Life's a bowl of cherries...here at Falstone Barns

At last we've arrived...at least the website has. We're well on our way to completion and plan to launch the Barns project on 7 December 2007. Big party bash planned...All welcome...

The theme is Christmas in the Courtyard!

Think Prague with your best friends...

Think St Petersburg, with your most cultured.

Think Falstone Barns with your most cherished!

Better still, don't think...just be!

Watch out, Falstone Barns is coming to entranse you!

Falstone Barns and Luxury...Coming soon

Couldn't resist giving you a peak of what is to come. We're opening for Christmas 2007 and our web site will be up and running next week. So don't delay come and join us for Christmas, or spend a weekend in December taking in the area and all it has to offer. What about booking a ticket for Kielder Winter Wonderland and stay with us. I promise you'll be back for more!

This Is Where I want To Be!

Even this fellow was amazed at the day's events. To explain all, I would need at least one episode of Emmerdale or perhaps a sequence, planned for a holiday special or something to boost the ratings!!! Either way, I live my life and those around me theirs, in an extraordinary and uncompromising way. I promise you, I do not exaggerate. This is the stuff of mini-series, sagas and better produced BBC productions.

For some time now, I have been teasing out the waxed string of the bow which holds the notes Northumberland and specifically the North Tyne Valley; and I'm fast reaching the conclusion that the bow needs to strike, draw sound and launch the aural assault which this place spits out in all it's forms.

This was a week when we drew breath before stepping over the threshold of the local Pub. In true North Tyne valley fashion, things were understated in terms of reaction to what is in my opinion, the outrage of is this latest episode of Foot and Mouth Disease.

I say they did not react, that is to say there was no revelation of their true and innermost feelings regarding this latest debacle of the so called management of Britain's farming. Such is the stoicism and long spine of these men and women, who hold their heads above water no matter what.

At last however the sun seems to shine over this beautiful valley and finally silage can be completed and all other tasks of the summer put to bed. Under normal circumstances we would all be looking forward to the famous Falstone Show, with Cattle, Sheep and all manner of other beasts, such as drunken young men wavering on slippy posts, bashing each other with pillows.

Not to mention the children in sack races, egg and spoon, all age groups all categories. Tents with smart tomatoes and chocolate cake with a theme! What about photos...every special shot of children much loved, by parents all interested, and polite comments from Aunties and long distant relatives just making the ahh!

What a place, what a time in our lives. To be cherished forever with eyes wide open and quiet thoughts shut eye, what a time at Falstone Farm.


Experience the luxury of your own pamper break at Falstone Barns.

Wood Is Good...

This is our kitchen island especially designed by our good friend and fabulous cabinet maker Tom Luxmoore. Tom created this and the rest of our kitchen following a supper, thrown together over chatter about design integrity, wood and...several bottles of good french wine!

Since it's instillation we've had lots of lovely compliments about it. However the most common reaction is still...Wow! Tom, like us enjoys wood and when there's a wow; since so little in life often is....we celebrate.

Join us for a Wow, and pause to celebrate life at http://www.falstonebarns.com

See more of Tom's work on http://www.eyeoftheheart.co.uk/ and prepare to be amazed.

Here's Another Stone...

This is the Reivers Cursing Stone. Legend has it that the mere recall of the curse would put a blight on the household contained within, so evil and dire that the consequences do not bare thinking about. I won't have the curse told in the house, and frankly I think I'm taking a chance even discussing it with you!

But this is all part of the rich history of living in charmed and superstitious Northumberland. Come and join us and be charmed...at http://www.falstonebarns.com

Stones...

We've just dismantled the second barn and this is an example of the stone removed from one of the doorways, with hinge still attached. These barns were made to last and the previous 400 years haven't deterred this from happening. At Falstone Barns we are carefully making good and restoring these ancient stones to give them new life, so that they can go on for another 400 years. Come and join us at http://www.falstonebarns.com for a taste of history in stone.

Boots, Shoes And More Boots...

These boots were definately not made for walking, however walking is what you can do till your heart's content at Falstone Barns. Choose from a gentle meander around the village, about 2 miles, or up into the hills, 10 miles or more.

What about Hadrians Wall, in parts or as a whole. At Falstone Barns, we can offer you staged walking. A drop off at your starting point and a pick up at your journey's end. This could mean a week long venture...day by day walking the wall; or just a meander between your chosen spots. Either way you're assured of the most courteous service and fun with it!

Then at your day's end, the luxurious surroundings of your own holiday apartment space; to chat about the day's events, over a glass of wine from your own special supply in your apartment. Maybe a soothing massage from our fully qualified Masseuse would help you unwind. Either way, the menu is pure bliss, so....Join us at http://www.falstonebarns.com and give your boots their walk!

