If you asked which of the five Lovelady Shield cottages guests come back raving about, the reviews point clearly to Poppythorn. It sits above Cobblestones, spread across two duplex floors, and comes with a genuinely well-thought-out mix, a hot tub with countryside views, a dedicated games room, a log burner, and a garden with a fish pond that consistently earns it the estate's strongest independent ratings.
Poppythorn Cottage
| Item | Details |
| Address | Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX |
| Sleeps | Up to 7 guests (2 bedrooms plus sofa beds) |
| Layout | Duplex, situated above Cobblestones Cottage |
| Bathrooms | Master en-suite with shower, main bathroom with bath |
| Notable feature | Private hot tub, games room, fish pond garden |
| Guide price | From around £137 per night |
Layout and sleeping arrangements
Poppythorn's two bedrooms both have king beds, one on the ground floor and one on the first, giving a bit of separation if you're sharing with another couple or family. The master has a large en-suite with a shower, and the main bathroom has a bath. A sofa bed in the lounge and a further single sofa bed down in the games room push total capacity up to seven, useful for a bigger group without needing a third full bedroom. The lounge itself has a log burner and an open galleried landing that makes a genuinely good reading corner, while the large, fully equipped kitchen is built for proper group cooking rather than squeezing past each other.
Setting and surroundings
Poppythorn shares the Lovelady Shield estate's setting near Alston, with the North Pennines' walking, cycling, and wildlife watching immediately on the doorstep and the Lake District within reach for a longer day trip. What sets its own outdoor space apart is the private garden itself: alongside the hot tub, there's a fish pond with cascading water and an outdoor seating area, genuinely more considered than a standard patio, and it looks out over open countryside rather than a fence line.
What's included
- Private hot tub with countryside views
- Dedicated games room
- Log burner
- Fish pond with cascading water
- Large, fully equipped kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi and smart TV
- Two free private parking spaces
- Dog-friendly (up to two pets, charges apply)
The honest picture
Poppythorn's review scores are the strongest of the five cottages by a clear margin, and it's not hard to see why: the combination of a hot tub, games room, and a genuinely landscaped garden with a fish pond goes beyond what most holiday cottages offer, and the duplex layout gives real separation between the two bedrooms rather than cramming everything onto one floor. The trade-off, if there is one, is that its popularity likely means it books up faster than some of its sister cottages, so if Poppythorn is the one you want, it's worth getting in early rather than leaving it to the last minute.
Who it suits
Book it if you want the estate's most consistently highly rated cottage; a private hot tub and games room are priorities; and a group of up to seven needs proper space to spread out.
Look elsewhere if you're looking for the most budget-friendly option, since Cobblestones undercuts it on price, or you're booking last-minute and flexibility matters more than getting this specific cottage.
See how it compares with Cobblestones directly below it or the larger Colleton and Clifton cottages on the same estate.
FAQs
Where is Poppythorn Cottage?
On Lovelady Lane, Alston, Cumbria CA9 3LX, above Cobblestones Cottage.
How many people does it sleep?
Up to 7 guests across two bedrooms plus sofa beds in the lounge and games room.
Does Poppythorn have a hot tub?
Yes, a private hot tub with countryside views is included in the garden.
Is Poppythorn dog-friendly?
Yes, up to two pets are welcome, though charges apply.
What makes Poppythorn different from the other cottages?
It combines a hot tub, a dedicated games room, a log burner, and a landscaped garden with a fish pond, and it holds the estate's strongest independent review scores.
What's the price?
From around £137 per night, varying by season, confirm current rates when booking.
