Accommodation in Brief

Ground Floor

Reception Hall | Sitting Room | Snug | Open Plan Kitchen & Dining Room | Pantry | Games Room | Laundry Room | Cloakroom/WC | Rear Hallway with Utility Area | Separate Utility Room | Boot Room

First Floor

Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Three Further Bedrooms | Bathroom | Shower Room | WC | Annexe Living Room & Kitchen | Annexe Balcony

Second Floor

Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room | Two Further Bedrooms | Bathroom | WC | Three Annexe Bedrooms | Annexe Bathroom | Annexe WC

Extensive Grounds | Formal Terraced Gardens | Two Hot Tubs | Woodland | Tennis Court | Garaging & Parking | Workshop | Further Outbuildings

The Property

Heatherbrae is a magnificent country house occupying a spectacular elevated position within landscaped gardens and grounds of around 2.3 acres in all. The property is nestled just outside the picturesque village of Middleton-in-Teesdale and panoramic views sweep away from the house across glorious unspoiled countryside. The accommodation includes a grand reception hall and impressive living spaces filled with period features. There are seven bedrooms within the main house and a further three bedrooms within the flexible adjoining annexe. In addition, there are several outbuildings within the grounds, including a garage and workshop, wood stores and the biomass shed, along with a tennis court to the north of the house.

Full of character and history, the property has in the past been a magnificent private residence and was once a popular hotel. It is currently operated as a high end luxury holiday let and interested parties may wish to continue this business opportunity, or to create a private home with expansive accommodation.

The reception hall provides a suitably impressive welcome to Heatherbrae, showcasing exposed ceiling beams and a wide staircase turning and raising to the second floor. The principal reception rooms are remarkably large with a grand yet warm and inviting atmosphere. Beautiful bay windows and full height glazing with French doors fill the sitting room with natural light and frame breath-taking views. High ceilings, decorative cornicing and a feature fireplace are elegant reminders of the property history. There is more relaxing and entertaining space in the cosy yet substantial snug and a games room that could be configured as another reception room or study, depending on individual requirements.

The spectacular open plan kitchen and dining room has a wonderful country house style. The kitchen area has a range of bespoke fitted cabinetry, a large central island and a grand range cooker set in an inglenook surround. A hearty woodburning stove rests on a stone plinth to one corner. Wooden flooring flows from the kitchen through the expansive dining area and natural light fills the whole room from dual aspect windows. The kitchen is further served by a generous pantry. In addition, the rear hallway has a utility area, excellent storage, access to the cellar and another separate utility room off. A boot room leads outside and is ideal when returning from a day exploring the local countryside. Returning to the reception hall, there is also a cloakroom/WC and a laundry room accessed from the lower landing.

There are four bedrooms arranged across the first floor of the main house including an incredible suite of vast proportions. There is space for beds, a sitting area and a dressing area served by fitted wardrobes. The en-suite bathroom is equally large and there are great views over the grounds and beyond. The other three bedrooms are served by a bathroom, a shower room and a separate WC.

The second floor is home to another three bedrooms. These rooms have a more contemporary finish with clean lines and understated modern décor. There is another superb suite that is even larger than the suite on the first floor, complete with en-suite shower room and a walk-in wardrobe. A bathroom and a separate WC serve the other second floor bedrooms.

The flexible annexe is arranged over two stories at first and second floor level. The private entrance is reached via steps from the garden up to a balcony with seating space. A cosy living room and dining area continue with an open plan to the compact but well-stocked kitchen. Stairs lead up to second floor level where there are three bedrooms, a bathroom and separate WC. The annexe can be used independently of the main house, or can be accessed internally as part of a single property.

Externally

Heatherbrae sits within superb landscaped gardens and grounds extending in all to around 2.3 acres. The gardens and grounds are thoughtfully designed and laid out to incorporate elegant formal terraced gardens that wrap around the front and side of the house and make the most of the elevated position to capture views over Upper Teesdale. Well-maintained lawns are complemented by colourful flower beds, plantings and a wide paved footpath with a picturesque rose arch. A paved terrace around the property provides space to dine and entertain outdoors, with the added benefit of a hot tub for the ultimate in luxury relaxation. A second hot tub is positioned for the use of the annexe. Mature trees bring privacy and shelter and offer informal woodland gardens that offer a haven to wildlife.

Moving away from the house there are further expanses of lawn and well-defined areas for outdoor seating. There is also a large chicken run and a pig paddock at the southern end of the plot.

To the north of the house is the tennis court offering one of the most lovely spots imaginable in which to exercise. Across the driveway from the tennis court a charming treehouse with balcony peeps out from the woodland. Useful outbuildings are positioned around the grounds, including wood stores and the biomass building behind the house. A substantial garage block also houses a fantastic workshop and has solar photovoltaic panels that bring the added bonus of Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments. In addition to the garaging there is ample space for numerous vehicles to park at the rear of the property. From here the tarmacadam driveway curves gently up past the tennis court to the gated entrance.

Local Information

Heatherbrae is located just outside the small and picturesque market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale which is situated to the north side of Teesdale between the two nearby villages of Newbiggin and Eggleston and a few miles to the north west of Barnard Castle. Surrounded by glorious open countryside in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) it is perfectly placed for outdoor enthusiasts as the property is well-located for walking, cycling and horse riding with quiet country lanes and beautiful scenery with High Force and Low Force Waterfalls and the Tees Valley Railway Walk all within close proximity.

Middleton-in-Teesdale offers a bank, butchers and various other shops. There is a doctor’s surgery, public houses, cafés, French restaurant, post office, church, village hall and regular community events and activities. Barnard Castle offers a wider range of facilities with a range of shops, banks and hospital together with further recreational, professional and cultural facilities including Bowes Museum. Many of the attractions of Teesdale and Swaledale are just a short distance away as are the North Yorkshire Moors and Lake District National Park. Both Durham and Newcastle are also within easy reach and provide comprehensive cultural, educational, recreational and shopping facilities.

For schooling, there is a nursery and primary school in the village whilst secondary schooling is available at Teesdale School in Barnard Castle and the prestigious Barnard Castle School is close by providing private education from 4-18 years; Prep School 4-11 years and Senior School 11-18 years.

For the commuter, the A66, A67 and A1 (M) provide excellent road links to the regional centres of the North East, North West (via the M6) and Yorkshire. The railway station in Darlington provides main line services north and south and both Teesside International Airport and Newcastle International Airport are accessible.

Approximate Mileages

Barnard Castle 10.6 miles | Kirkby Stephen 19.8 miles | A1 (M) Scotch Corner 23.9 miles | Richmond 25.7 miles | Darlington Rail Station 26.4 miles | Durham City Centre 31.1 miles | M6 J38 Tebay 31.3 miles | Teesside International Airport 32.4 miles | Newcastle City Centre 38.4 miles | Newcastle International Airport 43.2 miles

Services

Mains electricity and water. Private drainage to septic tank. Biomass central heating. Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments continuing until 2034. Superfast broadband (FTTP).

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.