Colleton is the estate's largest cottage by bedroom count, a recently refurbished, stone-built bungalow that sits entirely on one level, which matters if anyone in your group struggles with stairs. Four bedrooms, a hot tub, an open fire, and a private veranda overlooking the Lovelady Shield gardens make it the obvious pick for a bigger group or an extended family wanting proper elbow room.
Colleton Cottage
| Item | Details |
| Address | Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX |
| Sleeps | Up to 8 guests (4 bedrooms, all ground level) |
| Bedrooms | Master with super king (splits to twins), two king-size doubles, one single |
| Bathrooms | 2 (one with bath, one walk-in shower) |
| Hot tub | Yes, private, in the garden |
| Guide price | From around £158 per night |
Layout and sleeping arrangements
Colleton is built as a single-story stone bungalow, recently refurbished throughout, with four separate bedrooms: a master with a super king bed that can be split into twins if needed, two further doubles with king-size beds, and a single room, giving genuine flexibility for a mixed group. Two bathrooms cover the household, one with a bath and one with a walk-in shower. The sun lounge looks out over the hotel gardens and open countryside; the lounge has an open fire, and a sofa bed adds extra flexibility if you need to squeeze in one more.
Setting and surroundings
Colleton sits within the private grounds of Lovelady Shield, with its own patio and veranda looking over the estate's extensive gardens rather than out toward the road. Alston itself is a short distance away, and the wider North Pennines AONB is immediately on the doorstep for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Attractions like the Killhope Lead Mining Museum and Allendale Forge Studios sit within the surrounding region if you want a change of pace from countryside walks.
What's included
- Private hot tub in the garden
- Open fire in the lounge
- Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher
- Washing machine
- Private patio and veranda
- Free private parking (limited to two vehicles)
- Free Wi-Fi
The honest picture
Colleton's ground-level layout and genuine four-bedroom spread make it a strong pick for larger or less mobile groups, and the recent refurbishment shows in the finish. It's worth being clear-eyed here too: independent review scores for Colleton run more mixed than some of its sister cottages, and at least one recent guest review flagged a broken Aga cooker during their stay, resolved with a loaned air fryer rather than a fix, alongside worn exterior doors that were difficult to close. None of that erases the cottage's real strengths, hot tub, space, or single-level living, but it's worth setting expectations accordingly and raising any issues with the on-site team early, since reviewers do describe them as responsive.
Who it suits
Book it if you need single-level living for the whole group; four separate bedrooms and a private hot tub are priorities; and you're traveling with a larger family or group of friends.
Think twice if you want the most consistently high-rated cottage on the estate or a spotless maintenance record matters more to you than square footage.
Compare it with the smaller Shieling, or the three-bedroom Clifton, Cobblestones, and Poppythorn, all part of the same Lovelady Shield estate.
FAQs
Where is Colleton Cottage?
On Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX, within the Lovelady Shield estate.
How many people does it sleep?
Up to 8 guests across four ground-level bedrooms.
Does Colleton have a hot tub?
Yes, a private hot tub is included in the garden.
Is Colleton on one level?
Yes, the entire cottage is ground-floor, which suits guests who prefer to avoid stairs.
What do reviews say?
Reviews are mixed; the space and hot tub are praised, but at least one recent guest reported a maintenance issue with the cooker during their stay.
What's the price?
From around £158 per night, though rates vary by season and length of stay, confirm current pricing when booking.
