Autumn Winter 2010 by Sanderson Young

PREMIER PROPERTIES & FABULOUS FEATURES

Autumn | Winter 2010/11 £2.95

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AN ELEGANT PROSPECT For sale: A noble Northumberland home

MODERN MANNERS Lady Elizabeth Devonport’s guide to etiquette

BEAUTIFUL HOMES Pages and pages of dream homes and interiors

GRAND DESIGNS The North East designers who dress Kylie and co.

FURNITURE TO FALL FOR For a look you’re sure to love, drop into Chapmans this Autumn. You’ll discover a stunning selection of perfect pieces and luxurious looks to suit any space and any style. It’s what all the smartest homes are showing this season. Call in and see us today. Buy in store or online at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk You’ll find us at Siesta House, Market Street, Newcastle. Customer car park available. We’re open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5.30pm. Sunday 11am to 5pm. Call us on 0191 232 7628. Also at Siesta House, Victoria Viaduct, Carlisle.

BUY IN-STORE OR ONLINE

YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS

ONE OF THE BEST SPAS ON THE PLANET FOR THE LAST NINE CONSECUTIVE YEARS.

A FESTIVE GIFT OF INDULGENCE AND RELAXATION The Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, where the sensual knowledge of the east flows into the higher reaches of 21st century luxury, where we will pamper, indulge and relax you. Choose from over forty different treatments or one of our Day Rituals. Swim in the ozone cleansed pool, work out in the TechnoGym, or just relax in the thermal baths. Buy a gift voucher from £75 during October or November 2010 and receive a free £10 gift voucher for use within our retail shop. Free voucher valid until 28th February 2011

Seaham Hall and the Serenity Spa, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG. Serenity Spa tel: +44 (0191) 516 1550 Hotel: +44 (0191) 516 1400

Email: info@seaham-hall.co.uk

www.seaham-hall.co.uk

SANDERSON YOUNG | SY

THE HOUSING MARKET:

thetruth Many people have a view on the housing market and the economy which is led by the media, but if we were to believe it all, the majority of businesses would close tomorrow. s the region’s leading estate agent in the sale of mid to upper priced homes, I am happy to report our figures for Northumberland, Tyne & Wear and Co Durham over the first three quarters of 2010. We have carried out 44% more valuations than last year and 62% more properties have come onto the market for sale. This is a significant increase in property stock, which was artificially held back last year because of the cost of Home Information Packs. The average house price listed by my company is £540,000, yet the average house price sold is £440,000. This indicates that we take on a higher percentage of properties at the highest price levels and yet the more popular sales at the moment appear to be at the mid and lower price levels. Within the region, our rare! oﬃce sells at an average 8% less than the list price. Our Gosforth branch sells at an average of 4% less, north Northumberland sells at an average of 9% less and in Ponteland, Darras Hall and mid Northumberland at an average of 12% less. These fluctuations are easily misread, but they do not surprise me, since the Gosforth branch represents popular terraces, semis and flats in Gosforth, Jesmond and central Newcastle, plus quality homes across the region which have been selling well and close to the asking price. More recently, many more houses have been selling at best and final oﬀers. The coastal market and north Northumberland has

prospered, while parts of Ponteland continue to seek aspirational values which will fail. Only realistic values should be applied in these areas. The rare! branch, specialising in sales over £700,000 in Newcastle and £1 million plus throughout the region, continues to see exceptional transactions. July’s sales from the two regional oﬃces exceeded £30 million; a new record. Our gross sales year to year are down about 5%, yet our net sales (weekly sales less fall throughs) are 16% up in monetary value. Our overall exchanges and completed sales for the year are just under 10% up; another encouraging sign. HMRC reported 85,000 properties sold in August, yet the news headline was ‘sales drop in August’; yet they were comparing with July, where sales are always higher. Very little was made of the fact that sales in August 2010 were 6,000 more than they were in August 2009. The peak trading periods of 2005, 2006 and 2007 were abnormally high. We are selling houses on average at the same price level as in 2004, so the gains of 2004 to 2006 were readjusted in the reductions of 2007 and 2008. We believe that North East house prices have risen over the last 12 months, but accept that in the last quarter they have probably levelled oﬀ. We see a trading period over the next 12 to 24 months of level prices and modest growth in volumes of transactions.

