This 8-bedroom holiday cottage is "the Sistine Chapel of Northumberland", according to its owners.

Paul and Kirsty Coulson, owners of The Gin and Thresher, have transformed their upland hill farm in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty into a unique holiday accommodation.

High Staward, the farm, in Allendale, has been in the Coulson family for generations and, after a successful career selling pedigree sheep and cattle, Paul decided it was time to diversify and make the farming enterprise more sustainable.

The couple faced financial challenges and health difficulties, including Paul being rushed to the hospital with sepsis in 2022, but Paul's determination to complete the project never wavered.

Even from his hospital bed, he continued to instruct the builders and joiners using videos and sketches to communicate his vision.

The stone barns of the farm, which had been empty since 2001, date back to the 1700s and include the most well-preserved and complete horse gin gang and threshing machine in the world.

The mechanism, traditionally powered by shire horses, can still operate and grain from bygone years still sits below the floorboards.

Paul and Kirsty wanted The Gin and Thresher to be a one-of-a-kind holiday cottage.

Each room has been individually designed to retain historical character while personalising the space to ensure no two rooms are the same.

The west wing is inspired by fairy tales, featuring hidden doors and a staircase reminiscent of Harry Potter.

The main sitting room boasts a Venetian plastered ceiling and concealed lighting system.

The couple said they consider it the "Sistine Chapel of Northumberland".

The property includes an indoor botanic garden that is warm even on snowy days and an art deco-styled east wing inspired by 1920s Paris and the Great Gatsby era.

Having spent the past few years juggling the demands of the farm while raising three young children, the couple hope that they have achieved their aim of making the property particularly magical for kids.

The Gin and Thresher is now part of the Cottages in Northumberland collection and can be booked throughout 2023, with discounted dates available in August and September.