#{ServerName}
1 / 38  
2 / 38  
3 / 38  
4 / 38  
5 / 38  
6 / 38  
7 / 38  
8 / 38  
9 / 38  
10 / 38  
11 / 38  
12 / 38  
13 / 38  
14 / 38  
15 / 38  
16 / 38  
17 / 38  
18 / 38  
19 / 38  
20 / 38  
21 / 38  
22 / 38  
23 / 38  
24 / 38  
25 / 38  
26 / 38  
27 / 38  
28 / 38  
29 / 38  
30 / 38  
31 / 38  
32 / 38  
33 / 38  
34 / 38  
35 / 38  
36 / 38  
37 / 38  
38 / 38  

Harbour Master's House

Craster, near Alnwick, Northumberland
Sleeps 6
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Change Fri
No Dogs
4 star
Waterside Views
Parking on site / nearby
Highchair available
Travel Cot available
Towels included
Romantic
Luxury
Fishing on site / nearby
Internet access
Open fire / wood burner
Downstairs bedroom
Decorated for Christmas
Downstairs bathroom
Pub nearby
Beach within easy reach
15 more

At a glance

  • A stunning coastal property with statement architecture
  • In an enviable, elevated position above Craster’s magnificent harbour
  • Savour morning coffee on the balcony whilst admiring the view of Dunstanburgh Castle

Property code: OC-566727

One of our Coastal Retreats Collection

From its elevated position above the small harbour of Craster village, this character stone cottage offers charm, style and, from its dining area and deck, the most breathtaking views of the rocky coastline, beaches and the captivating ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Harbour Master's House was the former salt and fish store for the nearby smokery, still famous today for its traditional Craster Kippers. It still retains much of its character and is very handy for visiting the village gastro pub, The Jolly Fisherman, and the smokery's seafood restaurant.

Careful renovation, by its owners at the end of 2019, using natural wood and linens, has opened up the living space at Harbour Master's House to one large area with log burner and bi-fold doors providing perhaps one of the best views in Craster and leading out onto the small external terrace. Here you can relax or dine, watching the harbour activity below or the changing coastal patterns from sunrise to sunset, all with the familiar outline of Dunstanburgh Castle in the background.

  • Seafront character cottage in central village location
  • Open plan kitchen and dining area with bi-fold doors to outside deck for eating and enjoying the unrivalled views
  • First floor master bedroom with king size bed, ensuite shower room, TV/DVD and sea views
  • Lounge area with log burner
  • Original beams, exposed stonework, slate floors and other interesting architectural features
  • Close to the pub, restaurant, cafe, art gallery and coastal walks

Ground Floor

  • Large open plan living room, kitchen and dining area, opening on to terrace with harbour views
  • Double bedroom
  • Twin bedroom (note beds are in l-shape)
  • Bathroom with freestanding bath, underfloor heating and separate shower

First floor

  • Master bedroom with king size bed and ensuite shower room

Externally

  • Split level decked terrace with table and chairs for four people and stunning views
  • Private gate from the terrace giving access to the harbour below (a bit precarious for children)
  • Parking for one car on the drive of the cottage.

ALWAYS COMPLIMENTARY:

  • Electric heating
  • Underfloor heating
  • Log burner with starter supply of logs (1st Oct - 31 March only)
  • Electricity
  • Bedding and bath towels
  • Starter supply of kitchen roll, dishwasher tablets, toilet roll, washing up liquid, salt and pepper
  • Sewing kit
  • First Aid kit
  • Wi-Fi
  • Travel cot and high chair

RETREAT AMENITIES

  • Oven and hob
  • Microwave
  • Fridge/freezer
  • Dishwasher
  • Kettle
  • Toaster
  • Kitchen and tableware
  • Washer/dryer
  • Clothes line
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mop, bucket, dustpan and brush
  • Tea towels
  • Dish cloths
  • Oven gloves
  • Hairdryer
  • TV
  • Books and magazines
  • Toys and games
  • Outdoor table and chairs
  • Key safe for independent arrival

AVAILABLE BY REQUEST

Extra linen and towels (charges apply)

CANDID COMMENTS

As there is no gas in the area, the heating here is a mixture of wall-mounted electric heaters, underfloor heating and a log burner.
The twin bedroom is quite small but perfect for children or teenagers.
Mobile reception is almost impossible in Craster.
There is a parking bay for one car and it's quite tight. The cottage is next door to the village pub so you may hear the early morning ale deliveries every now and then.

TO NOTE

Whilst we take great care to represent our properties and their facilities as accurately as possible, the décor, furnishings and facilities shown in images and video tours may occasionally be subject to minor change.

This retreats is perhaps more suited to older children, as the cottage is perched on the rocks above the harbour. Not ideal for toddlers as there is no garden, but there is a split level decked area. The cottage caters for infants and young children with a range of toys and books for rainy days and the Coastal Retreats sponsored village playground is just a few minutes walk from the house, as is the harbour which is fantastic for rock pooling and building sandcastles when the tide is out.

