7 bedroom detached house

Constructed of Belsay Stone, which is flecked with nuggets of iron, and with origins believed to date back to 1807, Milbourne Hall is a magnificent Grade I listed property that still retains the grandeur of a bygone era, showcasing many character features and architectural detail as considered by the notable Scottish architect, John Paterson when designing the hall for Ralph Bates, who was soon to become High Sheriff of Northumberland.

These features include a distinctive central rotunda topped by a stunning dome, elegant sash windows with their original shutters, impressive ceiling heights with detailed cornicing, curved doors to fit into curved apertures and period fireplaces. Of notable interest and a rare find is the symmetrical layout, oval rooms, oval staircase hall, and octagonal library; the interior has a unique appeal and is styled to reflect the refined vintage of grand homes of the period. The property is unusually arranged around an octagonal courtyard and, as well as having its own guest apartment (in mid-refurbishment), also benefits from ancillary accommodation in the form of three self-contained carriage houses that offer the opportunity of a generous rental income.

The property is approached via a long sweeping tree-lined driveway that culminates in a large parking area to the front of the house; the sense of arrival is remarkable. A stone portico with paired Doric columns invites you to enter the house and successfully sets the tone and character of this astonishing building.

As might be expected of a property of this calibre, the principal reception rooms are impressive and provide significant spaces for both formal and informal entertaining, possessing both pleasing proportions and fine detailing. The rooms radiate from a rotunda reception salon and include a richly opulent dining room, which provides the perfect setting for formal entertaining, and a sophisticated sitting room which, like the dining room, has a grand presence with four sets of sash windows, a carved wood fireplace, deep classical frieze and multi-moulded cornicing. The rotunda also opens into the kitchen, a sociable hub fitted with a range of bespoke units, granite work surfaces, integrated appliances, and a central island with an integral breakfast bar; an adjoining breakfast room provides informal dining space and, in addition to a large pantry room there is also a discreetly placed cloakroom. The ground floor accommodation further comprises an octagonal library with built-in shelving and a marble fireplace.

On the first floor, which is accessed via a hidden return staircase with a hand-painted papered wall Muriel and a glazed domed ceiling, the rotunda galleried landing is flooded with natural light courtesy of the domed roof light. Many of the rooms enjoy wonderful views over the grounds and the accommodation includes a generously proportioned principal suite comprising a bedroom, a spacious and sumptuous bathroom featuring a fireplace, a centrally located stand-alone bath and a separate shower, and a dressing room that could be utilised as an additional bedroom. There are three further bedrooms within the main house on this floor, and a spacious Jack and Jill bathroom, also with a centrally positioned stand-alone bath and separate shower.

The main house provides access to a two-storey guest apartment. The current vendors began a program of remodelling which remains partly completed and will allow the next owners to put their own stamp on it to include bathroom and kitchen suites. The accommodation here was to comprise two reception rooms, a generous open plan kitchen, and four bedrooms, the principal of which having an ensuite shower room and dressing room and, to conclude, a family bathroom and additional cloakroom/w.c. Whilst the apartment has been designed to be self-contained, it could easily be re-incorporated back into the main house as the main kitchen/ breakfast room. (Refer to CGI's).

Ponteland 4.1 miles, Newcastle International Airport 5.9 miles, Newcastle upon Tyne 11.7 miles, Newcastle Central Station 12.4 miles (Londons Kings Cross 2 hours, 55 minutes) and Morpeth 12.4 miles. All times and distances are approximate.