The artificially low level of transactions of the last two years will slowly climb in both the owned and rented property markets because there is less new-build stock, people are living longer and staying longer in their homes, and divorce and growing families fuel demand. Realistic valuations are essential to sell houses and I am amazed that vendors still believe the highest valuation and the lowest fee is the best way forward. Marketing gimmicks will equally fail, with oﬀers of free fees always having a catch and free advertising only giving poor presentation. At Sanderson Young we aim to provide solid, dependable, expert advice for a fee that is justifiable and adds value. We have expended our search engine optimisation, which now grades Sanderson Young as one of the top estate agents on Google searches within the North East, Northumberland and Newcastle, and the new Sanderson Young iPhone app has been downloaded worldwide. Our current register has 880 buyers in a position to proceed and our viewing levels in September were up 50% year on year. We are also introducing a new service, Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions, with two luxury villas on Corfu available for rent from May to October. We see this service extending to other clients who own holiday homes throughout the world and may consider a short period of rental. Introducing luxury properties, ski lodges and villas direct to people who live in the North East has a certain appeal, supported by the comprehensive services of travel agents. Further details are available at the rare! oﬃce, tel 0191 223 3500. For sensible, straightforward advice from an estate agent with a proven track record, please contact me at duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk

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SY | SANDERSON YOUNG

move

agoodmove

Sanderson Young’s operations director Janet Hopkinson and corporate client director Nicola Osborne oﬀer their view of the property market JANET HOpkiNsON

his impressive magazine provides one of our strongest forms of communication. It is extensively distributed throughout the region, with well over 20,000 copies delivered direct to homes and 4,000 circulated through estate agency offices, hotels and corporate headquarters. It is also downloadable via our popular website, which provides the greatest number of leads for our viewings, offers and sales. Virtual tours, 360 degree views and professional photography are available, alongside online floor plans, site plans, Google maps and location details. Sanderson Young also subscribes to most major portal websites, including Right Move, Primelocation and Find a Property, as well as our national Mayfair office. Visitor traffic to our website in July was 24,000 visits up on the same period in 2009 and month on month over the last six months we attract approximately 68,000 visitors; nearly 2,300 per day. The website is also staffed 365 days a year, even on Christmas Day! Our new iphone app brought us nearly 600 users

NIcOlA OsbOrNe he professional department at Sanderson Young oﬀers a full range of services. The traditional focus on new homes, residential investment and land sales has now diversified to many other speciality surveying services. We were delighted this year to be involved with the sale of land at Prudhoe Hospital for the NHS Northumberland Tyne & Wear Trust and we look forward to bringing other prime regeneration and redevelopment sites to the market. Our surveying department specialises in chartered surveyor red book valuations for banks and building societies, probate work, matrimonial and taxation, backed by extensive knowledge and experience. Our professional team is supported by draughtsmen and surveyors to guide our clients on structural alterations, energy eﬃcient improvements and building control matters. It is pleasing to see an increase in enquiries for development opportunities from residential developers, home builders and residential care

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providers. Retirement villages have invigorated the American market and we predict an increase in sites developed with luxury bungalows, apartments and sports, shopping, leisure and medical facilities. Traditional builders’ enquiries are still being sought and new sites can be actively sold at current values, providing sensible land and sales appraisals to create an eﬀective scheme. We are delighted to have helped Cussins Homes recently in the development of some sites which have been very popular and, in the majority, sold out before completion. Retained investment purchasers are diversifying and traditional portfolios of student homes and professional lets throughout the Tyneside conurbation are now being supplemented with holiday investment homes on the coast and in the country, where good yields and returns are being achieved. Please contact me personally for further information. NJ Osborne BSc MRICS, tel 0191 223 3500, nicola.osborne@sandersonyoung.co.uk

within the first three weeks. It has a GPRS search facility and access to the information 24 hours a day. Of course all of this modern day information will never truly replace the professionalism of an experienced sales team, the members of which, once they have the opportunity to speak to or meet the lead provided through these communication tools, have the skills to transfer that lead into a real life sale or letting of your property. Our lettings department has seen substantial growth over the period of 2010 and we are now well renowned not only for our letting of apartments within the city of Newcastle, but also for our mansions, with rentals of up to £5,000 per calendar month being achieved. Effective communication, professional staff and local and regional expertise provide success. We very much look forward to helping you with the sale or letting of your home. For more information, please contact Janet Hopkinson at the rare! office, tel 0191 223 3500, email janet.hopkinson@sandersonyoung.co.uk

T H E F I N E S T L O C AT I O N I N T H E T Y N E VA L L E Y.

