Crosthwaite is in the centre of Acomb and has been a part of the village for the past century and a half – so much so, said Barbara, that it is used as a navigational aid.
“Villagers who are talking about Acomb, or directing other people, will often say ‘They’re above or below Crosthwaite’. We’re a real part of the fabric of the village.”
She and Colin arrived in Acomb 28 years ago, when she was expecting their son Alastair. They were already parents to Holly, then three. Both the children have now moved out and are living in the South.
Barbara said: “Colin is from Yorkshire and I’m from Gosforth in Newcastle. We had been living in Milton Keynes but came back north when Colin got a new job in Newcastle.
“He was working in financial services and I was a dietitian at the Freeman Hospital but we didn’t want to live in the city.”
Acomb proved the ideal solution, with a school for little Holly and the A69 providing direct access to Newcastle.
Crosthwaite had originally been two properties, combined into one by the previous owners. It was built about 1870 and one of the two buildings had been a community resource.
“Older villagers have told us it used to be the reading room, then a hairdresser’s and then a betting shop,” Barbara said. “We’ve done quite a lot to it, including exposing the A-frame beams in the lounge. This is my favourite room now.”
It’s not hard to see why. The living room is a generous size - almost 23ft by 15ft – with a lofty beamed ceiling and multi-fuel stove in an inglenook surround. It is full of light from a bow window and three additional windows.
Crosthwaite has a welcoming entrance hall with spindled staircase rising to the first floor and archway to an inner hall.
The dining room has an open feature fireplace and built-in alcove cupboard while the kitchen has a range of wall and floor units in wood, a range-style cooker with five-ring hob and a tiled floor.
Integrated appliances in the kitchen include fridge, freezer and washing machine and the room has a walk-in pantry cupboard.
At the back of the house is a rear lobby with toilet, a double bedroom with dual-aspect windows and a third room currently used as a study but which could easily be utilised as a single bedroom.
The landing gives access to useful attic storage and has doors to two more double bedrooms and the family bathroom. One of the bedrooms has fitted wardrobes and a built-in storage cupboard. The bathroom has a double-ended bath, corner shower cubicle and a tiled floor with underfloor heating.
Outside there is ample parking, two storage sheds and a delightful private garden. This spacious plot has large lawned area and established trees and shrubs, as well as a secluded patio area.
“We do a lot of entertaining and this has been a great house for parties,” said Barbara. “But we’re looking for something a little bit more manageable now. We’ll stay in the area though as it has been great living in Acomb. It’s a really friendly place with a great community.”
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