IF THE pandemic has engendered in you a passion for nature and the great outdoors, The Old Vicarage might prove to be just the home to indulge it in.

Thought to have been constructed in 1865, The Old Vicarage is not only nestled on the edge of the North Pennines, an area of outstanding natural beauty, making it perfectly placed to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding it, but it is set in three acres of landscaped gardens and grounds – which include a duck pond – so you can enjoy your own natural wonderland.

The Old Vicarage – accessed via a long sweeping and tree-lined driveway with feature lighting and box hedges – has been sympathetically restored and modernised by the current owners, blending period charm and modern detail with ease.

The main entrance, which is situated to the rear, features an original timber door which opens into the entrance hall with polished wooden flooring. Off this are the family room/snug with dual aspect windows and a period fireplace; an impressive drawing room with a period fireplace and a large walk-in bay window with working shutters; sitting room, with dual aspect windows with working shutters, a black marble fireplace and polished wooden flooring, and dining room, with dual aspect windows and tiled flooring. This, in turn, leads through to the stylish refitted kitchen/breakfast room with a tiled floor, hand painted units with granite worktops, a central island with breakfast bar and integrated appliances.

The Old Vicarage - Sanderson Young

The Old Vicarage - Sanderson Young

Also on the ground floor are a second kitchen/large utility and boot room with tiled flooring, a large store cupboard and gardener’s cloakroom with access to the terrace and gardens. A door leads from the second kitchen into the extended garden room with large atrium, tiled flooring and bi-fold doors which open out on a private terrace, fishpond and gardens.

The versatile garden room could easily be used as part of The Coach House, an attached annex, to create further living space.

French doors from the garden room lead into the well-appointed Coach House, which is currently used as a separate holiday rental, providing additional income should it be desired.

The Coach House – which has its own private access – is made up of an open-plan lounge/kitchen and diner with stone flooring, stylish kitchen units and integrated appliances; generous double bedroom with a door to the garden, and a stylish refitted en-suite shower room.

For a buyer using the house as a private family residence the Coach House would be ideal for visiting relatives or guests, or for use as a granny flat where a parent/family member could live independently.

Back in the main part of the house, the first floor is home to the family bathroom and four bedrooms, all of which are well presented double rooms with views of the gardens. These include the master bedroom with a contemporary refitted en-suite shower room and bedroom four, situated to the rear, which is currently being utilised as a living space and is home to a wood-burning stove.

The Old Vicarage - Sanderson Young

The Old Vicarage - Sanderson Young

Upstairs again on the purpose-built second floor are a study/reading area, a refitted shower room and two further good-sized double bedrooms.

Externally, the property enjoys delightful manicured gardens which are laid mainly to lawn with gravelled walkways, stone wall borders, mature planting and an abundance of mature trees. The front garden, which is predominantly south facing, is home to the duck pond with water fountain and a sun terrace with stone flags. Steps down to a generous lawned area make it perfect for entertaining or dining al fresco.

To the front of The Coach House and garden room is a second private terrace with a raised and stone-built fishpond with surrounding gravelled walkway and well stocked borders.

The generous rear garden offers delightful seating areas where you can catch the evening sun, with paved and gravelled walkways and off-street parking.

While The Old Vicarage is the perfect family home, the current owners have been running it as a successful licenced private dining and wedding venue for up to 20 guests – a fact which offers a perfect opportunity for the next owners to create a guaranteed income should they so wish.

The Old Vicarage is situated to the south of the village of Castleside, near Consett, approximately a 30-minute drive from both Durham and Newcastle city centre. It is on the market at a guide price of £1.2m.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Sandersons Young rare! on 0191 2233500.