Girls Night Out!!!

Here's the gang out for a Birthday Bash. We'd already had a night at the Races and were ready for a little more racing! At Falstone Barns we'll be doing weekend pamper packages for you girls who like to relax together, catch up on gossip and share hot tips on 'racy' items! Join us girls at www.falstonebarns.com for a pamper break.

Sunday Morning...

This is the view from the Kielder Damn Wall, just minutes from Falstone Barns. As you can see the vista is astounding. Not only can you enjoy perfect views, but also take advantage of a boat trip around the Lake, or do some fishing in the North Tyne. Come and join us on Sunday mornings at http://www.falstonebarns.com/

How about this for a corker! The North Tyne river meanders past the bottom of our land, and as you can see nature is more than generous in this outstanding part of rural Northumberland. Life in the slow lane....at http://www.falstonebarns.com . What more could you want for a break?

Anyone for Camping?

A couple of weeks ago, some good friends and I went on a bus journey and the subject of camping arose. Some had and some hadn't. I for one have never been one for pitching my tent out there in the open wilds of nature. Not because the open wilds of nature don't appeal, but simply because it strikes me as odd that in this 21st Century when we can beam pictures from one end of the world to another in less than a second and have conversations in almost the same amount of time; we haven't progressed in the tent department beyond the stage of three losely driven pegs supporting even looser canvas which has no effect on keeping out the elements and is prone to grow wings and fly at the soonest gust!

But then I discovered these at www.exotictents.com. Come and pitch your tent with us at www.falstonebarns.com and discover luxury under one roof!

Moon....

At Kielder, they're building the most fantastic state of the art observatory. It promises to be a world leader and will attract star gazers from all over the globe. Here at Falstone Farm, we just lie on the grass and gaze heavenward. http://www.kielder-observatory.org

The sky is so clear here that sometimes we see satelites and in the winter months, the Northern Lights are not an uncommon occurance.

Come and stargaze at Falstone Barns with us, and make a wish...to come back for more!

Light Becomes You....

Lighting is going to be a big thing at Falstone Barns...Remember the glamour word, well this one is with a capital 'G', with va va voom at the end! At Falstone Barns you'll be 'wowed' by the light play. Sometimes subtle, sometimes wild, but always interesting. Definately a talking point.

For more lighting inspiration see http://www.chandeliersandmirrors.co.uk

At last the sun shines! What about this for a view. Kielder Water in the sunshine, boats bobbing and people at play...the best of the North Tyne Valley...And all awaits you here, just 5 minutes from www.falstonebarns.com . Register your e-mail and join us here in heaven.

Interesting spaces

The space which you see above is a corridor...yes, but also a gallery. Did I tell you that Falstone Barns will house art available on show and to buy. This space provides an ideal gallery space and will act as a really interesting link between room spaces. So not only will you expect luxury in a suite, but culture and beauty in the art on display.

Much of the art will feature new artists who are up-and-coming as it's our aim at Falstone Barns to promote and show the best of Northumberland. So when you stay at Falstone Barns you'll not only experience pampering par excellence, but also be able to take a reminder of your stay home with you.

For more Network and the Art Tour in Northumberland.

Arrow slits?

How to fill a gap? These arrow slits occur all over the barns. Designed originally to keep out those who were unwelcomed, they now present a quandry as to what to fill them with. The only thing to do is to glaze them...but with what?


How about this...a specially designed piece of stained glass, to let in the light and to add to the jewel like nature of this bedroom....remember the bathroom seen before. This glass matches the mosaic of the tiles in the en suite. Detail is everything and only the best.

For more great design tips see Designers block and don't forget to register your e-mail with http://www.falstonebarns.com/ for more updateds on the progression of the Barns.

Progress on the Barns

You can see we now have glass in the arches. We've chosen to go for picture windows which will enable a clear view into the courtyard and beautiful valley below, down to the river Tyne. It was a glorious day here and the courtyard was bathed in sunshine. Sometimes it feels like Provence...all that's missing is you, a bottle of fine wine and good friends. Join us here at Falstone Barns to enjoy a little piece of Provence in the North!

It's Raining Again....

These boots were certainly made for walking, and drowning in mud, and splashing debris up your clothes. Yes the weather has certainly been cruel all over the uk and Northumberland has not been short of the rain. These are my usual attire whilst on site at Falstone Barns. However see below some I prefer...! What do you think?

What Do These Images Have In Common?

Answer...A name...but what is that name? Comments please.

