The Folly

45 Customer Reviews

• "A beautiful cottage surrounded by stunning scenery."

  An ideal getaway, especially if you want quiet, cosy evenings with an open fire. Will definitely come to stay again!

  Reviewed by Simon5.0★Oct 2024

• "We book cottage breaks quite regularly and I always look at the reviews to make a decision."

  After reading some and then also seeing The Folly was significantly cheaper than other comparable cottages I was really on the fence about booking. The distance from home was my decider (we wanted somewhere in easy travel, but still with a remote feel). We arrived with fingers crossed. All is can say is WE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. I would have never known but been so gutted to have missed this gem. Absolutely now number one my favourite break list. Location - fantastic. Detached and remote but only 2 minutes from local post office/shop, coffee shop, Castle and Gardens in Belsay and 4 minutes to Bolam Lake. Access information/directions from owner - spot on. We had no problem finding the Folly and getting in. The access is across a field from the main road, so I would advise weatherproof footwear to open the gate. The track across the field is perfectly drivable stone. We were welcomed on arrival and throughout our stay by sheep (we never had a visit from the cows). The cottage itself is really well equipped. I don't think the photos do it justice. Often I find rooms/cottages/gardens smaller in reality with some clever camera angles at play. Not the case here. All rooms are great sizes and ample garden space. Large garden to front and small patio to rear. If you have a large dog or a dog that will jump walls, then definitely keep on a lead in the front garden (as advised). The bottom wall is lower than the sides and the sheep are literally at the other side. Our dog is big (lab/husky) but doesn't jump and is very used to/unbothered by sheep. The back yard/patio is super dog proof! Loads of outside space for parking and undercover barn type area for anything else (I think this is what is described in the listing as undercover games area). Heating was fab, we turned it down so we could justify the log burners (post office sells additional logs and kindling). Water red hot, shower excellent. Kitchen had everything we needed. Outside sensor security lighting (needs to be switched on on arrival) meant even in the dark the gates were easy to manage You can walk for miles through the fields (dog on lead obviously) if you don't want to travel far. We went to Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens but didn't feel with the dog it justified the entry fee. Bolam Lake was a fabulous walk though (free, but car park charge) There's a couple of comments about cobwebs, yes there are a few here and there but I'm not sure in a building like this you'd ever get rid of them all! Everything we used was clean and the towels, bedding perfect. The quilt in the master bedroom was so snuggly. We didn't have a problem with the mattress, it was really firm but didn't cause us any issues. The basics were all there (loo roll, washing up liquid, dishwasher and washing tablets, salt pepper, tea coffee, sugar). There wasn't any welcome pack to speak of (unless these things were it), even though the text from the owner mentioned it (I only noticed this when I was re-reading the message for leaving instructions) but that was fine I'd ordered an Asda delivery to land shortly after we did so we were quickly stocked with milk, bread and all the other essentials. (We met the driver at the gate and transferred to our car to save him driving through the field) If I could change anything I'd say get a bigger TV in the lounge. We so enjoyed a Netflix binge/catch up on a night and it would have been amazing on a bigger screen. The Folly would literally be 11/10 then! Since arriving home yesterday I've already been looking when we can rebook.

  Reviewed by Sue5.0★Oct 2024

• "Please review the remarks I made in the guest book for a comprehensive answer."

  Reviewed by Ronald T5.0★Jul 2024

• "Great property in wonderful location,however."

  More info should be given as to the access road, very dirty experience getting through the gates, cow excrement on the chain into the back yard on the morning of leaving, shoes and top covered in splatters. Track a bit rough and it should be pointed out in the listing that it's an unsurfaced track, can't find any mention of this. I'm not unaccustomed to farms but wasn't expecting this type of access, if I'd know I would have gone elsewhere. Fireplace grates hadn't been cleaned and a metal plate fell from the chimney in the kitchen fire. Rugs dirty but overall not an unclean house, well appointed and warm. Bed not to my taste so slept on the rather worn couch. Quite and expensive experience considering the access track.

  Reviewed by Julie3.1★Jul 2024

• "The Folly is a beautiful well situated property."

