Whitfield Place

Accommodation in Brief
Open Plan Sitting Room/Kitchen | Larder | Snug | Boot Room | Garden Room | Dining Room | Shower Room | Upper Hall | Principal Bedroom | Two Further Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Family Room | Loft

Extensive Mature Gardens | Terrace with Seating Areas

The Property
Whitfield Place is a hugely appealing Grade II* Listed property in the heart of a much-sought after market town. History and character are apparent in every aspect of this beautiful property, with original features such as wood panelling, stone fireplaces, mullioned windows, stained glass and even a historic salt cupboard. Thoughtful updates and renovation provide superb living spaces for modern requirements, and the property benefits from extensive mature south-facing gardens which are walled and private,

Whitfield Place features in the renowned architectural guide “The Buildings of England” by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner. The left-most part of the house is dated at 1677 and has the initials “DM” at the frontage. The right-most part of the property is said to have been converted from a former Pack Horse Inn where King Edward III may have rested after his encounter with the Scots in Weardale in 1327. Another king, Charles II, is said to have ridden his horse up the main internal staircase in the 17th century. The same staircase, in the tower to the rear aspect, is most impressive today. There are later additions to the rear of the property

The main oak front door opens into the impressive open plan sitting room and kitchen. This fabulous welcoming room retains the character of the property yet offers space that ideal for modern living. The room has LED lighting throughout, a large original beam, woodburning stove set in a magnificent stone arch inglenook fireplace, salt cupboard, window seat and mullioned/stained windows. The kitchen is fitted with a fine range of cabinetry in a contemporary country house style with complementary oak work surfaces. The centrepiece is a a four-oven gas AGA, and appliances include an integrated dishwasher and a bowl sink with drainer along with a useful shelved larder and space for an American-style fridge freezer. There is plenty of space for a table and chairs for day-to-day dining and the open nature of the whole room creates a hub for spending time with family and friends.

The rear-facing snug adjoins the sitting area and has a soaring vaulted, beamed ceiling, woodburning stove with stone surround and flagstone hearth, together with French doors and window overlooking the glorious rear garden. There is a useful boot room off the snug with cupboard to one side which houses the gas central heating boiler. The garden room has a lovely outlook across the garden through full-height glazed windows and a door gives access to the rear terrace. With practical earthenware tiling underfoot, the current vendors have configured the room as a spacious boot room, perfect for muddy boots after a day pottering in the gardens or exploring the spectacular local surroundings.

The generous dining room provides an excellent formal entertaining space and has original wood panelling, open stone decorative fireplace, two large cupboards, one of which was an old box-bed, together with a window seat overlooking the front through mullioned windows. A lobby links to the secondary front entrance. Also on the ground floor is a well-appointed shower room with corner shower, wash hand basin and WC. A utility cupboard has plumbing for a washing machine. At the base of the main staircase is hatch access to the cellar/priest hole.

The magnificent turned staircase, located within the tower, has square newel posts and turned spindles and leads up to the first floor landing, with a window at the half landing with views over the garden. The landing links to an upper hall with an abundance of fitted shelving running the length of one wall to form a charming little library. The principal double bedroom has a bay window with original window seat with views to the front through mullioned windows and stone inglenook fireplace. Reputedly Charles II used this bedroom. A further double bedroom, accessed from the secondary staircase, has a pretty Victorian cast iron fireplace, original narrow cupboard, exposed beam and mullioned window to the front. There is a third bedroom on this floor linking the secondary landing with the library hall; this bedroom has a window overlooking the rear garden. All of the bedrooms are finished in relaxing neutral colour palettes. One bedroom is currently configured as a home office/study, demonstrating the flexibility on offer.

The family bathroom is fitted with an elegant modern suite comprising bath with shower over, wash hand basin, WC and heated towel rail. It also has a mullioned window. Returning to the main landing, the staircase continues to the second floor family room with exposed A-frame timbers and Velux window. This room offers a wealth of possibilities, such as an additional reception room, a quiet reading room or a hobby room for children or adults alike. A further large loft room has superb exposed beams along with power and heating in place; this could be configured to provide yet more living accommodation.

Externally
Whitfield Place is set back from the street with a cobbled area to the front that is used for parking cars. There is also access to the rear of the property off The Causeway. To the rear of the house is a secluded, paved terrace with lots of seating space and views of the Weardale Hills. Steps lead down to the large south-facing garden, with wall and hedge boundaries. External lighting is fitted to the rear aspect of the house to illuminate the terrace in the evenings.

The garden has a variety of mature trees and shrubs, together with lawned areas and established herbaceous borders. There are fruit trees, a vegetable garden and an unusual hybrid walnut/hazelnut tree. The ruins of the old Coach House form part of the south-west boundary of the garden, matching the wonderful history found throughout the property. The Coach House is not a listed building, and so can be renovated if desired.

Local Information
Wolsingham is a small market town situated by the River Wear on the edge of the unspoiled North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and the stunning surrounding scenery is linked by a network of public footpaths, ideal for walking and cycling. Wolsingham remains much as it did hundreds of years ago and the annual Wolsingham Agricultural Show on the first weekend in September, which was established in 1763, is one of the oldest shows in the country.

Wolsingham provides a good range of everyday facilities including a doctor’s surgery, chemist, restaurant, pubs and other local businesses. For schooling the town offers Wolsingham Primary School and Wolsingham School & Community College. There are various private schools within the area including Mowden Hall School and Barnard Castle School. Other facilities are available nearby at Bishop Auckland and Durham.

For the commuter Wolsingham is conveniently located for access to the major regional centres of Durham and Newcastle, and from here links to all areas of the UK can be found by rail. Newcastle International Airport and Teesside International Airport are both within easy reach.

Approximate Mileages
Bishop Auckland 10.2 miles | Durham 14.5 miles | Newcastle City Centre 23.3 miles | Newcastle International Airport 28.6 miles

Services
Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas-fired central heating.

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.

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