ORCHARD COURT CORBRIDGE The Tyne Valley, with its lush countryside, popular market towns and close proximity to city and coast, is a much sought-after place to live. Sitting atop the River Tyne, Corbridge exudes picture postcard charm with its quaint cobbled streets of pleasing sand stone buildings housing a range of exclusive boutiques, country pubs and coffee shops.

Each apartment is individually crafted with open plan living the cornerstone of their design. The spacious bedrooms feature en suites to the master with a range of floor and wall tiles on offer. A choice of the highest quality kitchens is also available with finishes to suit your taste and all come with integrated appliances.

Offering the rare opportunity to live in the heart of this historic setting, Orchard Court is an exclusive development of only 14 two and three bedroom luxury apartments and penthouses.

Living spaces are extended with the apartments offering a mix of patios and balconies with penthouses featuring stunning roof gardens.

Blending seamlessly into the period streetscape, a private entrance leads to landscaped gardens and a space-defining glazed atrium provides lift access to all apartments as well as the private, underground car park.

Prices from: ÂŁ325,000 TELEPHONE:

01670 785 691

www.countylife.co.uk

contents Managing Director Duncan Young Operations Director Janet Hopkinson Regional Sales Manager Hazel Ross Editor Jane Pikett 01434 607 466

P26

Editorial Mark Anderson Kathryn Armstrong Neil Gordon Rosie McGlade Brian Nicholls Sales Sue Tomlin Sanderson Young Media 0191 213 2533 Photography Mel Clark Kevin Gibson David Grebby Adam Lawrenson Nicky Rogerson Design Mark Denny Production Damian Wood Print Hill Print www.hillprint.co.uk

P130

P22

PROPERTy Property rare! Office

Alnwick Office

Ponteland Office

Gosforth Office

Residential Lettings

108

New Homes

119

P48

Cover: Ravenstone P42

ISSN No: 1740-3375 Whilst every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine, the publisher accepts no responsibility for the effects arising thereof. All material is copyright. Reproduction of any part of the magazine is forbidden except by written permission of the publisher.

P85

P62

contents

P30

P12

P124

P18

FEATURES 12 | Garden of the gods

34 | In the best possible taste

128 | The grin factor

Relaxing in luxury on beautiful Corfu

A flavour of Lady G’s cookery school

Mercedes’ C63 AMG raises a smile

18 | Grand designs

38 | Are you sitting comfortably?

130 | Storm over Northumberland

Inside the world of the men who dress Kylie and co.

Sumptuous sofas for stylish, comfortable homes

Gliding, with a man named Storm (honestly!)