  Stunning views. Loved everything about our stay, the only downside was we found the beds a bit uncomfortable and the fridge didn't chill the food enough. That said we would highly recommend The Folly to anyone who wants to holiday in Northumberland. There so much to do in locally and further afield. The Folly is in the most perfect place to explore from. Thank you once again for allowing us to stay. Hopefully it will not be our last visit.

  Reviewed by Alan4.7★Jun 2024

• "If you're looking for something with lovely views and seclusion then this is the place for you."

  It was a really good place and we are very glad we decided to stay there. We like Northumberland and have visited several times over the years.

  Reviewed by Tim5.0★Jun 2024

• "Beautiful cottage and beautiful surroundings."

  A nice place to wind down and recharge those batteries

  Reviewed by Clare4.7★Apr 2024

• "Property is in a lovely location and we have previously stayed here."

  A few issues this time however. Whilst everywhere superficially clean it really needs a good deep clean to sort out dust, cobwebs and dead flies and a dead wasp in the bathroom blind. Would also be good if the garden was checked before arrival for previous occupants dog mess. Also needs a restock and some money spending on new kitchen implements and oven trays etc. We had a few issues with the internet whilst there and a missing cable. We attempted to contact the owner at the time but no reply about this. We didn’t appreciate the stress of being contacted by the owner whilst travelling back to see if we had “taken” 4 old off white pillowcases which we wouldn’t dream of doing. All that being said it’s a lovely peaceful location and a good base for dog walks around the area.

  Reviewed by Anne2.8★Mar 2024

• "Overall the cottage was very nice in a brilliant and peaceful location and checking in was very straightforward."

  We did find a few things that would put us off returning though, the biggest of these was the incredibly hard bed coupled with very soft pillows. We found the mattress so hard that my partner slept on the sofa one night, and only by sleeping on top of the duvet were we able to avoid having to cut the weekend short. I do appreciate this is maybe a personal preference and others may find it less of an issue, but an orthopaedic mattress is very firm for regular use. While the property was clean, we did notice a lot of cobwebs on ceilings and light fittings. We also found the initial log and wood supply provided to be rather minimal, 5 sticks in the kitchen, 4 logs in the living room and a total of 2 matches felt deliberately stingy.

  Reviewed by Stewart3.4★Feb 2024

• "My husband snd myself teavel north from Lincolnshire, my brother and wife travelled south from Fife."

  Meeting up somewhere in the middle for our annual pre christmas break. What a marvelous find this was. This is a lovely cottage, quite remote, (make sure you take what you need with you, you arent popping out to the shop f you forget anything. ) there is a well stocked village shop a few miles away in the nearest village, The cottage is surrounded by stunning views cosy, yet spacious. and exceptionally clean and well equipped to a high standard . One point to highlight , the beds have orthopaedic mattress, very firm, if you like a soft mattress you may struggle. We were contacted by our hosts two days before travelling , with detailed direction on how to get there. Key safe numbers etc. Our queries were promptly responded to. You do indeed (as advised) need your wellies if it is wet weather, opening gates (two) to get from the road, through the sheep field , to reach the cottage, not digfficult to do, the men sat in the cars while the women opened the gates, in the rain... the courtyard is well contained and was well suited to our small dog. (Lots of walks in the area). The weather wasn't great , to be expected at this time of the year, but the warm welcome from our hosts, cosy cottage open fires and good company made for a great long weekend break. Would highly recommend. We plan to return.

  Reviewed by Jean5.0★Dec 2023

• "It was like a winter wonderland the snow was an added bonus to the folly which is a beautiful cottage in a perfect spot !"

  The views were amazing and we did not want to leave!

  Reviewed by Clare5.0★Dec 2023

• "We were not contacted with regards to our stay until we got in touch with the owners before we left home to find out the details."

