty buildings, which lie at the heart of the ancient Naworth Castle estate, the seat of the Earls of Carlisle and still privately owned by the Howard family, are set in the shadow of the ruins of the 12th century Lanercost Priory.

And the dramatic backdrop of this magnificent 1169 Augustine Priory – once home to the Romans but devastated by William Wallace – is just one of a host of historic sites on your doorstep at this idyllic spot in the rural borderlands of Cumbria and in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country.

In fact you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to visit as these six, four-star stone cottages are less than 400 metres from Hadrian’s Wall and close to Birdoswalt Roman Fort, Naworth Castle.

You can walk along the section of Hadrian’s Wall near the cottages which our children thoroughly enjoyed doing and visiting Naworth Castle, only open to private tours, was a fascinating experience.

The wealth of delights in the northern Lake District, Carlisle, Scottish borders, Northumberland and County Durham, are all within easy reach too.

Carlisle Castle was a huge hit with our children as there was plenty to explore, nearby Tuille House was interactive and fantastic, and Walby Farm Park is a great indoor and outdoor attraction.

Luxurious aspects of Lanercost’s contemporary cottages, named after powerful families connected to the spot like the Howard and Dacre family, include oak floors, Persian carpets, reclining leather sofas and Egyptian cotton sheets.

Sleeping four to eight people, three of the cottages are single storey, while the rest are two storey.