22 | The eye of a needle

40 | Material world

132 | Hidden Gems

The Rev Robert Parker’s grand Northumberland estates

The fabric of Queen Victoria’s England, re-released for today

Perfect places to shop, eat and stay awhile

26 | Have manners, will travel

42 | An elegant prospect

134 | Treasures

Lady Elizabeth Devonport’s recipe for good etiquette

Rvenstone - a superb country house, for sale now

Jewellery maker Judy Burberry’s precious gems

30 | Keep spreading the news

120 | In with the new

136 | Messing about by the water

New York – hidden delights in the city that never sleeps

The homes creating new landmarks for the region

A fine day out on the Northumberland coast

rare! Office

Gosforth regional Office

ponteland Office

Alnwick Office

regional Lettings

Mayfair Office

0191 223 3500

0191 213 0033

01661 823 951

01665 600 170

0191 223 3529

0870 112 7099

SY | HAY & KILNER

Youcan’ttakeitwithyou Jon Gould, a solicitor in Hay & Kilner’s Private capital team, oﬀers prudent advice on protecting your assets from inheritance tax he importance of inheritance tax planning cannot be overstated; when you die, 40% of anything you own over the value of £325,000 (or possibly £650,000 subject to claiming the available allowance on the death of a surviving spouse or civil partner) could be subject to Inheritance tax (IHT). With the increase in house prices over the last 30 years it does not take much by way of savings and investments before many people’s estates fall over the IHT threshold. Significant savings can be achieved by taking steps to protect your assets through appropriate IHT planning. The starting point is to ensure you have a Will and take advantage of available tax exemptions and reliefs. Existing Wills should also be reviewed. The next step is looking at planning in respect of your assets. This can be as simple as making gifts but the use of trusts and other tax eﬃcient structures can be

key in protecting your assets. This is of particular importance for those with business or agricultural assets, pensions and insurance policies. Giving your assets away may still result in an IHT liability if you die within the following seven years or you retain a benefit. Caution should also be exercised when signing over assets, personal and business, to your children in the hope of protecting your estate. What if your child pre-deceases you or divorces? Take a holistic approach and get your solicitor, your IFA and your accountant talking to one another. It is worth spending a little time and money now to achieve substantial IHT savings for the benefit of your family in the longer term. It is important to get specialist advice from a solicitor. For further advice please contact Kirstin Cook or Jon Gould who are members of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners, at Hay & Kilner Solicitors, tel 0191 232 8345

Positively...engaged At Hay & Kilner we apply a positive approach to everything we do. We advise businesses and individuals on an extensive range of legal areas. Delivering what you need when you need it, we put our clients at the heart of our service… and always apply a personal touch and a positive attitude. For more information please visit www.hay-kilner.co.uk or call us on +44 (0)191 232 8345 10 | collection

Breathtaking. Sensuous. Exclusive. Addictive. The Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Saloon. The uncompromising luxury and distinctive styling of the C 63 AMG catches the eye. Its 6.3 litre V8 engine boasts class-leading power and performance. Fast-revving and naturally-aspirated, it is bred to offer an audible and immediate response at any engine speed. The C 63 AMG performs, really performs, delivering outstanding dynamics and acceleration of 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds to offer pure driving pleasure. The unique AMG sports suspension provides improved stability and steering precision, whilst the AMG high-performance braking system delivers outstanding deceleration and improved cornering capabilities. Its blend of sensitive responsiveness, enormous power, a decidedly sporty interior and impressive everyday practicality makes this car a unique high-performance vehicle.

