On a hill above Hexham, in one of the most prestigious locations in the Tyne Valley, is Sandhoe High House, a Grade II-listed property that is steeped in history.

It was built in the 1600s and extended in 1740 and is now on the market as a substantial family home with four reception rooms, five bedrooms and three bathrooms.

A particular feature of Sandhoe High House is its mature south-facing gardens with extensive lawned areas that are surrounded by beds with trees, bushes and shrubs.

Stepping into the house is like walking into a more leisured past. Period details abound, with large rooms, high ceilings and intricate cornicing, feature fireplaces, sash windows and wooden floors.

The tone is set from the minute you approach the house along the long driveway to the main front door.

This has decorative columns and opens to a grand hallway while an inner hall is 50ft long and has doors to all ground-floor rooms and stone steps down to a wine store.

The spacious dining room and drawing room with bow window are either side of the main hall, both light and airy rooms illuminated by three windows.

They are complemented by a morning room and the grand reception hall which has an impressive fireplace and ornate cornice.

The L-shaped breakfasting kitchen boasts original built-in crockery cupboards and the ground-floor layout is completed by a utility room with plumbing, side hall and cloakroom.

On the first floor are three bedrooms, two almost 25ft by 17ft, one of the bathrooms and a separate wc.

A second landing has access to the remaining two bedrooms, one with en-suite shower, and the third bathroom.

A permanent set of stairs leads to a large attic space that is partially floored.

Sandhoe High House in the hamlet of Sandhoe near Hexham has great charm and character in a gorgeous location and has not been on the market for many decades.

It is for sale at £985,000 from Andrew Coulson, tel. 01434 600146.