The Old Vicarage
Hunstanworth, County Durham
Guide Price
£1,500,000
"An imposing and substantial Grade II Listed former vicarage nestled in beautiful grounds"
The Property
The Old Vicarage occupies a private, elevated setting on the edge of Hunstanworth in the Derwent Valley, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Built in the mid-19th century to designs by the celebrated Gothic Revival architect Samuel Sanders Teulon, the property forms part of a unique estate village of architectural significance, protected by Conservation Area status. Teulon’s re-working of the earlier vicarage retained its historic core while extending the house with striking gables, steep slate roofs and stone mullioned windows. The result today is a distinguished property surrounded by 2.85 acres of gardens and woodland, with panoramic views of the Derwent Valley and Northumberland fells.
A sweeping gravel driveway leads through the grounds to the stone-arched entrance porch. Inside, the accommodation extends over three floors, with a balanced arrangement of formal and informal living spaces. The reception hall sets the tone with its generous proportions and fine detailing. From here, the principal reception rooms are arranged to capture both light and outlook: the dual-aspect drawing room includes a deep bay window framing garden views, a stone fireplace with Clearview stove, and tall sash windows with working shutters. The dining room, richly coloured and atmospheric, is ideal for entertaining. Beyond lies the vaulted garden room, a later addition designed for year-round enjoyment, with exposed timbers, wood-burning stove, stone floor and doors leading out to the terrace.
The kitchen and breakfast room combines tradition and practicality, with a four-oven oil-fired AGA set beneath a stone mantel, cabinetry in soft tones, and tiled splashbacks adding colour and texture. A deep window seat, scullery kitchen, pantry and boot room support the main space, providing ample storage and working areas. The ground floor also accommodates a utility, cloakroom/WC, wine cellar and further stores.
The principal suite is refined in scale, with wide sash windows framing open views, a marble-surround fireplace and a luxurious en-suite bathroom featuring a freestanding clawfoot bath, walk-in shower and twin basins. Four further double bedrooms are spread across the two upper floors, each with its own character and far-reaching views. Period fireplaces, painted beams, and concealed wash hand basins are among the many original details. A large family bathroom and additional shower room serve these rooms.
The library is a highlight of the upper floor, offering full-height fitted bookcases with a rolling ladder, an open fireplace, and a bay window overlooking the grounds. It provides a refined yet comfortable setting for work or quiet retreat.
Externally
The Old Vicarage stands in mature, landscaped grounds extending to approximately 2.85 acres. Sweeping lawns are punctuated by specimen trees, with stone walls and hedging enclosing the setting. To the south, a broad terrace is accessed from the garden room and provides a sheltered space for outdoor dining with long valley views. Pathways lead through the gardens to a walled orchard, an Amdega summerhouse, two wildlife ponds (one with gazebo), and private woodland which stretches towards the church and along the historic vicar’s path. Within the grounds stand a number of period structures, including the original pig-sty with stone feeder and an owlery, all adding to the historic character of the setting.
The gravelled drive continues to the Coach House, a substantial stone outbuilding currently arranged as practical storerooms. While useful in its present form, it offers clear potential for conversion to ancillary accommodation, subject to the necessary consents.
Key features
Description
Local Information
Hunstanworth is a small hamlet in picturesque countryside on the County Durham/Northumberland border. It is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is a haven for wildlife and the beautiful surroundings include an extensive network of local walks and other country pursuits, including windsurfing and sailing on Derwent Reservoir. Nearby Blanchland is an historic village which is occasionally used as a period setting for films, owing to its traditional and unspoilt situation. The village provides excellent local amenities including a shop, post office, tea room, village hall and the recently re-opened Lord Crewe Arms which recently won the Pub category of the Sunday Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels. Hexham offers a wider range of local services including a number of supermarkets, a good selection of shops and a regular farmers’ market, professional services, a leisure/sports centre, an independent cinema, busy theatre and hospital. The charming village of Corbridge offers a range of artisan shops, a renowned delicatessen and a selection of eateries. Both Newcastle and Durham city centres are within easy reach and provide further comprehensive cultural, educational, recreational and shopping facilities.
For schooling there are Primary Schools in Rookhope, Whitley Chapel and Slaley while senior schooling is available in Hexham and Consett. In addition Mowden Hall Preparatory School, near Corbridge, provides private education from nursery up to 13 years and there are a number of private day schools in Newcastle and Durham.
For the commuter the A69 is a short drive away and provides easy access to Newcastle International Airport and city centre, Carlisle and onward access to the A1 and M6. The rail station at Hexham provides regular cross country services to both Newcastle and Carlisle, which in turn link to main line services to major UK cities north and south. There is also a bus service from Hunstanworth to Consett.
Accommodation in Brief
Lower Ground Floor
Entrance Porch | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | Pantry | Dining Room | Drawing Room | Inner Hallway | WC | Wine Cellar | Boot Room | Garden Room | Storerooms
Ground Floor
Principal Bedroom with En-Suite | Double Bedroom | Library | Shower Room
First Floor
Double Bedroom with En-Suite | Two Further Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom
Externally
Three Storerooms | Mature, Landscaped Gardens | Walled Orchard | Summerhouse | Two Wildlife Ponds | Private Woodland
Approximate Mileages
Blanchland 1.4 miles | Edmunbyers 5.9 miles | Stanhope 8.9 miles | Hexham 11.7 miles | Corbridge 12.6 miles | Durham City Centre 25.4 miles | Newcastle City Centre 26.0 miles | Newcastle International Airport 26.5 miles
Services
The property is connected to mains electricity, water and drainage with oil-fired central heating.
Tenure
Freehold
Council Tax
Band F
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.
Gallery
Location
Hunstanworth, County Durham
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