The space

The Comb is a spacious converted stone farm in rural Northumberland, made for hen groups who want plenty of room to gather, celebrate and properly switch off. Set within 60 acres of private grounds near Bellingham, the house gives you that rare mix of countryside seclusion and celebration-ready spaces: big lawns, mature woodland, terraces for drinks, a bar lounge for pre-dinner cocktails and wide-open views in every direction.

This is a fantastic choice for a hen weekend with up to 16 guests, especially if your group loves the idea of a private country house rather than a busy hotel. Days can start slowly with coffee in the snug, move into garden games and a BBQ on the lawn, then end with dinner, music and drinks in the bar lounge or on the dark skies balcony. The setting is wonderfully atmospheric too, with orange sunsets, quiet rural surroundings and some of the best stargazing in the UK thanks to its position in Europe’s largest Dark Sky Park.

Inside the house

Inside, The Comb has been designed with group stays in mind. The bedrooms are spacious, comfortable and well suited to a hen party that wants a little privacy as well as sociable shared areas. Many rooms enjoy views over the grounds and surrounding countryside, so there is a real sense of being tucked away somewhere special for the weekend.

The main social hub is the large bar lounge, a brilliant space for a hen party night in. There is comfortable seating, French doors leading out to the terrace and a bar area with a large drinks fridge, so you can set up your own cocktail station, prosecco corner or mocktail bar without having to leave the house. The dining room has lots of character, with exposed stone and original wooden roof beams, creating a warm setting for a private chef meal, grazing table, afternoon tea or celebratory dinner with the bride-to-be at the centre.

The kitchen is properly equipped for self-catering, with a large range, gas hobs, two electric ovens, an additional built-in oven and microwave, fridge freezer, two dishwashers and a walk-in larder. There is plenty of crockery, cutlery, glassware, cooking equipment and serving space, making group breakfasts, buffet lunches and big dinners straightforward. Next to the kitchen, the snug offers a more relaxed corner with fitted seating, a table and a log burning stove, lovely for morning catch-ups or winding down after a day out.

There is also a comfortable TV lounge with a large wall-mounted satellite TV, handy for a movie night, slideshow of memories, hen party games or a lazy Sunday recovery session. If anyone needs to check in with work or organise weekend logistics, the property also has workspace-friendly areas where laptops and planning notes can be set up away from the main party spaces.

Hen weekend highlights

The Comb really comes into its own when your group wants a private setting with space to celebrate your way. The bar lounge is ready-made for cocktail making, quizzes, playlist-led drinks and pre-dinner toasts, while the atmospheric dining room gives you a natural setting for a dressed-up meal without needing to book a restaurant for the whole group.

Outside, the gardens and grounds are a major highlight. With large lawns, mature woods and two border burns, there is plenty of space for relaxed garden games, a picnic-style lunch, group photos or a chilled afternoon in the fresh air. The BBQ adds an easy option for a casual evening feast, whether you are planning burgers and sides, a summer grazing spread or a low-key dinner after a day exploring Northumberland.

While there is no need to rely on classic city-centre hen activities, the setting offers something different: clay pigeon shooting on the grounds, countryside walks straight from the door, bike rides nearby and dark sky evenings that feel genuinely special. The large balcony and terrace spaces are particularly good for drinks under the stars, which is a lovely alternative to a crowded bar crawl.

For groups planning something more styled, the wider site also includes an impressive dark skies barn available by arrangement for larger private dinners, banquets or events. With a licensed bar, stage, dance floor, toilets and food prep room, it can add a real occasion feel if you want to create a bigger celebration around the main house stay.

Location & getting around

The Comb sits near Bellingham in Northumberland, surrounded on three sides by Kielder Forest and bordered to the south by Northumberland National Park. It is a peaceful, rural location, so it suits hen groups looking for fresh air, privacy and scenery rather than doorstep nightlife. That said, Bellingham offers useful village amenities and local pubs, while the wider area is packed with outdoor activities.

Kielder Water and Forest Park are close by in the adjacent North Tyne valley, giving your group access to walking routes, cycling, waterside views and adventurous daytime plans. Northumberland National Park is also on the doorstep for big landscapes, viewpoints and memorable group photos. In the evenings, the lack of light pollution makes stargazing a genuine feature of the stay, so plan at least one night on the terrace or balcony with blankets, drinks and a clear sky.

Because the property is rural, travelling by car or arranging minibuses/taxis in advance is recommended, especially if you are bringing food, decorations or activity supplies. Once you arrive, the appeal is that everything you need for a sociable countryside hen weekend is already there: generous indoor spaces, private grounds, a BBQ, bar lounge and plenty of room for the whole group to settle in.

Enquire today

If The Comb sounds like the right fit for your hen weekend, send an enquiry with your preferred dates, group size and any plans you have in mind. The host can help confirm the best setup for your stay, including sleeping arrangements, use of the celebration spaces and any extras you may want to arrange for the bride-to-be.