A large, elegantly restored rural house complete with unbroken country views and a glorious riverside setting.
Located at the end of a small road that takes you deep into the lush folds of Northumbrian countryside, on the bend of the Bowmont Water river, Housedon Haugh boasts a definitively rural setting. The house itself, a handsome farmhouse that has been sensitively restored quite literally stone by soft blonde stone, is a masterclass in modern rustic design, mixing select pieces of antique furniture and paintings with vibrant textiles and Scandi-inspired painted wooden window frames and furnishings. This combination of rural and contemporary, homely and sophisticated, results in a warm, light and supremely comfortable country retreat.
Accommodating up to eleven guests in six bedrooms, Housedon Haugh is a sizeable property. The main entrance door leads into a large boot room with flagstone floors and inky blue painted timber panelling – unpeel dirty clothes and wash off muddy paws in the adjoining utility room, which houses a washer and dryer. A dainty cloakroom with statement Manual Canovas wallpaper also leads off from this hallway.
Entering the large country-style kitchen, the hallway flagstones give way to warm timber floors and a soft palette of sage green, cream and grey blue. A rustic wooden island and dining table make this a delightful space in which to cook and relax – those indulging in the former will particularly appreciate the Rangemaster oven with five burner hob and separate pantry with a large Fisher & Paykel refrigerator.
An open plan living space and dining area leads off from the kitchen: flooded with light from five dual aspect windows and a half-glazed door leading out to the garden, this fantastic space is at once elegant and homely thanks to its blend of antique furnishings, gilt-framed paintings, roaring wood burner and pleasingly mismatched sofas.
We love the earthy red Farrow & Ball colour the owners have chosen to paint the timber staircase that leads from this space up to the first floor, where you’ll find four inviting bedrooms. These include a small single room; a double bedroom (with zip and link beds that can be configured as a twin) with an en-suite bathroom complete with rolltop bath and a corner shower; and a generous double room with en-suite shower room that leads directly into a further bedroom with a small sofa and TV.
The generous proportions of the original farmhouse are complemented by a sleek timber ground floor side extension, which houses two further bedrooms ideally suited to those seeking stair-free access. A master bedroom with a sliding patio door affords sweeping views across rolling countryside and features an en-suite bathroom with a rolltop bath while the second bedroom boasts a king size bed and adjacent bathroom with walk-in shower.
Outdoors, a large partially walled patio area offers ample space for outdoor dining and relaxation with hard-to-beat panoramic views of the Bowmont Valley and its mile upon mile of countryside to explore on foot or two wheels. Last but by no means least, a fire pit and bench placed on the banks of Bowmont Water offer the perfect spot for quiet countryside contemplation away from the bustle of the main house.
GROUND FLOOR
Access into a large boot room with bench seating and hanging rail. With underfloor heating. Ideal for dogs.
Utility room with sink, under counter fridge (no ice box), washing machine and separate dryer.
Small cloakroom with WC and basin.
Kitchen with large island unit and two stools, Rangemaster oven with two ovens and separate grill, six-burner gas hob, two dishwashers. Breakfast table with four chairs. Separate pantry with Fisher & Paykel large double fridge with a separate freezer drawer, microwave.
Open plan sitting room/dining room comprising dining area with seating for 10 guests, two sofas, armchair, wood burning stove, Smart TV.
Bedroom one - with king size bed, side tables, in-built cupboard with hanging rail and storage.
Adjacent accessible shower room - with shower with rainforest head and separate mixer, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
Bedroom two - with super king bed with zip and link option which can be configured to twin, side tables, chest of drawers, large in-built cupboard with hanging rail and storage. Sliding doors leading out to the garden with vast views across the hillside.
En-suite bathroom with roll-top bath, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
FIRST FLOOR
Bedroom three - with super king bed which can be configured to twin beds, side tables, chest of drawers, large wardrobe with drawers.
En-suite bathroom - with roll-top bath, heated towel rail, corner shower, basin and WC.
Bedroom four - small single bedroom with 3' single bed and side table.
Bedroom five which leads directly into bedroom six (ideal for families) comprises:
Bedroom five - with fixed super king bed, side tables, chest of drawers.
Bedroom six - with 3' twin beds, console table, two large in-built cupboards with hanging and storage space, small sofa with TV.
Shared shower room - with shower, heated towel rail, basin and WC.
OUTSIDE
Patio area to the front of the property with garden and dining furniture. Benefits from far-reaching views across the Bowmont Valley. There is a Weber charcoal barbecue available (charcoal not provided).
Once the access gate to the property is shut, the garden is fully enclosed with pocket farm fencing.
PARKING
Gavelled area to the side and rear with ample private parking for 3-4 cars.
BABIES & CHILDREN
A travel cot and high chair are available on request. A fixed retractable stair gate is installed on the ground floor.
DOGS
Two dogs are welcome with a charge of £25 per dog.
Dogs should be kept to the boot room until clean and dry and thereafter, should be kept to the ground floor and are not permitted on the furniture or in the bedrooms. A fixed retractable stair gate is installed on the ground floor to prevent dogs from going upstairs.
Once the access gate to the property is closed, the garden is fully enclosed with pocket farm fencing.
It is very important to note that the area around the property is farmland with grazing animals, and dogs should be carefully supervised and controlled at all times.
GUEST AMENITIES
Towels and hand soap are provided. A hairdryer is provided in each bedroom.
WI-FI & MOBILE COVERAGE
Good Wi-Fi is available. Mobile coverage is more limited.
HEATING
Underloor heating throughout the ground floor. Upstairs there are radiators in each of the rooms which are thermostatically controlled. Wood burning stove in the sitting room with generous supply of logs.
GAMES ROOM
There is a games room with pool table in the barns to the rear of Housedon Haugh which guests are welcome to use.
PRIVACY
Offering complete privacy, the property is detached and sits in a rural location which is not overlooked. There may be an occasional farm vehicle passing by or access by maintenance.
Etal Castle10 min in auto - 12.6 km