Tucked away near the Scottish border, Netherby Hall is not your average country escape. With a Grade II listed mansion at its heart, a history that dates back to Roman times and nine beautifully restored holiday cottages and apartments, this private estate is where luxury meets character – and where dogs are not just allowed, but genuinely welcomed.
Owners Margo and Gerald Smith have poured passion (and a cool £2 million) into bringing derelict outhouses and Victorian stables back to life. But unlike many stately homes, this isn’t a stuffy showpiece – the couple actually live here with their beloved black Labradors, which is exactly why four-legged friends are free to roam. From the dedicated dog exercise area to acres of parkland, the vibe is relaxed, friendly and refreshingly unpretentious for somewhere so grand.
Each self-catering cottage is thoughtfully designed, filled with fresh flowers straight from the Walled Garden. That same garden also supplies fruit, veg and herbs for the award-winning Pentonbridge Inn just up the road, where an eight-course tasting menu is worth booking ahead for. Better still, guests get a complimentary Mercedes minibus transfer there when dining – so you can fully indulge without worrying about the drive back.
We stayed in Gardeners Cottage – one of the estate’s most popular stays. Backing onto the Walled Garden, the views, beautiful butterflies, bursts of colour and rolling countryside are something quite special. Inside, you’ll find two double bedrooms, rustic exposed beams, a log-burning stove and a fully equipped kitchen with everything from top quality wine glasses to microwave oven and dishwasher. The roll-top bath and walk-in shower add some serious indulgence, while the sense of space makes it perfect for a stylish country escape with friends, family or pups. If you book direct, you’ll get a local box of chocolates waiting on the table for you when you arrive.
Beyond the cottage, Netherby Hall is home to 36 acres of parkland, a Victorian pleasure garden and a calendar of events that make it more than just a place to stay. Think annual car shows, black tie evenings and a lively New Year’s Eve ceilidh (check out their website for all the details.) This summer, the estate was crowned Self-Catering Accommodation Provider of the Year at the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards for the second year running – proof that its unique blend of heritage and hospitality is hitting the right notes.
And then there’s the history… The site has been in use since AD80 when the Romans probably built a base here, while the Graham family called it home for over 400 years. Bay windows were added in the 18th century, and in 1885 it was even the scene of one of Cumbria’s most infamous robberies when a London gang scaled the walls and made off with Lady Graham’s jewels. Today, the estate feels very much alive again – elegant, welcoming and full of stories.
Perfectly placed near Hadrian’s Wall and just 45 minutes from the Lake District, Netherby Hall is the kind of getaway that gives you the best of both worlds – incredible landscapes on your doorstep, and a luxurious, dog-friendly base to return to. Whether you’re here for a cosy weekend or a longer countryside retreat, it’s the perfect stay for pups and their owners.