Most self-catering properties are a bit of a disappointment compared to the photographs on the website (at least in my experience), but you certainly couldn't say that about Greystead Old Church. This is an exceptionally good conversion of a wonderful Gothic church, and although the property still has a churchy feel, it has been brought bang up to date with hotel-quality bathrooms, antique furniture, and a fabulously well equipped kitchen. All the furnishings are first class, with lovely white linen and fluffy towels. Decent wifi, which you need as there is NO mobile phone reception for miles around!
As others have commented, the upstairs floor is a bit creaky so if you are an early riser, your friends/family will hear you crashing about. But we were there with three other couples and found there was plenty of space for all of us. We made good use of the tennis court although the net could do with some TLC (but the audience of sheep and the lovely surroudning countryside more than made up for this). There are plenty of walks from Bellingham, and dozens more just a short drive away. We also did the 26 mile cycle ride round Kielder Water, which was quite exhausting but well worth the effort.
All in all, I cannot recomment this property too highly. And as an example of what nice people the Monroes are - when our dishwasher broked down on our last day, they offered to come in and do the washing up for us while we were out walking!
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Large groups |
Greystead Church is Fantastic! A beautiful building with an equally beautiful and very homely interior. The location is a few miles from the South of Kielder Water where there are lovely walks and cycling trails and is approximately an hours drive from scenic coastal areas such as bamburgh; it is also close to Bellingham town if you need a local store or petrol station. The bedrooms were fab, and the beds very comfy. We couldn't find any negatives about the house or stay.. a very fab house indeed, we didn't want to leave! Finally, the owners were kind and very helpful, even lent us rackets to play on the tennis court that you also have access too. I would highly recommended it and we will definitely be back!
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children | Large groups |
People with pets |
This was a really quality experience. From the outside, this looks exactly like the country church it ever was (built in 1817) but once inside it is impossible not to be totally in awe of the magnificent conversion that has been undertaken. Bedrooms, (3 of the 4 are en suite) are now situated where once there were pews. At the altar there are steps up to the mezzanine floor where the main (huge) living space has been constructed, over the top of the aisle and the bedrooms. Everything is top quality here, and the view of the stained glass window from above is just magnificent. The extremely helpful owners live in the rectory next door and because there is no garden at the church itself, guests are invited to avail themselves of the owner's garden, which is accessed by walking though the graveyard. A word of warning, it has not been possible for the owners to construct a gate at the end of the church drive, so it is not secure for either dogs or children. I would also personally worry about very young children and the flight of stairs up to the mezzanine floor.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Large groups |
People with pets |
We booked this cottage as a "surprise" get- together.. and what a surprise we got.
This immaculate church conversion was in an idyllic setting and very near the lovely town of Bellingham and the Kielder National Park and facilities.
We had an excellent time.
The equipment was excellent and VERY modern, so much so that we old folk couldn't quite understand why the rings didn't heat up on the hob... we'd never come across the high spec induction hobs before!.
We went as a group of 8 and there was more than enough room. There are different places within the living area for some people to watch TV, some to listen to the radio and others to watch a DVD.
As a "Brucey-bonus" we could also take the dogs.
Well worth booking - highly recommended.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Large groups |
People with pets |
Greystead Church is definitely worth a visit - the huge stained glass windows dominate every room. The rooms are of good size, plenty of bathrooms, luxury towels, beds and bedding, top notch kitchen with all mod cons! Only downside worth a mention is the creaky floorboards upstairs (which is where the kitchen is) as you can't make a sneaky midnight cup of tea without everyone knowing and hearing!! Lovely people who own it and live in the rectory next door - shared access to a tennis court and option to BBQ. Location somewhat remote - need to drive everywhere but Bellingham 4 miles away for necessities and some good walks, Kielder 7 miles away.
How easy was it to book the property? | How helpful were the directions to the property? |
How easy was key pickup/access to the property? | Overall condition of the property |
Bedding & mattresses | Kitchen & utensils |
Bathroom cleanliness | Other facilities & amenities |
Service |
Friends getaway | Older travelers |
Families with young children | Large groups |
People with pets |
Value | Rooms |
Location | Cleanliness |
Check in / front desk | Service |
We really enjoyed all the space, the different little sitting areas, the lovely downstairs lounge to be together for films and the excellent dining and kitchen area. The owner was delightful to communicate with and guests' comfort was clearly a priority. The setting is fantastic and we went on local walks as well as visiting Kielder Water. If you are looking for a large place that sleeps 8 this is a wonderful place to stay.