The Old Library sits right in the middle of Alnwick, Northumberland and it's exactly what its name suggests: a former school and library turned into a two-bedroom holiday home. The conversion kept much of the original character, including exposed stone walls, sash windows and vaulted ceilings with original beams. It's a 4 star gold VisitEngland property with a Georgian revival style and plenty of quirks that mark it out from a standard cottage.

Alnwick itself is a market town with cobbled streets and a mix of cosy pubs and bistros. Alnwick Castle is half a mile away, so you can walk there in minutes. Shops and a pub sit within 500 metres of the door. Alnmouth beach is five miles off, with Warkworth beach and Amble harbour both within nine miles for a day by the coast.

The lounge/diner has unusual platform seating alongside a dining area and a large Smart TV. The kitchen is contemporary, fitted with an induction hob, dishwasher, washer/dryer and a Tassimo coffee machine. Bedroom one is on the ground floor, king-size, with a stone feature wall and its own en-suite shower room. Bedroom two sits on a split-level mezzanine reached by a further set of steps, also king-size, with a reading nook and its own en-suite. The property sleeps four across two bedrooms and two bathrooms and two dogs are welcome.

Alnwick Castle and Gardens, with its Poison Garden, is 0.5 miles away (2 minutes' drive). Alnmouth beach and coast path is 5 miles (12 minutes). Warkworth beach is within 9 miles (20 minutes). Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Club is 9 miles away (20 minutes) for golfers.

This is a genuinely characterful base for families or couples who want history alongside comfort, right in the heart of Alnwick. With the castle on the doorstep and the coast a short drive away, The Old Library covers town and coastline in one stay. Book today for a memorable break in Alnwick.