Some cottages sell themselves on amenities, others on atmosphere, and Clifton leans firmly into the second camp. It's a converted stone barn on the former site of a 13th-century convent, on the banks of the River Nent, with exposed beams, high ceilings, and a glass-paneled staircase that gives the whole place a genuinely different character from a standard holiday let.
Clifton Cottage
| Items | Details |
| Address | Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX |
| Sleeps | 6 guests (3 bedrooms, all king beds) |
| Layout | Two-storey barn conversion |
| Bathrooms | 2 (one en-suite with shower, one with shower over bath, plus ground-floor toilet) |
| Notable feature | Log-burning stove, exposed beams, riverside setting |
| Guide price | From around £150 per night |
Inside the barn conversion
Clifton's three bedrooms are spread across two floors: a master with a super king bed and its own en-suite shower room, plus two further doubles, one with a king bed and one with a double, sharing the main bathroom, which has a shower over the bath, alongside a separate ground-floor toilet. The kitchen and dining area are open-plan and well-equipped, built for entertaining rather than squeezing past each other, and the lounge's log-burning stove gives the whole cottage a proper wintertime pull as well as a summer one.
History on the riverbank
Clifton sits on the banks of the River Nent, on ground with genuine history, the former site of a 13th-century convent, which gives the setting a weight that newer buildings simply can't match. The North Pennines' walking, cycling, and wildlife watching start right outside, and Alston's shops and cafes are a short trip away for supplies or a change of scenery. It's a location that rewards slowing down rather than racing between attractions.
What's included
- Log-burning stove
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and oven
- Washing machine
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free private parking
- Private garden
The honest picture
Clifton's real appeal is architectural rather than amenity-driven: exposed beams, a glass staircase, and genuine history give it a character that a straightforward modern cottage doesn't have, and the en-suite master plus separate ground-floor toilet make it practical for a group of six sharing. It doesn't come with a hot tub or games room; those are features of the estate's other cottages, so if extras like that are non-negotiable, look at Colleton or Poppythorn instead. For a group that values atmosphere and a log fire over a checklist of facilities, Clifton delivers something the others don't.
Who it suits
Book it if you want genuine period character (exposed beams and riverside history) over a purpose-built holiday let feel, a group of up to six needs three proper bedrooms, and a log burner matters more to your ideal evening than a hot tub.
Look elsewhere if: A private hot tub or games room is on your must-have list, since Clifton doesn't include either.
See how it compares with Colleton's hot tub and space or Poppythorn's games room, both also part of the Lovelady Shield estate.
FAQs
Where is Clifton Cottage?
On Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX, on the banks of the River Nent.
How many people does it sleep?
Six guests across three bedrooms, all with king or super king beds.
Does Clifton have a hot tub?
No, Clifton's draw is its period character rather than resort-style extras. A hot tub is available at some of the other Lovelady Shield cottages.
What's the history behind the cottage?
It sits on the former site of a 13th-century convent, and the building itself is a converted stone barn.
Is there a log burner?
Yes, the lounge has a log-burning stove.
What's the price?
From around £150 per night, varying by season, confirm current rates when booking.