  Our booking was most definitely forgotten. The directions to get to The Folly from Belsay were poor, on the basis that the 'burn' we are told to turn left after, is really hard to notice, and actually, when you miss it, and follow the directions from the next obvious, 2nd burn, you end up in another property. It took us a while to find the property, only with the help of a local resident, who advised us of the phantom burn used in directions. If you go over a little bridge and swing to the left..you need to turn around. Once we found the entrance gate, with the tiniest signs possible, the lane was easy to navigate, and the cows and sheep were very welcoming and amicable. The key safe was very, very difficult to find. I know other guests have mentioned it was difficult for 'oldies', but actually no, its hard for anyone. It is small, disguised amongst fuse/socket boxes, and in the darkest corner of a brick shed,..oh, and black, not even where the diminishing light can fall...check in from 3:30pm, not 3pm! Had it been any darker, we would not have found it. (Once it was located, even in the daylight as we left, the phone torches had to be used to put in codes) It was during this search that we found the log shed, of which the door could not be opened fully to get logs. Not that it mattered for us, as we had forgotten to bring matches, and the only provision made for us was an empty box. The log baskets had not been replenished either. Confirming that the booking was forgotten. On our second evening, the electricty went off. It came back on again, 30 seconds later, and then back off again. This on and off lasted a couple of minutes, and then it just went off. It was just as night was falling. We anticpated an evening of no heat source, and so after contacting the owners, we decided it was better to pack and leave for home. The owners said it was a power cut, which, after experiencing these before, and managing with 5 small children, we found it to be an odd, and somewhat patronising explanation. Had we been prepared for the possibilty, we would have coped...TAKE MATCHES!! It was then that the electricity came back on, but our trust in the property was now completely gone, and the lack of care to ensure we were okay during the aleged power cut was actually alarmingly rude. It turned the the whole break into a farse. The Folly is beautiful. It is well decorated with gorgeous facbrics and adequate furniture. The garden is enclosed, however the yard at the back of the house does have a gate which requires supervision of determined escapees...children or doggos. We were not aware of outside games area? and parking is generous. The box room which is described as suitable for a cot bed or the zbed provided is actually a through room to the bathroom, and so would really only be suitable for really small children. The 'welcome pack' folder itemises all kitchen utensils, however some of these are still missing, which makes you feel guilty to be honest. As a property and location, The Folly is gorgeous, and comfortable, just be aware of the difficulties we've mentioned, be fully prepared, and it should be a good time. Oh, and maybe take wellies for the opening of the gates.....

  Reviewed by Claire4.1★Nov 2023

• "The property was not well signposted from the main road but we found it!"

  The key lock in the shed wasn’t easy for us oldies to see and use but we managed eventually. The property and surroundings were just what we were looking for..perfect! Our only feedback is the shower drain needs unblocking and the tv remote wasn’t working properly. Other than that it was perfect! Lovely warm homely feeling house.

  Reviewed by Samantha4.1★Oct 2023

• "The Folly is a wonderfully remote and tranquil cottage."

  It is well appointed and the property was both clean and comfortable. The view from the cottage is beautiful and we couldn’t imagine many places that compete with The Folly for that special feel of being truly embedded in the countryside.

  Reviewed by Rosemary4.4★Jul 2023

• "A great house ."

  Spacious rooms and good decor. A remote setting but not far from Belsay village. Access is through a famers field , although on a dirt track, you do have to dodge the cows and sheep, who are very friendly. The house is very attractive but really is only a two bed. We loved it as did our young dog who was fascinated by the cows. Thank you for a great stay.

  Reviewed by Jacqui4.4★Jun 2023

• "Very quiet, peaceful and comfortable in a perfect location."

  It was good to meet the owners and we had such a relaxing time.Plenty of good places to eat in Ponteland which is only a short drive. Belsay, Cragside,Wallington,Hadrian’s wall and Bolam lake well worth a visit and wonderful beaches with in easy reach. Thank you Bernard and Sheila

  Reviewed by Bernard And Sheila5.0★Jun 2023

• "Our first time visiting Northumberland and it didn’t disappoint."

  The Folly was a great base to explore whilst being in a lovely peaceful location. Loved waking up every morning and seeing the lambs. It was cosy and comfortable with everything you need. Our two dogs loved the garden, perfect size for them to enjoy the sunshine. Highly recommend The Blacksmiths which isn’t far away for some corned beef pie and tasty cakes. We will definitely be back!

  Reviewed by Elizabeth5.0★Apr 2023

• "This is a fantastic base to explore this area."

  We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the countryside in a very warm and comfortable property.We would say this is a dog friendly property.A great garden and dog walks 5 minutes away.We did a Tesco delivery and dug in for a fortnight. We enjoyed walks in Bolam lake and the beach and lake at Druiridge bay are great.5/5

  Reviewed by Janet5.0★Apr 2023

• "Wow! What a fantastic place to escape!"