IN THE PRESS

Named in The Times 'Britain's 20 best beach houses list'.
Read a review of Harbour Master's House in Liz Earle Wellbeing magazine.

  • 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 double, 1 twin
  • 2 bathrooms – 1 with bath, shower and WC, 1 en-suite with shower and WC
  • Double oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer
  • Welcome pack included
  • Travel cot and highchair available
  • Wood burner (first basket of logs supplied between 01 Oct and 31 Mar only)
  • Heating via wall-mounted electric heaters and underfloor heating
  • TV in the lounge and the master bedroom
  • No mobile signal
  • Split-level terrace with furniture
  • Private parking for 1 car
  • Beach, pub and shop less than 0.5 miles
  • Please note, due to its location next to the village pub, you may hear early morning deliveries throughout your stay
  • This property will be decorated for Christmas
  • Arrival: 16:00 onwards
  • Departure: before 10:00
  • Sorry, no dogs allowed

Elliot Albiston

This property is personally managed by Elliot.

Reviews

From guests that have stayed at the property.

Based on 33 guest ratings

Overall cleanliness
Overall cleanliness 3.8 starsOverall cleanliness 3.8 starsOverall cleanliness 3.8 starsOverall cleanliness 3.8 starsOverall cleanliness 3.8 stars3.8
Overall equipment
Overall equipment 3.9 starsOverall equipment 3.9 starsOverall equipment 3.9 starsOverall equipment 3.9 starsOverall equipment 3.9 stars3.9
Overall comfort
Overall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 starsOverall comfort 4.4 stars4.4
Overall location
Overall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 starsOverall location 5 stars5

Reviewed by Nicola 31st May 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Great house, its our 2nd visit. Extremely well equipped, and a lovely welcome hamper. Location is perfect.

Reviewed by Andrew 16th May 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Donna 19th April 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Paul 4th April 2026

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Come rain or shine, possibly the best view of Craster harbour and Dunstanburgh Castle can be seen from this cottage, thanks to the full width Bi-fold glass doors. Well equipped & comfortable cottage. Good pub / restaurant yards from the door. The smokery also close by selling excellent choices of seafood, caught and landed in Craster Harbour. CoRead moreastel walks from the door. Excellent cottage. Highly recommend. Many thanks for the excellent welcome pack. Hide

Reviewed by Anne 4th April 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We had a super holiday here. The location was great. My grandsons loved being so near to the beach where they loved the rock pools. We enjoyed the views over the harbour and the excellent seafood.

Reviewed by Gill 23rd March 2026

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

Reviewed by Alison 17th February 2026

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Setting is superb, lovely on a winters day looking out over the harbour. Light is superb( but with a due north outlook, do not expect sun) location could not be bettered. A starter pack with tea bags & milk would have been appreciated. The service from Holiday cottages was excellent trying to help us to negotiate issues with heating, hot water anRead mored a leak. Communication - even in the evening is superb. Fiona & Gemma especially deserve mention. The property was clean superficially but no attention to detail eg, clip in shower, memory foam mattress halfway down bed but sheet placed over the top. Hide

Reviewed by Rita 24th January 2026

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Lovely cottage with one of the best views in Craster

Reviewed by Russell 6th January 2026

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A beautifully located and well-appointed cottage - exactly as described - perfect for a family with outstanding views.

Reviewed by B 14th November 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Reviewed by Karen 5th August 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

Obviously it's all about the view which is outstanding, because it's not cheap to stay there, so we still enjoyed it but expected a better standard

Reviewed by Gillian 5th July 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Great location and very comfortable

Reviewed by Ali 28th June 2025

Guest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 starsGuest rating 3.2 stars

The location of this property is fantastic. We stayed a few years ago and loved it so came back. But its a bit tired and not of the same standard and let down by cleaning and equipment repairs. If thats fixed it will be fantastic again

Reviewed by David 7th June 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The location spoils you for any other property in Craster.

Reviewed by James 20th May 2025

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Stunning view north to Dunstanburgh from the lookout.

Reviewed by Alan 22nd April 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

It's a nice place in a great location, with amazing views of the harbour, coast, and castle. It's nicely equipped and comfortable. Just beware: They only allow you to have hot water for two small windows of the day, and the rest of the time, it's stone cold.

Reviewed by Jo 12th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Reviewed by David 8th April 2025

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Superb house , well appointed and fully equipped. Stunning views over the harbour and out to sea. Great food at the Jolly Fisherman.

