So plentiful are the daily pleasures of life at Bleach Green Farm, it’s no wonder owners Helen and John have spent over twenty-five years enjoying everything this enchanting home has to offer. Ask Helen what this incredible property means to her and you’ll find that the warmth in her smile is answer enough. “We feel so blessed to have been caretakers of this beautiful place for so many years,” she beams.
Set in 17 acres, Bleach Green Farm is nestled in the most tranquil setting imaginable yet offers convenient access to the vibrant and historic university city of Durham, which is under four miles away. London can be reached by train in three hours and it’s just two hours to Edinburgh.
“We’ve enjoyed years of peaceful living at Bleach Green Farm,” says John. Believed to date from 1764, the traditional farmhouse is set in beautiful gardens brimming with apples and roses. There is stabling and grazing land as well as an annexe, outbuildings and stunning landscaped gardens with an orchard, summerhouse and water lily pond.
Helen and John originally moved to the property so that they could keep their horses at home. “After endless searching we visited Bleach Green Farm one Friday afternoon,” says John. “Standing in the field opposite the house, with Helen crying, we offered the full asking price there and then.”
The property has certainly kept the couple busy ever since. “The previous owners had modernised the house, but there was little character left and no gardens,” explains Helen. The spectacular setting and timeless character of the period farmhouse became the inspiration for a complete renovation. “We wanted to stay true to the character of the property whilst renovating,” continues Helen. “The conservatory is a master class of workmanship and we love to sit in there at night, underneath the stars.”
Today the farmhouse offers an irresistible combination of traditional character and modern luxury. An artist and designer, Helen’s skills are on show across the beautiful living spaces. Everything exudes an air of deep calm and beauty, with Helen’s interiors drawing together Bleach Green Farm’s setting and heritage. Upstairs and down, you get tantalizing glimpses of the landscape as you walk around the property.
“In this home you learn to slow down and really appreciate the views,” smiles John.
The spectacular landscaped gardens are also a pleasure to behold. “We started by dividing the field into garden rooms using hedging and hard landscaping to define the space,” explains Helen. “Once we had the bones we filled borders with gorgeous old-fashioned scented David Austin Roses, box topiary, peonies, clematis, iris, delphiniums, lavender and far too many foxgloves!”
“We are so proud to have achieved our own ambition of opening under the National Garden Scheme, raising money for charity. We had a brass band and served cream teas. We welcomed over 600 visitors in a single afternoon!”
And what about those horses? “You could say that we bought Bleach Green Farm for Helen’s horse, Caspion,” laughs John. “We were paying a fortune at livery and thought, we can do this ourselves.” The property offers a pretty red brick stable block and hay shed, with three boxes. In addition to the daily pleasure of watching your horse from your bedroom window, it’s also possible to ride across the River Deerness straight onto the local bridleways.
“Animals have been at the heart of Bleach Green for many years,” reflects John. “Starting with horses, we have also enjoyed dogs, cats, rare breed chickens, geese and pigs. And the biggest adventure of all, were our two rescue donkeys Dylan and Bumble who were partners in crime. They were a couple of Harry Houdinis who would regularly escape and run along the garden paths braying loudly to let Helen know they were out!”
“The lily pond is home to our last animal resident, who comes with the house,” says Helen. “Erik the carp!”
Clearly, the next chapter for Bleach Green Farm is now ready to be written.
Bleach Green Farm | Alum Waters | County Durham – Guide Price Offers Over £1,200,000