The Property
Set in a commanding position within the small hamlet of Birkshaw, High Birkshaw enjoys a rural setting that feels peaceful yet far from remote. The village of Thorngrafton is within easy reach, along with nearby Bardon Mill, which offers everyday amenities and a railway station. With panoramic views across the Tyne Valley towards the Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, this striking detached home unites natural materials with contemporary design. Commissioned by the current owners and developed through close collaboration, the property has been recently reimagined through a comprehensive renovation and a meticulously executed extension completed in 2024. Its design reflects a carefully considered response to its setting within a World Heritage Site, with every detail thoughtfully tailored to complement the historic and rural surroundings. The exterior combines natural stone with maintenance-free IRO timber cladding, creating a refined, textural character that blends effortlessly into the landscape. South-facing and beautifully positioned, it makes full use of natural light and uninterrupted views across open countryside.

The layout is both fluid and practical, with reception spaces arranged to enjoy the light and outlook. The kitchen is a sleek, recently installed design, with soft grey cabinetry, handleless finishes and quartz worktops lending a crisp modern aesthetic. AEG appliances are integrated throughout, including a tall fridge-freezer, twin ovens (one of which functions as a combi oven and microwave), and a warming drawer. An Elica induction hob with downward extraction sits on the central island, ideal for both everyday cooking and informal hosting. Durable Malmo flooring offers a seamless and low-maintenance finish with a soft timber effect.

Beyond the kitchen, a wide opening leads into the dining room, where exposed stonework and a contemporary woodburning stove anchor the room, creating a comfortable counterpoint to the crisp kitchen design. This is a natural setting for relaxed dining and entertaining, with exposed beams overhead and a direct connection to the sitting room beyond.

The lounge is arranged to take full advantage of the dramatic outlook, with a large picture window framing uninterrupted views across open countryside. Glazed doors open directly to the front terrace, allowing the space to flow easily outdoors. With generous proportions and soft natural light, the room is equally suited for quiet everyday use or entertaining. The entrance hallway beside the kitchen leads to a guest WC and a separate utility room, keeping the practicalities of daily life discreetly tucked away.

Upstairs, the principal bedroom occupies the gabled extension and is an elegant, vaulted space, with tall glazing drawing in the views and natural light. The room enjoys the benefit of a dressing area and contemporary en-suite shower room, fitted with Roca sanitaryware, matt black brassware, and a minimalist walk-in enclosure. A separate WC lies adjacent.

Across the landing are two further rooms, both with far-reaching views. One is a generous double bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, while the other, currently used as a study, is equally spacious and offers excellent versatility for use as guest accommodation, additional living space or a dressing room. A linen cupboard provides useful storage on the landing. The main bathroom combines period charm and clean lines, with a freestanding cast iron roll-top bath set beneath a heritage-style rainfall shower, monochrome tiled flooring and deep-set windowsill.

Externally
The house is approached via a quiet country lane and sits behind a generous gravelled driveway with parking for several vehicles. The south-facing frontage has been landscaped with a simple terrace, ideal for morning coffee or evening drinks. To the side, a sheltered garden enjoys privacy from the lane, with layered planting, mature trees and glimpses of the surrounding hills beyond.

Planning permission has been approved for the construction of a double garage adjacent to the parking area, offering scope for further development in line with the property’s quality and setting.

Planning REF: 22/03294/FUL