Viscount Devonport’s Ray Demesne Estate covers some 10,000 acres of Northumberland with spectacular landscapes and features that include forests, woods, lakes, hills, crags and rivers. Although the main house was demolished in 1953, the estate remains intact and the Estate Office is housed in the very stylishly converted old stable block. The recently refurbished Sweethope Crofts, on the edge of picturesque Sweethope Loughs which are plentifully stocked with trout, offer peace and tranquillity in an enviable setting about 1,000 ft. above sea level.

Annual rainfall in the region, however, is surprisingly low, averaging around 30 ins. per annum. This makes Sweethope the perfect base from which to walk and climb in this region of wild, natural beauty and, of course, for keen fishermen to catch trout — literally outside the garden gate!

Northumberland is rich in historic houses and castles and the North Northumberland Heritage coast offers miles of beautiful unspoilt beaches. Newcastle, Gateshead and Alnwick all offer excellent shopping, along with a good selection of cinemas, theatres and concert venues.

Sweethope Crofts are a pair of small semi-detached Northumbrian stone cottages right on the edge of Sweethope Lough. 4 and a half day sessions of trout fishing are included within the rental price. Each cottage offers compact living/kitchen/dining room, TV/DVD, payphone, double bedroom, bunk bedroom (3ft  bunkbeds), bathroom and enclosed walled lawned garden with barbecue. The two, which have a connecting door, may be booked together at a discounted price (10%) to accommodate larger families or groups. There is also a well-designed outbuilding (shared between the two cottages) for the storage of fishing tackle, clothing and waders etc. No 2 Sweethope has a dishwasher, No 1 does not.

One dog is allowed in No. 2 Sweethope. Children welcome. No smoking.