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BSPC FEATURE PROPERTY
An extended and completely upgraded former shepherd’s cottage Carter View looked quite different when Ben and Lilian Redman bought it in 1999, having been completely captivated by its quiet, peaceful setting down a leafy lane - and stunning views of the Carter Bar and Cheviot Hills. Back then it was a traditional, white painted, three bedroomed country cottage – originally a shepherd’s cottage belonging to a local estate. “It needed a bit of TLC when we bought it, but the feeling of light and space in the house, coupled with the outstanding location, made it irresistible,” says Ben. Since then, the Redmans have comprehensively upgraded the property – rewiring, new oil-fired central heating system, cavity wall insulation and double glazing included. The property has also almost doubled in size from the original, with the addition of a two-storey west wing. “We also extended up into the cottage attic space and created a 30ft studio bedroom with dormer windows to both the front and rear,” Ben adds. The result is a modern five bedroomed family home designed to maximise its unique selling point – the views.
Beautifully presented throughout, the ground floor accommodation comprises a central hall with practical tiled floor, traditional sitting room with bespoke feature fireplace and recessed multi-fuel stove, downstairs bathroom with over-bath electric shower, tiled floor and storage, two double bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, office (or could be another bedroom) and the star attraction – an open-plan kitchen/dining/family area that is almost 29ft in length and has glazed double doors leading out to a sheltered side patio. Double doors in the sitting room give direct access into the kitchen extension where the bespoke work area is beautifully fitted with contemporary units that incorporate soft-closing drawers and space-saving corner cupboards, Corian-style worktops, tiled walls and ceramic tiled floor.
Appliances include a large stainless steel range cooker with steel splashback and overhead extractor/light, integrated fridge-freezer and dishwasher. The utility room is equally fitted and plumbed for laundry appliances – it also houses a new boiler, fitted in January this year. Upstairs are three further double bedrooms, the principal bedroom having a distinctive front-facing apex window incorporating double doors to a delightful balcony with space for furniture. High ceilings and understated neutral decor – echoing the predominant theme overall – make the master bedroom a lovely space with abundant light as well as practical things like fitted wardrobes.