WITCHES and wizards wishing for the mysterious magic of Hogwarts and the chance to explore the fantastical homes of characters from the much-loved Harry Potter series will be spellbound with a new attraction in the North-East.

The unmistakable shape of Rubeus Hagrid's hut depicted in JK Rowling's novels now stands proudly at the edge of the North York Moors as if appearing by magic straight out of the ever-popular films.

Fans of the fantasy series can now stay overnight in The Groundkeeper's Cottage at North Shire near Saltburn with the strikingly building opening for rent just ahead of International Harry Potter Day on May 2.

The cottage comprises three interlocking circular slate-roofed buildings, two with turrets, and all with stained glass windows.

Guests approach the lantern-lit wooden door before stepping into the spacious open plan living space with galley kitchen, dining area, seating in front of a feature fireplace and wood beams festooned with Hagrid-style furnishings such as old baskets, ropes, leather bags and lanterns.

From the living room, one door leads to the circular bedroom complete with double bed and a rustic wooden bunk bed, while a second door opens onto a large bathroom where the star feature is a huge freestanding copper bath.

The £195,000 build came together thanks to the vision of Billy Cessford, a stage and screen pop maker and set designer from Redcar who has worked with the BBC and various theatre productions in his career.

The owner of the North Shire site, Carol Cavendish, who has been a Harry Potter fan since her early 20s, has also incorporated small touches such as an ink bottle and quill and bespoke copper basin in the bathroom.

Back in 2015, North Shire opened the Hobbit-hole inspired cottage, Potts Corner designed with a turf roof, round door and stained glass windows which has since attracted Lord of the Rings devotees worldwide.

According to Mrs Cavendish, these have included an American basketball player who travelled from London purely to be photographed outside Potts Corner, a New Zealander who stayed in the cottage and had worked on the Harry Potter films, and a couple from the Midlands who donated a Hobbit outfit to North Shire after a week's stay.

Last year North Shire opened the yurt-style Green Dragon cafe inspired by the inn favoured by hobbits in the films, and an Enchanted Barn has been opened for functions. A Storybook Cottage, Shepherds' huts, gypsy caravans and camping are also available on the six-acre site which is just seven miles from the coastal fishing village of Staithes.

Mrs Cavendish said: "Books have always been an important part of my life even after being diagnosed with dyslexia when I taught myself to read. They've also helped me through challenging times when I would turn to the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings books for pure escapism.

"That's why it is so fantastic to create an environment where others can also leave behind everyday life and step into their favourite storybook. We've seen how Potts Corner has proven to be a hit among adults and children alike and so we're sure that would-be Hagrids will be heading our way."