The Plaice occupies arguably the most enviable location in Seahouses. With two en-suite bedrooms and further double bedroom (which is a small double), all sumptuously furnished and one with its own balcony, its first floor living accommodation looks directly over the bustling harbour and the sea beyond. This architect designed reworking of a traditional fishermans cottage uses glass and chrome to give light and airy modern styling to this prime holiday property. The open plan kitchen/living/dining area opens out on to a glass balcony from where you can watch the fishermen bring in their catches. All this is just a stones throw from the centre of the village and all the facilities it offers.
The Plaice has just received a commendation for a Design Award organised and judged by the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty!! These are some of their comments........
`This is a wonderful example of how to sensitively redevelop a terraced house within a conservation area. The result is a building which fits perfectly with its surroundings and sets a standard for others to follow. It is especially pleasing to see the use of good quality traditional materials and simple contemporary design. This must be a great place to stay. Subject to the agreement of interested parties this project would make a good case study for the Northumberland Coast ANOB Design Guide'
The Plaice has received a 5 star grade by VisitBritain 2008. The Plaice can comfortably sleep up to 5 guests but we feel the living space is more suited to groups of 4.
The magnificent cross-shaped keep of Warkworth, crowning a hilltop rising steeply above the River Coquet, dominates one of the largest, strongest and most impressive fortresses in northern England. The castle's most famous owners were the Percy family, whose lion badge can be seen carved on many parts of their stronghold. Wielding almost kingly power in the north, their influence reached its apogee under the first Earl of Northumberland and his son Henry 'Harry Hotspur' Percy, hero of many Border ballads as the bane of Scots raiders and a dominant character in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Part I. Having helped to depose Richard II, these turbulent 'kingmakers' both fell victim to Henry IV: the next three Percy Earls likewise died violent deaths.
Still roofed and almost complete, the uniquely-planned keep dates mainly from the end of the 14th century. It presides over the extensive remains of a great hall, chapel, fine gatehouse and a virtually intact circuit of towered walls.
Half a mile from the castle, tucked away by the Coquet and accessible only by boat, stands a much more peaceful building: the late medieval cave Hermitage and chapel of a solitary holy man.
The Duke's Rooms in the castle keep are open on Wed, Sun and Bank Holidays from 21 March to 30 September.
