Accommodation in Brief

Ground Floor

Entrance Porch | Hall | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | Snug | Side Porch | Studio | Bedroom | Bathroom | WC | Store Room | Barn

First Floor

Principal Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Balcony | Guest Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room | Two Further Bedrooms

Externally

Driveway & Parking | Gardens | Patio | Land of Around 4.12 Acres

The Property

Hawkwell Head Farm is a substantial stone-built property with a beauty and charm that is matched by its spectacular location and surroundings. The property occupies an elevated position to make the most of panoramic views over the glorious moorland of the Weardale Valley and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The house offers flexible accommodation with scope to configure for a variety of uses along with striking original features including exposed wooden beams, elegant internal stonework and lovely fireplaces. Land of around 4.12 acres adds further appeal and the barn has planning permission to convert to a holiday let (Durham County Council planning ref. 3/2007/0630).

The reception rooms are both generous and cosy with a wonderful country atmosphere. The sitting room has grand ceiling beams and a warming open fire in a feature brick surround. The dual aspect snug blends beams, exposed stone work, panelled walls and a woodburning stove to one side. A separate dining room offers more formal entertaining space with French doors leading out to the patio and gardens beyond. The attractive kitchen/breakfast room has an excellent range of fitted cabinetry with an eye-catching AGA sitting within an inglenook. There is both a central island and a breakfast bar as well as space for a table and chairs providing the perfect spot to dine with the windows framing the fabulous views. An unusual wood-framed nook to one end has been used to create a fascinating storage and display area. The kitchen is further served by an expansive utility room. Adjoining the breakfast area is a porch that offers so much more than a simple entrance. Glazing wraps around two sides to capture the views and there is space to relax and read in peace.

The ground floor also encompasses a large bedroom served by a bathroom and a separate WC. This is ideal for interested parties with mobility issues and would also make a great guest suite. Beyond the bedroom is a studio space that is perfect for working from home in an inspiring environment. This could also be used as further living or bedroom accommodation if required. Completing the ground floor there is an expansive barn and adjoining store room all accessed internally and offering a wealth of possible uses. Planning permission is already in place to convert the barn for holiday let use.

The first floor can be reached by stairs at both ends of the property. The main hall has an appealing staircase that rises to an unusual galleried landing, whilst the second staircase leads up from the snug. The principal bedroom has a triple aspect, en-suite bathroom and impressive storage space. A door opens to the incredible split-level balcony that stretches across the house with the most magnificent views across the landscape. There is space to relax, dine and entertain with a vista that will never cease to move and amaze. A second double bedroom benefits from an en-suite shower room and there are two further single bedrooms.

Externally

Hawkwell Head Farm nestles in lovely landscaped gardens that are beautifully laid out and maintained. A gated entrance leads to the driveway and on to a gravelled parking area with ample space for several vehicles. Broad stone flagged steps lead up to the gardens on the west side of the house, with a further flagged path wrapping around the side to the main gardens overlooking the valley. The patio area has stepped levels with plantings of shrubs and trees, and below the patio are easily-maintained lawns. Mature trees on the gentle slopes behind the house provide shelter and privacy.

Land extending to around 4.12 acres in all will appeal to a variety of interested parties. The land is predominantly permanent pasture surrounded by dry-stone walling and is located to the east and north of the house.

Agents Note

The Hide which is positioned to the north west of the house is a separate property and is not part of this sale. The Hide has separate access from Hawkwell Head Farm.

Local Information

Ireshopeburn is a peaceful village in the Weardale Valley, a few miles west of Stanhope, which originally marked the eastern border of the private hunting park of the Prince Bishops of Durham. Hawkwell Head Farm sits less than a mile from the village and is surrounded by the moorland of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike with stunning surrounding scenery from moorland to fellside and riverside walks. The nearby bustling market town of Stanhope is located on the popular C2C Cycle Route and is the terminus of the Weardale Railway, a heritage railway which runs from Bishop Auckland. Other tourist attractions include the 18th Century Stanhope Castle in the centre of the town, a heated open air swimming pool, the famous fossil tree which is approximately 320 million years old and the Durham Dales Centre which hosts craft shops and an award-winning tea room. The popular annual Stanhope Agricultural Show on the second weekend in September was first held in 1834. Nearby is Derwent Reservoir for those interested in sailing and fishing. 

Stanhope provides a good range of day-to-day facilities including doctors and dental surgeries, local supermarket, Post Office, art gallery and other local businesses. For schooling Stanhope offers a primary school; secondary schooling is available at Wolsingham School & Community College which is nearby. There are various private schools within the area, including Barnard Castle & Durham. Nearby Consett and Bishop Auckland provide further professional, retail and recreational services. While Durham and Newcastle city centres, which are also within easy reach, provide comprehensive cultural, educational and shopping facilities. 

For the commuter Ireshopeburn, while being rural, is conveniently located for access to the major regional centres of Durham and Newcastle, and from here links to all areas of the UK can be found by road and rail. Newcastle International Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport are both within easy reach.

Approximate Mileages

Stanhope 8.3 miles | Wolsingham 13.9 miles | Durham City Centre 28.8 miles | Newcastle City Centre 34.6 miles | Newcastle International Airport 38.5 miles

Services

Mains electricity. Private water and private drainage to septic tank. LPG gas to AGA. Oil-fired central heating.

Wayleaves, Easements & Rights of Way

The property is being sold subject to all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether or not specified within the sales particulars.

Agents Note to Purchasers

We strive to ensure all property details are accurate, however, they are not to relied upon as statements of representation or fact and do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract. All measurements and floor plans have been prepared as a guide only. All services, systems and appliances listed in the details have not been tested by us and no guarantee is given to their operating ability or efficiency. Please be advised that some information may be awaiting vendor approval.

Submitting an Offer

Please note that all offers will require financial verification including mortgage agreement in principle, proof of deposit funds, proof of available cash and full chain details including selling agents and solicitors down the chain. To comply with Money Laundering Regulations we require proof of identification from all buyers before acceptance letters are sent and solicitors can be instructed.