The property is situated in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a setting which was the perfect antidote to a stressful life in London for owners William and June Watson.
William explained: “We moved to Sinderhope 21 years ago after I took early retirement from my job as a management consultant. June had been PA to the director of Marconi Radar Systems in Essex and part of the plan was to come back to the North-East, find somewhere rural with plenty of space and get away from the London rat race.
“The views are fantastic here of fields, trees and woods. They’re probably one of the best aspects of the house. And it’s so quiet, we often see roe deer grazing in the paddock.”
Holms House is a semi-detached property not overlooked by its neighbour and with the feel of a detached family home. It was converted from a former farmstead with an extension added about 1978.
William and June have modernised and renovated their home throughout, installing double glazing, central heating, a new log-burner and oil-fired Aga and redecorating and re-carpeting. It is now a comfortable family home with two reception rooms, a conservatory and three bedrooms.
The entrance hall is an impressive space, 30ft square, L-shaped and split level, with a wrought-iron and wooden spiral staircase, cloakroom and toilet. It leads on to the dining and living rooms which have cornicing, ceiling roses and dado rails. Both rooms are large with high ceilings.
The farmhouse-style kitchen has tiled walls, fitted wooden units, a walk-in pantry, a lobby leading to two garages and a second staircase. A utility room and the conservatory complete the ground-floor layout.
“The kitchen is my favourite room and the living room is probably the most attractive room,” William said. “We’re really going to miss the size of these rooms when we move – places we look at seem small, but only because this is so big.”
The first floor gallery landing provides a working office space and a sitting area, along with a large picture window overlooking the panoramic rear view, a built-in storage cupboard and a walk-in airing cupboard.
The Watsons have had extensive wardrobes fitted in two of the three bedrooms, one of which has en-suite facilities. The master bedroom also has fitted wardrobes and a large en-suite.
Outside are two garages, converted from stone byres, which have room for up to four cars, a two-storey former barn/stables which has development potential and field shelters with light and power.
The grounds comprise three acres of gardens, pasture and paddock and six acres of woodland in two sections.
William said: “The gardens are mainly lawned. There are two large patio areas, a sort of hidden garden with a sun shed, a greenhouse and vegetable plot. Most people who visit say they would love a garden this size.”
He thinks the location of Holms House would be the attraction for any buyer – plus the space inside the property.
“The views and the space around are just fantastic,” he said. “We’re going to find it hard to get somewhere else like this.”
If you’re looking for a new home, check out the properties on our website at www.hexham-courant.co.uk/property
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here