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Watch
out for the salmon as you drive through the ford behind the Youth
Hostel in the village: use the bridge if the river is too deep.
Don't get startled by the heron if it glides too low across your
path to the nest in the next field. If the gates on the
drive are shut, get ready to encounter a sheep or two with their
lambs, or maybe a new calf with it's Mum. Above you looms the
crumbling Thirlwall castle, built of Roman Wall stones: there are
stories of ghosts and hidden treasure. Holmhead
is also built of Wall stones and stands on the foundations of the
Wall, (there is an inscribed stone in the kitchen wall) hence the
remote setting and distance from the road. The footbridge is
on the route of the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall Path, leading
up to one of the highest remaining sections of the Wall, just past
the Roman Army Museum at the top of the hill. No
longer a working farm, Holmhead is now the home of Pauline and
Brian Staff, who take great pleasure in welcoming guests to this
delightful old house, with the idea of sharing their knowledge(
especially Roman) and enthusiasm for the area with others. As a
tour guide, Pauline has studied Archeaology and local history,
specialising on Hadrian's Wall and gaining a Diploma at Durham
University. Special tours for groups of 4+ can be
booked.There
are four cosy bedrooms, all with en-suite shower/WC. The guest's
lounge is next to the bedrooms and has tea/coffee making
facilities, small bar, colour television, children's toys
and library. Food is served family-style in the beamed,
stone-arched dining room, furnished with antiques and large
candlelit oak table. Good wine list of organically grown wine from
world-wide award winners.
British
Tourist Authority Excellence Award for breakfasts.
B.E.N.
Gold Excellence Environmental Award
Please note: Holmhead is a non-smoking
establishment. No pets.
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