Hidden away at the end of an old farm road lies a small group of houses the furthest being Boca Chica Cottage. It stands proud on the edge of a wide expanse of beach at the mouth of the Wansbeck River. Its garden gives direct access to the little known golden bay of Cambois. The cottage takes its name from an old area name in Cambois reportedly first used in 1745 by two sailors serving under Admir
al Vernon (duke of Newcastle) in the Carthagena War where one of the outposts was Boca Chica. This is a property steeped in history and the area’s industrial past. Originally stables for wagon horses, it is thought to have housed ponies used in Cambois pit also as servant’s quarters for the adjoining property and latterly used as a school house. Owners Clair and Michael bought the adjoining stone house and buildings in 2014 and successfully converted the run down building into a holiday cottage. The couple have put their own stamp on the building, carefully utilising as much of the original fabric as possible, and have managed to secure many local items to recycle in the build - from the old gym flooring rescued from a school demolition to the handmade bricks to build the impressive feature chimney breast in the lounge, to the hefty ceiling beams foraged from a local beach. The property is now a delight, bright and airy, with a clean modern finish enhanced by independently commissioned photography, depicting the immediate surrounds, and the recycled materials and furnishings which give the cottage its heritage. On entering the arched stable opening you enter the open plan lounge and dining room, comfortably furnished with leather suite, flat screen TV and entertainments system including wi-fi. A modern log burning stove sits in the reconstructed fireplace, and a handmade staircase provides access to the relaxed reading area/children’s den above the lounge area. The dining room is spacious and leads to the galley kitchen where all modern conveniences are provided with ceramic hob, oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. Two double bedrooms are well furnished with king size beds (one of which can be made into twin beds on request), wardrobe and drawers. The large shower/wet room is accessed from the main hall which also leads to the back door and the well laid out nautically themed garden beyond. This too has been completely refurbished, retaining many of the mature bushes and trees which had survived in the previously overgrown area. Private assess to the beach directly from the garden is possible via a hidden path. Boca Chica Cottage is a fantastic holiday retreat for couples or a small family, well behaved dogs are very welcome. What is included:
Full central heating
Initial logs & kindling for the log burner - more can be purchased from the owners on site. Smart TV with Freeview x 2
Wi-Fi in main living area
Selection of board games, books, dvd’s and CD’s, plus a host of information about the area. A generous welcome pack awaits your arrival. Selection of toiletries are supplied
A full inventory can be provided on request. Cot and High Chair can be provided free of charge on request. (Sorry cot linen is not provided). Storage for leisure gear can be pre-arranged ie. Cycles, kayaks, golf clubs etc. Notes and Special Condition’s. The property has direct access to the beach so children and dogs should be well supervised whilst in the garden (which isn’t securely enclosed), and beach areas. The secure enclosed Courtyard is suitable for dogs. There is a charge of £20 per dog per week. An enhanced welcome pack including breakfast items for your first morning can be added to your booking. £15.00 for 2 people £20 for 4 people. Things to see and do
• Beach - picnic, walk, paddle, rockpool and explore or just sit and take in the view.
• Dine and/or stop for a pint of local ale at pub, less than 1 minute walk.
• Nearest supermarkets – Blyth, Cramlington and Ashington. Home delivery available yes - Sainsbury, Tesco, Asda.
• The port of Blyth is just a 5 minute drive – During the August bank holiday weekend, Blyth will host The Tall Ships Regatta 2016 welcoming tall ships from around the world. The event also includes live music and entertainment in the town.
• Northumberlandia - a female land sculpture - a 10 minute drive
• Seaton Delaval Hall - one of our most beautiful stately homes, in July host to the national Chilli Festival event - for those who like it hot a full weekend of competitive chilli chewing - watch in awe or participate if you dare.
• Wallsend - the start (or end whichever way you look at it) of Hadrian’s Wall - Segadunum is the country’s largest Roman excavation.
• Newcastle upon Tyne 20 minute drive - The city conurbation offers shopping, culture, architecture and heritage - a cathedral, a castle keep, a University City, Eldon Square shopping centre, The Quay Side, Grey Street’s sweeping architecture incorporating the Theatre Royal, nightlife, restaurants and so much more.
• Gateshead with one of Britain’s largest shopping centres
• To the North the heritage coastline - the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Bamburgh Castle, Craster Kippers, The Farne Islands, Dunstanburgh Castle, Warkworth Castle and slightly inland Alnwick Castle & Gardens, Amble reputidly Englands friendliest Port.
• Take a trip inland to the West and find the full length of Hadrian’s Wall and its various milecastle excavations, George Stephenson’s birthplace, the country towns of Corbridge famed as the home of Catherine Cookson, and Hexham with its amazing Abbey and the oldest gaol in England. Fishing on the Tyne and the man-made Keilder Forest and Reservoir.
• Golf - Blyth, Morpeth, Alnmouth, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, City of Newcastle, Burgham, Close House, Slayley Hall are all within striking distance.
• Cycling - Coast and Castle’s route one runs north and south Newcastle to Edinburgh.
• Fishing - Exceptional area for angling both fresh water and sea with easy access to both. The river sees a yearly run of both sea trout and salmon which can be seen jumping in the river near dam along with the shy Otters.
