Otterburn Lodge, Otterburn

Listed period home £495,000

Grey Estates (01434) 700077

The house was in a desperate state and crying out for some TLC, but it was the start of an enduring love affair for Alan and Olga Hall.

They first saw Otterburn Lodge 34 years ago and describe finding it as a dream come true. Both natives of the North-East, Alan from nearby Elsdon, they wanted to return to the region after being in London for many years.

“We both fell in love with the house even though it was in dire need of renovation,” Olga said. “It had a wonderful atmosphere and feeling of peace.

“The first few years of ownership were spent completely gutting and renovating, building the garage and moving and rebuilding the dog kennels.

“This took some time as we were both still working and living in London. We enjoyed the challenge, which was also achieved with help from family and friends, and we’ve lived here for 30 years.”

Otterburn Lodge was built in 1880 and is Grade II listed. It is full of character and charm, with period features including beamed ceilings, mullioned windows, stone pillars and wrought-iron railings and gates.

“It was was originally the gamekeeper’s lodge for Otterburn Hall and we have a photograph of the gamekeeper and his family who lived here around 1905,” Olga said.

She and Alan, who are both retired, love their living room with its dual-aspect windows over the countryside and cosy, friendly feeling. It is one of two reception rooms in the lodge.

Upstairs are four bedrooms and a family bathroom with separate shower cubicle.

Outside, a large driveway provides parking for several vehicles in addition to a large garage and carport.

“The garage is stone-built in keeping with the house and can house numerous vehicles,” Olga said. “The enclosed original kennels remain and are also stone-built with a workshop behind them.”

The grounds stretch to nearly half an acre and the mature gardens are beautifully maintained.

“We have an expanse of well-tended lawns edged with conifers and various species of shrubs. In spring and summer it is a blaze of colourful flowers,” said Olga.

“There are fruit trees, a soft fruit area, a vegetable garden and two greenhouses. The garden is surrounded by a drystone wall with a gated rear entrance.”

She and her husband will very much miss Otterburn Lodge, but have sadly decided that the time has come for them to downsize to a bungalow with a smaller garden. They hope that a new family will move in and appreciate the house as much as they have.

“This is a wonderful family home – safe, peaceful, quiet, far enough from towns and cities but close enough to drive if need be,” Olga said.

“To the south and east there are uninterrupted views of beautiful countryside. To the rear of the property and west we are surrounded by woodland, thus giving the garden the privilege of having an abundance of wildlife – including red squirrels – and birds.

“There are so many things we will miss about the house – peacefulness and the happy years spent here.

“Just a few weeks ago someone said, ‘This house has always felt like a little piece of heaven’ and we just love so much about it.

“We know we will never be able to find another home like this.”