The Property
Tucked into a secluded hollow above the River Petteril, just outside the village of Wreay, Crooks Cottage is a rare architectural gem —an Arts and Crafts-inspired stone-built home with uninterrupted views across the river and valley. Enclosed by mature woodland and backed by a dramatic volcanic rock face, the property enjoys privacy and riparian fishing rights along its river frontage. Every element of this home—from the commissioned oak staircase to the hand-carved timber screens—has been carefully conceived and showcases quality craftsmanship. The result is an exceptional country home that feels both rooted and imaginative, immersed in nature yet well-connected by road in all directions.

An enclosed stone porch opens into a generous entrance hall, where bespoke oak joinery and a wood-burning stove introduce the home’s inviting, character-rich aesthetic. Underfoot, a mix of solid and engineered oak and natural stone tiles flows throughout. To one side lies a bespoke kitchen, with vibrant Arts and Crafts influences, granite worktops, a central island, and an oil-fired Aga paired with a separate gas cooker. The adjoining utility room provides additional storage and access to the integral garage, shower room, and rear terrace.

The dining room forms the heart of the extension, where floor-to-ceiling glazing and skylights draw in natural light and rear garden views. This space is enhanced by a carved oak partition and gallery screen by sculptor Fiona Hudson, offering a striking architectural flourish. The underfloor-heated stone floors extend seamlessly to the courtyard terrace beyond, creating an ideal setting for summer gatherings.

A ground floor bedroom suite—with its own private entrance—offers flexibility for guests or multigenerational living. It is complemented by an adjoining bathroom complete with a separate shower/steam room, bathtub, and a striking commissioned stained-glass window.

Upstairs, the central landing reveals a peaceful seating area and a continuation of the fine oak detailing. Four further bedrooms lie on this floor, along with a study set beneath a sloping ceiling and a second bathroom with a vaulted roofline and deep bathtub beneath a skylight. The first floor culminates in a spectacular vaulted living room—an expansive, light-filled space framed by exposed beams and an A-framed window that captures sweeping views of the surrounding woodland and river. A contemporary wood-burning stove anchors the space, making it equally suited to quiet evenings or entertaining on a larger scale.

Externally
The gardens at Crooks Cottage are nothing short of enchanting. The house itself is framed by a wide stone terrace, mature planting, and a dramatic volcanic rock face to the rear, creating a private and sheltered courtyard atmosphere. This area includes a lawned garden and an outdoor bread oven—an ideal setting for summer entertaining.

Across the quiet country lane lies a further garden running alongside the River Petteril. Here, a wildflower-rich orchard, fruit cages, and a natural wildlife pond with rare flowering rushes, lilies, and a jetty offer a peaceful contrast. A wicket gate opens to a ‘secret garden’ beside a babbling stream, leading to lawned and wooded spaces alive with seasonal planting—including thousands of snowdrops in winter. At the heart of this area, a fire pit with built-in seating creates a secluded and atmospheric setting for outdoor gatherings.

The property also benefits from a large integral double garage with electric doors, two timber sheds, a stone-built oil tank store, and generous parking to both front and rear. Numerous external sockets and taps support outdoor living and gardening. Riparian fishing rights along the riverbank add to the lifestyle appeal.