  Warm, comfortable and spacious. Isolated and very quiet in a beautiful setting. We'll be back....!

  Reviewed by Justin5.0★Mar 2023

• "The Folly is a lovely , clean , comfortable and well maintained old farmhouse."

  The tranquility of the area was very calming with only the sheep , rabbits and birds for neighbours!

  Reviewed by Elaine5.0★Feb 2023

• "Beautiful cottage in a beautiful location."

  Peaceful and isolated with the most beautiful views. We visited in February but can imagine perfect summer nights in the garden with a glass of wine. As it was we highly recommend a hot chocolate and star gazing for the winter nights! High standard of cleanliness to the property and extremely comfortable. Absolutely perfect if you have dogs and so many great walks nearby. Definitely recommend and we will be returning!

  Reviewed by Annie5.0★Feb 2023

• "A fabulous place to stay"

  Reviewed by Kevin5.0★Feb 2023

• "Lovely cottage decorated to a high and elegant standard ( I took a photo of one bedroom's curtains to try and track the fabric down for home!"

  ) The real Christmas tree and the foliage in the sitting room was a lovely touch and very much appreciated . The bath towels were big and fluffy and having a bath ( so many cottages today seem to just have showers ) was just what you need in the winter after a walk. My only gripe is a recurrent one- form self catering the provision of pots and pans is never adequate- there was no casserole dish for the oven for the sort of hearty meal wanted to cook ( we improvised with a roasting tin and foil) and only one decent sized saucepan meant juggling veg etc Finally and this is a dig at Sykes and not the owner; when will letting companies abandon this paranoia that a bag of flour/ bottle of oil/ stock cubes/ salt/pepper/ vinegar and any other basis non perishable food stuffs which make it easier to cook away from home without a massive shop,is a health risk? When was the last time anyone died of botulism in one of your cottages from the dried mixed herbs left behind by the previous guest? It is so depressing to arrive to find that the one tablespoon of flour you need means a trip to the shops. You allow tea. coffee and sugar to be left so why not allow the rest of the inert foodstuffs?

  Reviewed by Ruth4.7★Dec 2022

• "Gorgeous place - a peaceful getaway in stunning countryside."

  Very comfortable and homely. Highly recommend.

  Reviewed by Lucinda5.0★Dec 2022

• "Super location very peacful"

  Reviewed by Joan5.0★Nov 2022

• "The property had been renovated beautifully."

  All items within the cottage were in excellent condition and had everything you could need. The welcome pack was spot on and especially loved that a vet number was included as this is often overlooked. I am thankful for the speedy response to the message I sent regarding the key safe code.

  Reviewed by Penelope4.7★Oct 2022

• "Lovely comfortable cottage unfortunately there were many very prickly thistles in the lawn so it was difficult for our dog to play in the garden."

  We enjoyed our stay and the walks round Bolam Lake country park. The cafe there has excellent home made cakes and the Blacksmiths Barn cafe in Belsay is also worth a visit

  Reviewed by Maria5.0★Sep 2022

• "The Folly is the ideal place for a quiet break, the only neighbours you have are the cows and sheep."

  We will certainly go back again and again

  Reviewed by Steph5.0★Sep 2022

• "My husband, grown-up daughter, myself and our dog all loved our week at the Folly which we booked so we could explore Hadrian’s Wall and forts."

  The cottage outlook is so peaceful and we sat for several hours during our time there just gazing at the livestock and landscape. It is well equipped, comfortable, attractive and clean, with heating and hot water we could control ourselves, and good Wi-Fi. The only criticism is the duck down pillows and bedding. My daughter is allergic and I have asthma, so the morning after we arrived we hurried to Ponteland and bought non-allergenic pillows. The local archaeological attractions are a magnet for the area, and The Folly is in a perfect position for visiting them plus the local restaurants and beauty spots, whilst being homely enough to spend rest days reading and relaxing.

  Reviewed by William4.7★Sep 2022

• "The only issue we had was with the data on your website about the location of the Folly."

  The map shows it to the west of the Belsay-Bolam road, whereas it’s to the east. Due to this, I was expecting to turn left from the main road through a gate. Other than that, we had a great time in a lovely peaceful cottage.

  Reviewed by Tony5.0★May 2022

• "Beautiful property ideal base to travel to the coast and places of interest ."

