The History of Whittle Dene
Whittle Dene is steeped in folklore and is said to be home to fairies; it’s easy to imagine these magical inhabitants among the old tree hollows, toadstools and vibrant bluebells of the ancient woodland. The woods are also said to be haunted by the evil spirit of Long Lonkin, a notorious criminal from the 1200s.
In addition, the site has a fascinating industrial history. At the southern end of the woodland lies the ruined remains of a water-driven mill, which was used to mill corn and bleach cotton until its demise in the 1800s. The mill pond has become overgrown with willow, alder, Dutch rush and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage.
Wildlife, Trees and Habitats
The banks of the burn are home to newts, while an abundance of birdlife can be spotted overhead. In spring, listen for the melancholy song of the willow warbler and look out for the daring displays of male buzzards as they try to attract a mate by soaring and swooping through the sky like a rollercoaster.
Come nightfall, you will hear the soft hooting of the wood’s resident owls and spot bats flitting through the trees. At dusk and dawn, roe deer acrobatically bound through the trees. Deadwood found dotted across the woodland provides homes for wood-boring beetles.
The ancient woodland of Whittle Dene is made up of a vibrant mix of trees of varying ages, from young woody shrubs to mature trees over 70 years old. On a woodland stroll you’ll mostly spot oak, ash and elm trees, interspersed with stands of alder, hazel, rowan, as well as towering conifers.
The tangled understory of hawthorn, rowan and holly is dotted with fallen trees and gnarled stumps, where fungi flourishes in the autumn. In spring, dazzling displays of ground flora range from swathes of bluebells, wild garlic and dog’s mercury to rarer blooms such as early purple orchids and guelder rose.
Elsewhere you may find wood anemone, pignut, marsh marigold and primrose, while the mill pond has been colonised with willow, alder and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage.
The history of the Cabins
A small group of chalets, cabins, bungalows, huts or summer houses as they are variously known are nestled in the glade at Whittle Dene, and are considered to be one of the site's many magical features.
Whittle Dene Woods has been home to these unique cabin sites since the early 1900s, when the cabins were likely built as countryside getaways by people from Tyneside's industrial areas. The Cabins also housed evacuees during the Second World War.
The Property
Stanholme offers an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a lease on the only available off grid ‘cabin in the woods’ which is available in the UK. The cabin was built in 1926 and is fully equipped for modern living, in an environment which is enriched with nature and embraces a fully off grid lifestyle.
One of only 10 cabins which are situated within this small wooded community, surrounded by nature, Stanholme comprises of small entrance porch, living space with log burner, offering ample space for living and dining furniture, a small kitchen area, two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The bathroom offers a fully fitted suite with roll top bath, WC and wash hand basin.
The boundaries to the cabins are fluid, Stanholme is in a garden which consists of 3 plots all of which have been maintained and loved by the previous owners for 45 years. The internal and external areas are interspersed as one, with the garden area offering a sanctuary to nature and self sufficiency. There are established willow trees and cobble stone paths leading to fruit trees and shrubbery with cherry, apple and pear trees plus blackberry, strawberry and raspberry bushes. There is a large geo dome which is ideal for growing vegetables, herbs and other plants. It could also be covered to provide a green house to grow a wider variety of food.
There is a decked area which could be used to enjoy the summer evening or as a place to exercise, there is also a fire pit, allowing use throughout the year, along with an outdoor compost toilet as well as a tool shed for extra storage.
Adjacent to Stanholme, there is a quaint one bedroomed community mini Cabin, which offers secondary accommodation to be enjoyed by the cabin community of Whittle Dene Woods on a ad-hoc basis. it however does not form part of the lease under Stanholme and is not included within the sale.
Tenure & Possession
The Cabin had been on an uninterrupted 1 year rolling lease for the last 100 years, The current occupiers are currently in negotiations to extend the lease term to 20 years.
EPC Rating
This property is exempt from EPC regulations.
Local Authority
Northumberland
Council tax is not applicable
Utilities
The cabin is fully wired for electricity for up to 240v plugs, 12v lighting and offers usb sockets in every room This is all ran by 4 large solar panels, which power 2 separate battery banks with a backup 3000 watts electric generator. The Cabin is fully plumbed with hot & cold running water throughout provided by two Calor gas boilers. Heat is offered by a large log burner. Water is mains fed and drainage is to a soakaway.
Parking
The Cabin is only accessible by foot through Whittle Burn Woods, with on street parking available on the edge of St Andrews Lane. The walk to the Cabin is not suitable for those who are less mobile.
Characteristics
The cabin is equipped with a Netgear internet router and an arial on the roof providing 5G broadband. Mobile signal is available, please check with your current provider.
Occupancy Restriction
The property can be inhabited 51 weeks of the year, from 1st day of May 2025 until the 25th day of December 2025 and from the 1st day of January 2026 until the 30th day of April 2026
The Licence Fee is £600.00 per year.
A copy of the licence is available to all interested parties who are able to show proof and source of funds.
what3words
Every three metre square of the world has been given a unique combination of three words.
haggling.lunges.start
Please note that what3words takes you to the edge of the woods, not to the cabin.
Viewings
Viewings are strictly by prior appointment with GFW.
Notes
1. No Council tax is payable
2. Minimal heating and running costs
3. Double glazed and fully insulated throughout
4. The property has a slate roof
5. No fences, hedges or new boundaries can be created at the property
6. The property is not able to be mortgaged
7. The property cannot be sublet.
Important Notice
Every care has been taken with the preparation of these particulars, but they are for general guidance only and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If there is any point, which is of particular importance professional verification should be sought. All dimensions/boundaries are approximate. The mention of fixtures, fittings &/or appliances does not imply they are in full efficient working order. Photographs are provided for general information and you may not republish, retransmit, redistribute or otherwise make the material available to any party or make the same available on any website. These particulars do not constitute a contract or part of a contract.
