As you arrive at Brunton Water Mill, it’s the spectacular view that first draws your attention. Lambs frolic in the field below, with the gentle Northumbrian landscape rolling away towards Hadrian’s Wall in the distance. Second, is the pretty cluster of historic buildings that once housed a working mill. Converted in the early 1980s, Brunton Water Mill has been a happy home to sellers Jane and Derek for the past twenty years.
“After what felt like endless searching, this picture-perfect setting instantly stole our hearts,” says Jane, “but there was a huge amount of work to do. In the first weeks of moving in, friends came to stay and help. We were living out of boxes and couldn’t offer more than bed and breakfast. We spent our evenings getting acquainted with the local village pubs, which was enormous fun!”
Together, Jane and Derek have created a warm and welcoming home that is enriched by a relaxed, country feel. You’ll find generous and comfortable accommodation, with four bedrooms and three reception rooms, plus good cellar space, which offers a huge amount of flexibility and plenty of space for hobbies; the garden room providing a perfect light for watercolour painting. Resident budgies Bubbles and Acorn couldn’t be happier basking in the tranquil mood.
The immaculate gardens look as though they have been this way forever. The original waterwheel has been retained, which adds considerable character to the property. The planting is designed to be easy to maintain with emphasis on colour all year round. When the weather isn’t fine enough to be outside, the couple spend time in the garden room enjoying the sensational views.
Surrounded by nature, Brunton Water Mill is the perfect representation of a rewarding way of life. By day, country walks beckon from every window whilst nightfall brings its own special beauty. “The sunsets are like nothing we have ever experienced before,” says Derek, and when the stars shine it’s incredible. Just so beautiful and peaceful.”
Aside from the pleasures of country living, one of Brunton Water Mill’s greatest trump cards happens to be its proximity to the market towns of Hexham and Corbridge. “We’ve had unfettered access to nature whilst simultaneously enjoying the perfect combination of town and country life,” explains Jane.
Nestled in between the desirable villages of Humshaugh and Wall (home to the Michelin-starred restaurant Hjem), Brunton Water Mill has doorstep access to walks, pubs, schools and a doctor’s surgery. Just a 10 minute drive away, Hexham offers a wide choice of supermarkets, restaurants and shops as well as a hospital, leisure centre and an excellent train service to Newcastle, Carlisle and beyond.
If Northumberland is a land of big adventure, then Brunton Water Mill is not just a beautiful home but also the perfect base from which to discover the county’s extraordinary heritage, historic castles, scenic cycleways and barely-visited beaches. “Everywhere you go there’s a coffee shop,” laughs Jane. “We keep a list of our favourites and it’s over twelve pages long!” Proof, if needed, that this very special house offers a truly fulfilling way of life.
For Sale | Brunton Water Mill, Northumberland | Offers Over £585,000