Devastation!

Here we go again...It's devastation time again at Falstone Barns, as we begin to raise another barn. This time the themes will be Versace meets Art Deco and Medieval! Difficult to believe at this time I know...oh ye of little faith...watch this space. I love all things glamourous and so this barn presents a real challenge to me. Come for a little bit of glamour to Falstone Barns and see devastation become divine!

For more divine, see one of my favourite blogs My Marrakesh.

Fabulous Art Work

Received my business cards recently and had the opportunity to give a few out. Amazing response! What do you think? Leave your comments to let me know. Thanks to Lazy Grace at Rothbury in Northumberland for the design. See www.lazygrace.co.uk for ideas on business branding and website design.

The Elephant Tree!

This huge ash caused us great consternation before it was felled. Number one, we did not look forward to it's demise but crucially number two, neither did we wish to see it destroy one of the barns. In the end we took the decision. The Ash had to go. What emerged however, just as the phoenix from the ashes, was this elephant...from the Ash!

Come and enjoy it pass by your room at Falstone Barns.

African Elephant Flapping Ears!

This photo reminded me of a trip to Kruger National Park in South Africa. We had been driving around looking for Elephant for most of the day, when all of a sudden two giant grey ears appeared through the long grass and an entrire herd of these magnificent beasts came striding out...to guess what? See below! What a sight to behold. For more South African inspirations see Gypsy Purple, one of my favourite blogspots.

Why Did The Elephant Cross the Road?

Do You Remember This?

Well I Think We've Made Some Progress!

Slate and mosaic combined with the best of shower ware make a perfect 'Pamper' combination. Just one of the luxurious bathrooms at Falstone Barns. Check out tiles at www.classictiles.co.uk and Shower ware at C V G of Morpeth, Northumberland.

How green is this valley?

This much....

Pink is a good thing!

Wouldn't it be great to sit and dream under this beauty.

One Good Thing About Summer Rain...

Flowers in bloom at the front of the bastle house...a burst of colour in our grey drenched skies...

A History Lesson

This is an image of our Bastle. What's a Bastle I hear you ask? Answer, a fortified building found in Northumberland and built to keep out the Scots during the Border wars of some 400 years ago. This room is barrel vaulted, has six foot thick stone walls and was designed originally to keep the family wealth in...sheep and cattle! Obviously the family who owned the bastle originally were highly successful at keeping those Scots at bay. In fact the bastle houses the only Date Stone in Northumberland National Park.

The tales of the Border Reivers (Raiders), live on to this day, and the scroll you see on the wall tells just one of them, entitled Lock the door Lariston.

For more border tales, come and stay at Falstone Barns and capture yourself a piece of history!

Other Great Places To Fish!

Since the fishing season is under way, and we'd earned ourselves a well earned rest, we took off to the Kyles of Bute on the west coast of Scotland for a weekend break. Lucky escape by the sounds of it. As the rest of the country was battered with torrential rain, we enjoyed a couple of days of temperate climate, still waters, promenading along the shore of the loch and generally relaxing.

All of this helped along by a cordial welcome, courtesy of Hazel and Drew at the charming Hotel An Lochan, which lies on the shores of Tignabruich. After a couple of hours on a guided boat tour around the loch, with a bit of fishing, lots of local information and the icing on the cake...spotting families of seals basking in the sun on the rocks; we looked forward to a gourmet meal which exceeded our expectations in every respect.

How about a two centre break, a couple of nights at Falstone Barns, followed by a couple at An Lochan....Sounds like Heaven.

Did I tell you about Fishing At Falstone Barns?

The fishing season is under way, and here at Falstone Barns you can take full advantage of it by being able to fish on the best Salmon river in England, the North Tyne. From the banks of the river, here on the Farm, you can cast your line and enjoy a day at one with nature. Afterwards, no long journeys wending your way back home. You can enjoy a warm welcome in front of the fire right here and only a short walk across our fields, to where your luxurious holiday apartment awaits you. For more information, don't forget to register your e-mail address with falstone Barns.

Alice Through The Looking Glass

Apart from my love of this wildly fantastical tale, which I have shared with my children and others; Alice and her looking glass have an enduring appeal for me. I love the idea of peering into the glass and finding a whole new world on the other side. To this day, I have an enduring love of mirrors and Falstone Farmhouse is scattered with them.

Many catch you unawares, so you feel you may not be sure whether it is you. I am reminded of this fondness from today's reflection on the regular comings and goings at Falstone Barns, where glorious and spectacularly sourced mirrors await your pleasure and enjoyment. Take a step through the looking glass and discover whole new worlds!