C 63 AMG Saloon with COMAND 36 monthly payments*

£649.00

On the road price

£54,865.00

Customer deposit

£6,999.00

Retailer deposit contribution** Optional purchase

payment†

Acceptance fee Purchase activation

£4,274.94 £25,650.00 £180.00

fee†

Total charge for credit

£95.00 £5,697.94

Amount of credit

£43,591.06

Total amount payable by the customer††

£56,288.00

Typical 5.6% APR

AMG Performance Centre Mercedes-Benz of Newcastle City West Business Park, Scotswood Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 7DF 0191 4475587 www.mercedes-benzofnewcastle.co.uk Mercedes-Benz of Teesside Concorde Way, Yarm Road, Stockton on Tees TS18 3RB 01642 909926 www.mercedes-benzofteesside.co.uk Also available at: Mercedes-Benz of Sunderland Hylton Grange, Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HR 0191 5058018 www.mercedes-benzofsunderland.co.uk Official government fuel consumption figures mpg (litres per 100km) for the C 63 AMG Saloon range: urban 13.9 (20.3), extra urban 30.1 (9.4), combined 21.1 (13.4). CO2 emissions: 312. MODEL FEATURED IS A MERCEDES-BENZ C 63 AMG SALOON AT £53,525.00 ON THE ROAD INCLUDING OPTIONAL 19” ALLOY WHEELS AT £600.00 (ON THE ROAD PRICE INCLUDES VAT, DELIVERY, 12 MONTHS’ ROAD FUND LICENCE, NUMBER PLATES, FIRST REGISTRATION FEE AND FUEL). **THE RETAILER CONTRIBUTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE WITH THIS FINANCE OFFER. *BASED ON A MERCEDES-BENZ AGILITY AGREEMENT. †PAYABLE IF YOU EXERCISE THE OPTION TO PURCHASE THE CAR. ††INCLUDES OPTIONAL PURCHASE PAYMENT AND PURCHASE ACTIVATION FEE. EXAMPLES BASED ON 10,000 MILES PER ANNUM. EXCESS MILEAGE CHARGES MAY APPLY. QUOTATIONS AVAILALE ON REQUEST FOR ALTERNATIVE CONTRACT LENGTHS AND MILEAGES. GUARANTEES AND INDEMNITIES MAY BE REQUIRED. THIS FINANCE CAMPAIGN IS AVAILABLE ON C 63 AMG MODELS REGISTERED BETWEEN 1ST JULY AND 31ST DECEMBER 2010. OFFERS CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER PUBLISHED OFFER FROM THE RETAILER AND ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY. PRICES CORRECT AT TIME OF GOING TO PRESS (09/10). CREDIT PROVIDED SUBJECT TO STATUS BY MERCEDES-BENZ FINANCIAL SERVICES UK LIMITED, MK7 8ND.

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GardenoftheGods As Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions is launched, introducing travellers direct to the owners of luxury villas, apartments and ski lodges in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought-after locations, Jane Pikett considers the many attractions of north east Corfu

TRAVEL | SY

“

… a mystical landscape, bathed in sharp brittle sunlight, orchestrated by the knife-grinder song of the cicadas, framed in the blue, still sea. “

f Corfu, the writer, naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell famously said: “My childhood in Corfu shaped my life. If only I had the craft of Merlin, I would give every child the gift of my childhood.” The books of Durrell and his brother Lawrence pay homage to the beauty of Corfu, and the island was famously the setting for Gerald’s trilogy, My Family and Other Animals, Birds Beasts and Relatives, and The Garden of the Gods; works which vividly express the beauty of the place for millions who have never been there. Rarely has any author written with such passion of his surroundings, or brought to life so eloquently the natural beauties of one wonderful island. He called it “a mystical landscape, bathed in sharp brittle sunlight, orchestrated by the knife-grinder song of the cicadas, framed in the blue, still sea. “Of all the wonderful and fascinating parts of the planet I have been privileged to visit, Corfu is the nearest approach to home for me, since it was here, nurtured in sunlight, that my fascination for the living world around me came to fruition.” Hence, his depictions of the adventures of the Durrell family are both an intimate portrait of a family and of a much-loved island home, the memory of which never left Durrell, even years after he had settled elsewhere. Britain’s links with Corfu go back generations. It was a British protectorate in the early 19th Century and >>

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SY | TRAVEL

<< the island was a favourite among families of the Indian Raj, such as the Durrells. The location of two luxurious villas now introduced via Sanderson Young is also familiar from more recent history. For at the Taverna Agni, near San Stephano in the north of Corfu, the financier Nat Rothschild, a long-time resident, entertained Labour’s former business secretary Peter Mandelson, the coalition government’s now Chancellor George Osborne and the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The now infamous meeting led to accusation and counter accusation between its main protagonists, and while reports of it did little for the reputations of the unlikely trio, they did much to bring this most beautiful part of Corfu to public attention, years after the Durrells first wrote of it. The Rothschild family castle lies atop a peninsula close to St Stephano with views over to Albania, and the two villas now introduced by Sanderson Young are close by. The area has long been a haunt of the Kensington and Chelsea set and, while all of Corfu has its own charm, it is here in the north that is most renowned for its dazzling natural beauty, pretty harbours and welcoming bars and tavernas. The hillside villas now introduced via Sanderson Young, lie above the bay of St Stephano, close to the village of Kalami, where Lawrence Durrell lived, and paradise here is easily found on the poolside terrace, watching the sailing boats below glide into the many beautiful nearby harbours. This is a truly unspoilt area, and the hillside villas profiled here are surrounded by the giant cypress trees and pretty olive groves, the sea breeze and the song of the cicadas which are so much a symbol of the natural beauty made famous by Gerald Durrell. The area is famed for its secret hidden coves, shingle beaches and secluded bays, and its charming villages, from Kassiopi in the north to Barbati in the south. This

