If you’re looking for a unique countryside retreat in Northamptonshire, The Alpaca Annex in Gayton is an absolute gem. This newly opened Airbnb with alpacas offers a perfect mix of cosy comfort, quirky décor, and a rural escape, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing weekend away. And the best part? You’ll get to meet and feed three adorable alpacas during your stay.
A stylish and quirky stay at Alpaca Annex
Nestled in the picturesque village of Gayton, Alpaca Annex is a beautifully designed self-contained Airbnb that feels both luxurious and homely. The high ceilings with Velux roof windows flood the space with natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere during the day, while at night, you can gaze up at the stars from the comfort of the annex.
What makes Alpaca Annex extra special is its quirky and colourful décor. Playful Jeff Koons-style sculptures and artwork add an artistic touch, while animal-themed wall art—especially alpaca-related pieces—bring character to the space. A fun challenge during your stay is to see how many different alpaca-themed objects you can spot.
The lounge: a cosy space to unwind
The open-plan lounge area is designed for relaxation. A plush, comfy sofa invites you to curl up with a book or enjoy a cosy movie night. The stylish furnishings and warm lighting make it a perfect spot to wind down after a day of exploring.
Whether you’re sipping a morning coffee or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening, this space feels like a true retreat from the world.
The kitchen: Compact and well-equipped
For those who love a bit of self-catering, the kitchenette is compact yet practical, offering everything you need to prepare a simple meal. With a fridge, microwave, kettle, and toaster, you can easily whip up breakfast before heading out for the day. The contemporary and on-theme crockery and well-thought-out details make even a casual meal feel special.
Master bedroom: Spacious and stylish
The main bedroom at Alpaca Annex is a spacious but wonderfully cosy, featuring a double bed with lovely soft linens that guarantee a restful night’s sleep. The high ceiling and neutral décor create a calming space, while the thoughtful touches—such as bedside lamps and cushions—add to the overall charm. Waking up here is a great experience, with the morning light streaming in through the roof windows and the birds chirping outside.
The mezzanine bedroom: a fun hideaway
For those travelling with family or friends, the mezzanine floor offers an additional sleeping space. Accessed via a spiral staircase, this cosy nook is a fantastic spot for kids or even adventurous adults. Tucked away under the eaves, it adds a fun and unique touch to Alpaca Annex’s design.
The bathroom
The bathroom is surprisingly spacious and adds a touch of luxury to your stay. The standout feature is the double shower, which gives you plenty of space to get cleaned up. The quirky decorations continue into this room too, with the loo roll holder being a standout feature! I especially appreciated the heated towel rail too, just what you need on a frosty January morning.
Meet the friendly alpacas: Stevie, Patsy, and Cherry
One of the biggest highlights of staying at Alpaca Annex is, of course, the alpacas. During your stay, you’ll have the chance to meet and feed Stevie, Patsy, and Cherry—three friendly and curious alpacas who call the nearby fields home.
As part of your visit, you’re provided with food to give to the alpacas, which makes for a really fun and memorable experience. Inside Alpaca Annex, you’ll find a welcome pack with useful instructions on where to find them and how to feed them properly. The guide includes helpful tips on approaching them and ensuring they’re comfortable, so even if you’ve never been around alpacas before, you’ll feel confident interacting with them.
Spending time with Stevie, Patsy, and Cherry adds such a special touch to your stay. Whether you’re visiting them in the morning or stopping by to feed them in the evening, their gentle nature and calm presence make Alpaca Annex a truly unique and relaxing getaway. If you’re an animal lover, you’ll absolutely love this experience.
Exploring Gayton and beyond
While Alpaca Annex is the perfect place to relax, there’s also plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Gayton is a quaint village with lovely countryside walks, and you’re just a short drive from Northampton, where you’ll find historic sites, cosy cafés, and scenic parks.
If you’re up for a little adventure, Silverstone Circuit is just a 20-minute drive away, making this an excellent stay for motorsport fans. Alternatively, you can visit nearby National Trust properties such as Stowe Gardens or Canons Ashby for a dose of history and nature.
Final thoughts on Alpaca Annex
My stay at Alpaca Annex was the perfect countryside escape to break up an otherwise grey and grim January. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, a romantic getaway, or just a change of scenery with some friendly alpacas, this Airbnb is well worth a visit.
You can book a stay of your own at the Alpaca Annex on Airbnb and experience this hidden gem in Northamptonshire for yourself.
Be sure to follow them on Instagram too if you’d like to see alpacas regularly popping up on your feed!
