4 bedroom country house for sale

Accommodation in Brief
Ground Floor
Entrance Hallway| Drawing Room | Dining Room | Study | Kitchen | Utility | Rear Hall | WC

First Floor
Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room and En-Suite | Three Further Bedrooms | Bathroom

Outbuildings
Detached Double Garage configured as Gym and Store

The Property
Cookson House forms the eastern wing of the Grade II listed Colepike Hall, a handsome stone-built home set in approximately one acre of formal gardens, fenced paddock and woodland, with superb views over the Browney Valley. Approached via a long, tree-lined drive, the setting feels deeply private, yet remains just a mile and a half from the centre of Lanchester and within easy reach of Durham City.

Believed to date from the early-to-mid 1800s, the house retains a wealth of original architectural detail—deep sash windows with working shutters, ornate ceiling cornices, and stone fireplaces with carved surrounds, while the interior has been extensively renovated in recent years to create a comfortable and highly individual family home. A restrained, natural palette ties the spaces together, allowing the scale and character of the rooms to take focus.

From the entrance hall, the accommodation unfolds through a sequence of generously proportioned rooms. The drawing room occupies the southern end of the plan, with a deep bay window drawing in the light and original features including a carved marble fireplace, ornate cornicing, and a ceiling rose clearly preserved. Opposite, a study overlooks the front garden, while beyond, the formal dining room centres on a log-burning stove set into a granite surround and links directly to the kitchen.

Fitted with sleek white cabinetry, curved granite worktops and a full suite of integrated appliances including a Bosch oven, Miele dishwasher, full-height fridge and freezer, and Whirlpool coffee machine—the kitchen is contemporary in feel and function. Beyond, a rear hallway leads to the utility and WC – completing the ground floor.

The first floor offers four bedrooms arranged off a central landing. Arch windows and tall ceilings give these rooms a distinctive stately aesthetic. Decorated in tasteful, muted tones, the principal bedroom is elegantly composed with panel moulding, and three large sash windows providing ample light. A potential fifth bedroom is currently configured as a walk-through dressing room, leading to a generous en-suite complete with bathtub, separate shower, and vanity unit. A further bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.

Externally
The house stands in around an acre of grounds, with a broad gravel drive providing ample parking to the front. To one side, a gravelled dining terrace sits against a backdrop of mature borders, while a lawned area extends towards a small section of woodland. A detached outbuilding currently houses a gym and store, and beyond, the original kitchen garden walls border a productive area with a greenhouse, fruit trees, raised beds and a wood-fired sauna.

Local Information
Lanchester is a sought-after and well-established village in County Durham, set within the scenic Browney Valley and surrounded by open countryside. The village offers a range of everyday amenities including independent shops, cafés, pubs and a post office, along with a doctors’ surgery and pharmacy. For families, the area is served by both a primary school and the highly regarded St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College.

The nearby Lanchester Valley Railway Path and surrounding bridleways provide access to countryside walks and cycling routes, while the village’s position allows for easy access to the wider region. Durham City is around eight miles to the east and offers a wide range of shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, along with the world heritage site of Durham Cathedral and Castle. Newcastle lies just 16 miles to the north and is easily reached by road.

For the commuter, Lanchester offers convenient road links to Durham, Newcastle and the wider North East. Mainline rail services from Durham connect directly to London and Edinburgh, and Newcastle International Airport provides both domestic and international flights.

Approximate Mileages
Lanchester 1.8 miles | St Bede’s Catholic School 2.5 miles | Durham 9.6 miles | Durham School 9.9 miles | Newcastle Upon Tyne 16 miles | Newcastle International Airport 29.4 miles

Services
Mains electricity & water. Private drainage to septic tank. Biomass central heating.

Tenure
Freehold

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 be 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.

Disclaimer
The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Finest Properties strives to ensure all details are accurate; however, they do not constitute property particulars and should not be relied upon as statements of fact or representation. All information is provided and maintained by Finest Properties.