Reviewed by Debbie 7th April 2025

Guest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 starsGuest rating 3 stars

Reviewed by Catherine 11th March 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

Reviewed by Lianne 4th March 2025

Guest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 starsGuest rating 3.8 stars

A great place to stay, views are incredible but we had a few issues, hot water - there is only a small tank and this isnt enough to fill the lovely bath they have. The overflow for the bath leaks and the showers are dated with the extractor being dirty. The property is a great standard with the bathrooms updated it would really make it a stand out Read moreproperty. Hide

Reviewed by Judi 8th January 2025

Guest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 starsGuest rating 3.6 stars

**A Wonderful Stay at Harbour Master's House** We had a truly delightful stay at Harbour Masters House over the New Year, and it was everything we hoped for and more. The cottage itself is cosy and comfortable, offering stunning views of the coastline and the iconic Dunstanburgh Castle. The setting is simply breathtaking, and we found ourselves Read morespending hours just gazing at the ever-changing land and seascape. One of the highlights was ringing in the New Year at The Jolly Fisherman, just next door. We enjoyed a fantastic meal, paired with wonderful entertainmentan unforgettable way to start the year. On New Years Day, the weather was rather stormy, with torrential rain and strong winds. However, this gave us the perfect excuse to retreat to the conservatory, where we spent hours playing cards and board games while still soaking in the dramatic views outside. The view was truly mesmerizing, constantly shifting with the elements. There were a couple of minor maintenance issues during our stay, which Ive already brought to the attention of the company. However, these were small things that didnt detract from our enjoyment or spoil the peace and relaxation of our week. We had a thoroughly enjoyable time, and we would happily return to Harbour Masters House for another peaceful getaway. Hide

Reviewed by Alan 29th December 2024

Guest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 starsGuest rating 3.4 stars

Sadly an air of neglect in the property. In need of repairs and decorating. In need of a deep clean. Ensuit mouldy and had mildew and dirty. Very bad waterstain in the living room. I guess a leak from the upstairs en suite. Crockery chipped. Mismatched. Bifold door exteemely difficult to open. Not good if there is a fire. Your second get out. GlassRead morees mismatched. If you book check what is provided. Welcome pack etc. We didn't get one apart from 6 tea bags. No oven gloves kitchen roll. Really in need of a serious look at. Especially what we paid for the Christmas period. A bottle of wine would have been a nice touch. However it was warm and comfortable with a fantastic view. Hide

Reviewed by Mark 18th November 2024

Guest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 starsGuest rating 4 stars

We love this cottage, the location and views are amazing, Craster is one of our favourite places to visit and this special cottage is one we have returned to twice now. The beds are extremely comfortable with high quality linen and the towels provided are luxurious. We had everything we needed to make the most of our stay, choosing to eat in mosRead moret evenings, however the pub next door is well worth a visit. Provision of coal for the log burner was a great touch, as our stay was in November, the cosy fire made our evenings very special. There are a couple of maintenance issues that need to be addressed, but this in no way detracted from our enjoyment. Hide

Reviewed by Louisa 10th November 2024

Guest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 starsGuest rating 2.8 stars

The best part of the Harbour Masters House is having a drink on the terrace overlooking Craster Harbour and the views of Dunstanburgh Castle

Reviewed by Amy 3rd November 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

Lovely location, perfect size and would stay again. Many thanks

Reviewed by Tracie 22nd October 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

Superb location. Beautiful cottage. Very comfortable.

Reviewed by Jessica 29th September 2024

Guest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 starsGuest rating 4.6 stars

A lovely week spent in this beautiful cottage with a great sea view. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed by Keith 17th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

We found this to be a delightful cottage with the view out across the harbour and the restless sea towards Dunstanburgh castle captivating. The cottage is well equipped with a nice homely feel about it, although we took advantage of the various options to eat out on our travels. It made an excellent base which we were sad to leave behind

Reviewed by Dave 9th September 2024

Guest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 starsGuest rating 4.8 stars

A really nice cottage in a beautiful location. The cottage was welcoming, cosy, quiet, and spotlessly clean, with stunning views over the harbour and with the bonus of a castle in the distance. We were amazed by the amount of good quality 'stuff' in the cottage, particuarly in the well appointed kitchen. The pub next door was a bonus with good fRead moreood and drink and our reservations about its noise and proximity proved unfounded. You do need to book evening dinners a couple of days in advance though. There were some lovely walks and it proved a great place to see Northumberland from. Would definitely recommend this cottage. Hide

Reviewed by Fran 18th August 2024

Guest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 starsGuest rating 4.2 stars

Reviewed by Juliet 3rd August 2024

Guest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 starsGuest rating 5 stars

Fantastic cottage in an amazing location . Super comfy beds and loved our stay .

Reviewed by Dominique 30th July 2024

Guest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 starsGuest rating 4.4 stars

The location of the cottage couldnt have been nicer; the cottage in itself was really comfortable, only kitchen could have been a bit better equipped (dishwasher tablets, washing up liquid, sponge, cooking oil).

31 more
Show 26 more

Location

Map
Note: As the postcode is used to identify the general area of the property, it may not always reflect its precise location, therefore please only use this map as a guide.
Original Cottages is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.