5 bedroom country house for sale

Accommodation in Brief
Ashes House
Lower Ground Floor
Cellar Stores

Ground Floor
Entrance Vestibule | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Sitting Room | Study | Shower Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Prep Kitchen/Utility Room and Pantry | Conservatory | Boot Room | Storerooms

First Floor
Five Double Bedrooms | Walk-in Wardrobe | Two Family Bathrooms

The Coach House
Ground Floor
Two Garages | Kitchen/Dining Room | Storeroom

First Floor
Sitting Room | Two Bedrooms | Bathroom

Externally
Greenhouse | Two Storerooms

The Property
Occupying an elevated position with breathtaking views across the North Pennines AONB, Ashes House is a distinguished detached country house offering period character, generous proportions and a rare degree of privacy. Originally Georgian, with later Victorian remodelling and extensions, the property is set within mature grounds extending to approximately 7.20 acres and includes formal gardens, a paddock and amenity woodland. Alongside the main house, a detached two-bedroom annexe known as The Coach House offers versatile accommodation, ideal for multi-generational living or as an income-generating holiday let. Together, these elements form a substantial and unique country property set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

The approach to Ashes House is impressive, with a gated driveway leading to a generous parking area flanked by two single garages and a collection of traditional outbuildings. The main entrance opens into a wide, welcoming hallway featuring a turned staircase and arched detailing, setting the tone for the period charm throughout. The ground floor includes three elegant reception rooms: a formal dining room with a wide bay window framing far-reaching views, a light-filled drawing room with bespoke shelving, open fireplace and peaceful garden outlook, and a cosy sitting room with library area centred around a handsome marble fireplace with a woodburning stove. The principal rooms benefit from tall sash windows, panelled shutters, and hardwood flooring.

The kitchen is positioned at the heart of the house and is designed in a traditional style, with painted timber cabinetry and wooden worktops. A two-oven oil-fired Aga is set within an arched stone surround, while a separate prep kitchen houses a Bosch electric oven and ceramic hob. A freestanding Miele dishwasher and fridge freezer complement the practical layout, which is supported by a spacious utility room and pantry area that leads out to a boot room and double length conservatory/garden room.

The downstairs cloakroom with a walk-in shower leads into the study, which features fitted wardrobes. Originally, this space served as a ground floor bedroom with an en-suite.

Upstairs, a bright and spacious landing provides access to five bedrooms, each enjoying views over the surrounding gardens and countryside. The principal bedroom features fitted wardrobes and a period fireplace with decorative tiles, while a second bedroom is also particularly generous in size. Two well-appointed bathrooms serve the bedrooms, both finished in a heritage style with panelled bath surrounds, freestanding clawfoot tub, tiled walls and quality fittings by Imperial and Villeroy & Boch. A large storage cupboard on the landing has been fitted with custom-built shelving and ample rail space, making it ideal for use as a walk-in wardrobe.

The Coach House
Situated across a private courtyard, The Coach House is a charming stone-built annexe with independent access and a thoughtfully designed layout. Ideal for accommodating guests, extended family, or for use as a holiday or long-term let, it offers both flexibility and income potential. The property includes a spacious double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, a second bedroom or study. Followed by a comfortable sitting room, kitchen, and a bathroom.

Externally
The 1.08-acre grounds at Ashes House are a particular highlight. The south-facing gardens are partially walled and feature sweeping lawns edged with well-stocked beds, including a rose garden and mature orchard planting. A stone-paved terrace provides space for outdoor dining, while paths lead through the gardens to a substantial greenhouse with heating, lighting and a stone floor, housing a mature grapevine. A series of traditional outbuildings includes two single garages with up-and-over doors, wood and coal stores, a tool shed, garden store and an old laundry, all grouped around a characterful courtyard. Beyond the gardens lies a 1.34-acre paddock, enclosed by post-and-rail fencing. Adjoining this is a 4.78-acre area of plantation amenity woodland, enhancing the sense of seclusion and offering direct access to walking, cycling and riding routes through the surrounding countryside. The property enjoys exceptional views across Weardale and beyond to Bollihope Moor and Teesdale, with the elevated position ensuring privacy and uninterrupted outlooks.

Agents Note
A public footpath runs through the adjoining amenity woodland, providing access to the surrounding countryside. Northumbrian Water holds access rights to the woodland area. Please note, an overage clause is in place on the paddock, and further details can be provided on request.

Local Information
Ashes House lies in the heart of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just outside the bustling market town of Stanhope in Weardale. Set on the River Wear and surrounded by dramatic moorland scenery, Stanhope is a well-connected Dales town offering a broad range of amenities, including a large Co-op supermarket, independent bakery, butcher and greengrocer, post office, GP surgery, chemist, and several pubs and cafés. The town also hosts the popular Stanhope Agricultural Show and features attractions such as the 18th-century Stanhope Castle, the famous fossil tree (dating back over 320 million years), and the Durham Dales Centre with craft shops and an award-winning tea room.

Stanhope is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and nature enthusiasts, offering direct access to moorland, fellside and riverside trails. The River Wear can be crossed on foot at the well-known stepping stones and the town is located on the C2C Cycle Route as well as serving as the terminus of the heritage Weardale Railway. Nearby Derwent Reservoir provides opportunities for sailing and fishing, while further shopping, professional and leisure services are available in Bishop Auckland and Consett.

Durham and Newcastle are within easy reach, offering extensive cultural, educational and retail facilities. Both cities provide mainline East Coast rail connections, and Newcastle International Airport and Teesside International Airport are also readily accessible.

For schooling, Stanhope has a local primary school, with secondary education available at Wolsingham School and Community College, which also offers excellent sports and fitness facilities open to the community. A range of independent schools can be found in Barnard Castle, Durham and Newcastle.

Despite its rural position, Stanhope is well placed for commuting, with good road links to regional centres and onward national travel via rail and air.

Approximate Mileages
Stanhope 0.7 miles | Wolsingham 6.4 miles | Bishop Auckland 16.2 miles | Hexham 24.7 miles | Durham City Centre 20.4 miles | Newcastle City Centre 26.4 miles | Newcastle International Airport 30.2 miles

Services
Both properties are connected to mains electricity and water, with drainage to a private septic tank. Central heating is provided by an oil-fired system.

Tenure
Freehold

Council Tax
Ashes House Band G
The Coach House Band A

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.
EPC Rating: E