The Ducket, Outchester, Northumberland, UK

 

​The Ducket, a 65 feet high tower, is located in its own grounds on Outchester Farm, about half-a-mile from Budle Bay. Built sometime in the 18th century, it stands like a watchtower over the Northumbrian Coast as if guarding the approach to Holy Island. Restored in 2009, this 18th century Grade 2 listed dovecote now has 21st century facilities, such as ground source heating and Wi-Fi, and offers unique self-catering holiday cottage accommodation for a couple visiting Northumberland. Whether you are on holiday, honeymoon or just looking for a short break, staying in The Ducket will guarantee peace, tranquility and a most memorable experience, similar to living in a lighthouse on land. It is the perfect place for a very special holiday. Few will ever experience the thrill of staying somewhere as unique and exciting. Its stunning location, with wonderful panoramic views, is an added bonus. We booked our Ducket weekender well in advance, so we wouldn't miss out. It was mid-february when The Corr's made a reservation for late October that year. As the months passed we became more and more exited about our planned visit. I'd hoped for at least one night of clear skies, so I could pop out and photograph the stars above this amazing holiday let. We arrived and settled in on a Friday evening and we couldn't help but admire the interior and the fantastic job that had been made to turn this building into what it is today. From top to bottom, it is luxury throughout and  very, very cosy.

 

After exploring Bamburgh & Holy Island the following day, my wife and I headed back to the Ducket, as darkness fell. Amanda settled down to watch 'Strictly' with a glass of wine. Not being a fan of the show, I decided to wrap up and nip out to view the night sky. And there it was - a crystal clear sky with no moon and millions of stars. Exactly what I'd hoped for when booking up 8 months previously. Within 5 minutes of shooting, I couldn't believe my eyes. When taking a test shot, facing north, I could see a feint aurora on my camera monitor. Surely this was too good to be true. A few minutes later there was green and magenta beams, firing across the northern horizon. I stumbled for my phone and quickly rang Amanda to tell her what was happening in front of me. She was dumbstruck as much as I was. She had a perfect view of the light show. 

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I ran two camera's at once, from different angles of the grounds. What a display it was. Amazing!!! Talk about good luck, eh. Lady Aurora was on my side and it topped off an unforgettable weekend at an unforgettable place. I'd highly recommend The Ducket to anyone who wants something out of the ordinary. This place is unique...on so many different levels.

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The Ducket

'Ducket' is a local shortening of 'dovecot'. As a dovecot, it would have been a valuable asset, providing a good supply of meat, eggs and manure. Prior to this, it was thought to have been a windmill or merely a folly. Now fully restored, it is of value again as a unique self-catering holiday cottage.

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From The Ducket Guest Book

'What a fantastic place to spend Valentines weekend! Every attention to detail, comfort and pleasure is here at The Ducket! Fresh, shiny and new, we thoroughly enjoyed the excellent facilities on all five levels. We enjoyed two great walks on Bamburgh and Ross Beach, then returned to the cosy Ducket to eat, read and watch TV. We were comfortable, cosy and cosseted and will definitely return to roost again and again. Two cooing lovebirds from Derby.'

'What an amazing place - we have never stayed anywhere like it. The sight of the birds wheeling around the tower was fascinating. We came to celebrate an anniversary and it will be difficult to do anything as exciting again!'

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Accommodation in The Ducket

• The Ducket sleeps two.

• It has been awarded a 5 Stars Self Catering grading by Visit England.

• Free Wi-Fi is provided - just bring your own laptop.

• The accommodation, split over five floors, comprises a series of mostly circular rooms accessed by a hand-crafted, wrought-iron, curved staircase.

• On the ground floor is a washer / tumble-drier and a bathroom with bath and large walk-in shower.

• On the first floor is a double bedroom with a king-size bed and Freeview television.

• On the second floor is a kitchen with microwave, double-oven, dishwasher, fridge, freezer and television.

• On the third floor is a sitting room with Freeview television and DVD player.

• On the top floor is a library with comfortable seating and panoramic views of Lindisfarne Castle, the Northumberland coastline and Cheviot Hills.

• There is parking and a paved terrace at the base of the tower.