Holy Water

This charming building dates back to 1894, when it was built as part of Hexham Abbey. It was still being used as a place of worship until 2003, and then stood empty until its current owners gave it a new lease of life as a luxury holiday home. You'll find plenty of echoes of the past here, from the original brickwork on the exterior, to the wooden beams and impressive vaulted ceiling in the master bedroom. However, this home is firmly part of the present, and its recent restoration means that the interiors are classic yet contemporary. Curl up beside the wood-burning stove for a toasty night in, or run yourself a decadent bubble bath – the free-standing tub is a real gem. There's also an outdoor hot tub with fantastic views over the countryside, where you can soak to your heart's content. Walkers will be glad that both Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines are within a short drive of your front door. The market town of Hexham is only a five-minute car ride away, where you'll find quaint pubs, a weekly farmers' market and the historic abbey, one of the earliest seats of Christianity in England. And, when you return home, don't forget to do some stargazing – your hosts have even provided a telescope.

Home truths:
*Off-street parking is available
*Let your host know in advance if you don't need use of the hot tub
*Toiletries are not provided so please remember to take your own
*There is a small paddock at the house
*There is space to use your laptop at the dining table if you need to work remotely