Welcome to Mains Cottages
We are a family run business and live in Northumberland and we are excited to share our holiday cottages with you.
Mains Cottages – Beadnell
Mains Cottages was founded in 2013 after a family trip to Bamburgh sparked an unexpected opportunity. While staying at their caravan, my parents were showing relatives around the stunning Northumberland Coast when they spotted Shepherds Cottage and The Bothy for sale in Beadnell. Curious and excited, Mum asked me to visit the properties with her, and within just 12 weeks, they became ours.
Coming from a background in training and management, we knew this would be a new adventure, but we were thrilled to embark on the journey of creating a holiday rental business. Mains Cottages is truly a family-run enterprise, with relatives pitching in for changeovers, gardening, and even our little nephews helping wash the company van!
Our love for Northumberland and all it has to offer is at the heart of what we do. We understand the importance of unwinding on holiday—whether with family, friends, or pets—and we strive to provide a relaxing and welcoming home-away-from-home for every guest who stays with us.
Meet The Team
Meet Sam
Sam lives in Morpeth with her husband, Jon, their dog Riva and their horses, Lottie and Cola. Jon supports with the maintenance and finance side of the business, and when he’s not busy with that, he enjoys golf and building sheds!
Their two sons share a love for travel. Joe is currently in the USA after completing a business finance degree—so who knows, he might join the family business one day! Jack, after spending seven years working in international ski resorts, has recently returned home and is now helping with social media and marketing for the cottages.
Meet Stephen
Stephen, Sam’s brother, is a Director of the company and has been involved with the cottages since day one. Living in Newcastle with his wife, Karen, and their two daughters, Kiera and Krista, Stephen is a true all-rounder. Whether it’s building games rooms (like the one at Shepherds Cottage), tackling plumbing jobs, or keeping the gardens in top shape, he ensures everything runs smoothly.
In his more adventurous days, Stephen took part in the annual Tough Guy event, but these days he enjoys a slightly more relaxed pace—spending time at the gym and going for walks with his dogs, Blaze and Eddie
Meet Lilian,
Sam’s mum, has taken a step back from the day-to-day running of the cottages but still plays an important role. She’s the talent behind the delicious homemade dog biscuits featured in the ‘Doggie Welcome Pack’ and, every now and then, finds herself roped into helping with a bit of laundry!
Meet David
David, our nephew, became part of the family business in 2021 and has been a fantastic addition to the team. Living in Ashington with his wife, Jamie, their two boys, Ethan and Chester, and a whole menagerie of pets, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.
With a background as a gardener at Alnwick Gardens and a greenkeeper at Swarland Golf Club, David has transformed the cottage gardens—earning himself the well-deserved title of ‘Lord of the Gardens’!
Meet The Dogs
From left to right we have Joss, Bella and Lucy and they are the family Border Collies. This is them posing in front of Bamburgh Castle after a long walk on the beach. They have been instrumental at testing all of the fences at the properties to ensure that they are dog proof for our visitors. They also frequently test the homemade dog biscuits and give them the ‘paws’ up every time..
Awards
Northumberland Tourism Awards 2017
Gold Winners for Dog Friendly Business of the Year
Highly Commended for Self Catering Property of the Year (Shepherds Cottage)
North East Tourism Awards 2017
Silver Winner for Self Catering Provider of the Year
North East Tourism Awards 2017
Silver Winner for Dog Friendly Business of the Year
North East Tourism Awards 2016
Silver Winner for Self Catering Provider of the Year
Silver Winner for Dog Friendly Business of the Year
North East Tourism Awards 2018
Bronze winner for Self Catering Provider of the Year
North East Rural Business Awards 2019
Highly Commended
North East Tourism Awards 2021
Self Catering Provider of the Year – Bronze
North East Tourism Awards – Self Catering Provider of the Year 2023
Highly Commended
Guest Feedback
Shepherds Lodge
2nd visit here. Fantastic property ideal location. Everything we needed and more for a great holiday.
Super dog friendly and extra special touches from fizz choc and cake to doggy treats for our little fella.
Would highly recommend an week or two here to rest recharge and explore
Shepherds Retreat
Two luxurious shepherds huts with wood burning hot tubs are located on the the land next to Shepherds Cottage.
Check out our website Shepherds Retreats for further details Perfect for additional guests or larger groups.
