Churnsike Lodge

Churnsike Lodge is a stone-built hunting lodge on the western edge of Kielder Forest, featuring a main house, stable block, and former gamekeeper quarters. The property comprises several connected structures that together form a typical Victorian hunting estate layout.

The Charlton family built this hunting lodge in 1850 as part of their Hesleyside estate, then sold it to the Chesters Estate in 1889. The property changed hands as part of the significant land ownership shifts in Victorian Northumberland.

The estate was tied to the regional fox hunting traditions of Northumberland, which appear in local ballads and stories. Visitors today can sense the connection to this historical hunting culture of the area.

The property sits in a remote location and operates with sustainable systems including a biomass boiler and private water supply from a tested borehole. The isolated setting requires careful planning for access, as the area is far from larger towns.

The property faced demolition by the Forestry Commission in the 1980s but was later saved from this fate. Today it operates as a preserved holiday residence in this remote area of Northumberland.

Location: Greystead

GPS coordinates: 55.08700,-2.52800

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42