  Would recommend this property to family & Friends . Would book again .

  Reviewed by Richard5.0★May 2022

• "We arrived on a chilly day to find a welcomingly warm house, a bottle of wine and some lovely local biscuits."

  The place is very clean, comfortable and well-equipped and the location is absolutely fantastic for people like us who want somewhere quiet and isolated, with walks from the doorstep. We were very impressed and hope to return for a longer stay with more opportunity to explore the area.

  Reviewed by Trista5.0★Mar 2022

• "The Folly is a beautiful cottage surrounded by fields and the only neighbours you have are sheep."

  The cottage is spot on and has everything you need. It Is a great base for some lovely walks. Can't wait to re-book.

  Reviewed by Emma5.0★Mar 2022

• "If you are looking for a beautiful quiet, private location then this is the place for you."

  An absolute knock out property!! Hidden in the rural landscapes, but a 2 min drive from the local shop and a 10 min drive to a town. We rebooked again whilst we were staying, was so sad to leave but can not wait to return!! Roll on June!!

  Reviewed by Shona5.0★Mar 2022

• "Lovely isolated cottage, ideal for a relaxing break."

  Reviewed by Helen5.0★Feb 2022

• "Absolutely loved the location."

  Amazing dark skies as well which is why we were in the area. The rooms were lovely and big and the facilities were great- the shower was so powerful! Our only niggles were maybe a curtain over the front door could be put in place as the draft coming through was very cold, I know this was winter but unless the doors were shut to every room it was hard to get the rooms warm. Be mindful you have to get out of the car and open and close 2 5 bar gates to get through the fields to the house. We didn't mind this, but if you are on your own you may wish to consider. Would definately stay again, it was just a superb house with AMAZING views

  Reviewed by Laura4.7★Feb 2022

• "Brill"

  Reviewed by Joan5.0★Dec 2021

• "Wonderful isolated cottage only sheep and cows for neighbours."

  The cottage itself is well equipped and cosy , perfect getaway. Highly recommended. 9

  Reviewed by Lorraine4.7★Nov 2021

• "My wife and I were most grateful for the opportunity to stay in this lovely property set in beautiful countryside."

  There isn't a single thing that comes to mind that was detrimental about our whole stay. We were most grateful for the welcome pack, all instructions provided were clear and precise, we have no complaints whatsoever and hope to be able to stay again in the not too distant future.

  Reviewed by Mark5.0★Nov 2021

• "We had a fantastic stay at The Folly."

  The cottage enjoys a beautiful setting in the countryside and was wonderfully quiet and peaceful. We loved the views over the fields and the friendly and inquisitive cows and sheep in the fields nearby. The facilities in the cottage are excellent - it was very comfortable and spacious and a lovely place to spend our holiday.

  Reviewed by Michael5.0★Oct 2021

• "The cottage was very comfortable and though we had a slight problem with a shower cubicle, it was quickly and efficiently rectified."

  Reviewed by Tom5.0★Sep 2021

• "Our holiday was marred by the debacle relating to collection of keys - they were kept in an entirely different location to that notified in your instructions-the owner was adamant that you had been notified of this change and had tried to telephone to inform me - but I was away - an email from the owner went into my Junk Box and was not opened until too late - after a long journey hardly the best of starts."

  Pleased to say that from thereon in everything was fine - but as far as my expectation of Sykes to keep me properly informed I can only say 'not the best !'

  Reviewed by Andrew4.1★Sep 2021

• "A super spot surrounded by fields."

  Very relaxing. House was very well furnished. Totally recommend

  Reviewed by Jonathan5.0★May 2021

• "The property was decorated and furnished to a high spec and the setting is idyllic."

  Total peace and quiet aware from the madness of the present times. If you are looking for tranquillity then The Folly is ideal. Plenty of places within reasonable distance to visit if you wish.

  Reviewed by Edley5.0★Sep 2020

• "The Folly was absolutely fantastic."

  It was isolated which suited us completely during this strange time. Laura was very welcoming and the welcome pack was a lovely gesture. The Folly is well situated to visit a lot of outdoor activities including country parks and beaches. I would positively recommend this cottage for anyone wanting a relaxing holiday.

  Reviewed by Gordon5.0★Jul 2020

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