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“

This is a truly unspoilt area, and the hillside villas profiled here are surrounded by the giant cypress trees and pretty olive groves …

part of the island is also now known for its magnificent private villas which bathe in the ever-changing light, loved by artists from all over the world. At San Stephano, a lovely horseshoe bay enjoys a serene pace of life. Flotillas of yachts float into the bay often to enjoy the five beautiful tavernas with their excellent fresh fish and local dishes, prawn saganaki, lamb kleftiko, and sofrito, to name some of the more popular Greek dishes. San Stephano also has two supermarkets and excellent boat rentals, allowing visitors to potter around the bays and visit other beautiful spots for lunch and afternoon swimming. Villa Damianos and Villa Aleka are well known for their stunning locations at the head of the bay. Both of

them privately owned by a local family, they oﬀer privacy, luxury, private pools and views over the Ionian Sea to the Albanian mountains. The owner of the villas, Damianos, is the well-known and genial proprietor of a smart cocktail bar in St Stephano and his properties are designed with the comfort of the traveller very much in mind. Damianos is the larger of the two and accommodates eight in its four double bedrooms. It also features three luxurious bath and shower rooms and a fabulous open-plan living and dining area and beautiful balcony terrace. Fully air-conditioned with spacious open-plan living spaces and outdoor terraces, an al fresco kitchen and barbecue area and a superb pool with views over >>

Damianos CORFU

Overlooking the pretty harbour of St Stephano, the charming villa of Damianos provides the perfect place to relax and unwind â&#x20AC;Ś

Built by Damianos himself, the three storey villa has spacious, sunny rooms and beautiful terraces which provide a number of sitting areas, as well as a barbecue area, lawns and a pool. Accommodation: Large sitting/dining room leading to covered balcony, Kitchen with steps leading to barbecue area, Cloakroom, Lower Ground Floor: Twin bedroom with bathroom en suite, Utility room, First Floor: Twin bedroom with shower room en suite, 2 Double bedrooms, Bathroom Facilities: Washing machine, Dishwasher, Satellite TV (Some English Sky channels), WIFI, CD player, Telephone

Sleeps up to 8

Air conditioning and ceiling fans in all bedrooms, Heating (payable locally), Built in barbecue Private Swimming Pool: 8.5m x 5m, 1.0m-1.8m deep with ladder steps Amenities: Shops/restaurants St Stephano 1.6km, Water sports Kalami 8km, Avlaki 2km, Kassiopi 4km

rare! From sanderson Young The Old Bank, 30 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1lX T: +44 (0)191 2233500 | F: +44 (0)191 2233505 duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk | www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

SY | TRAVEL

“

… Fully air-conditioned with spacious open-plan living spaces and outdoor terraces, an al fresco kitchen, barbecue area and a superb pool

<< the sea, the villa is set in terraced gardens with lemon, lime and orange trees, grape vines and bougainvillea. Close by, Villa Aleka is named after Damianos’s wife. Built in 2004, it features a beautiful courtyard and terrace with private pool. Fully airconditioned with an open-plan living room, spacious kitchen, a double and atwin bedroom, two bathrooms and it is a peaceful haven with spectacular views. Below, San Stephano is one of many fabulous bays in this area and has the benefit of a night boat which picks up from the bay to take diners to Agni on a magical boat trip, delivering them to one of three tavernas in the bay before a truly memorable return journey in the twilight. Kerasia beach is close by and is loved for its long beach and traditional taverna serving lamb on the spit and fresh fish. At Kouloura, there is a pretty harbour and another popular small taverna. The southern stretch of this coastline leads down to Nissaki, where the old olive press provides a view and a taverna overlooking the harbour beneath. Excellent water sports are available close by. Corfu is only just over three hours away from most UK airports. Its simplicity is complemented by the hospitality the Greeks have always been delighted to deliver. Indeed, for a completely relaxing stay, chef service is available at both villas six days per week, as is daily cleaning and, of course, the freedom to sit back,

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relax and experience a little of the world Gerald Durrell so loved. Gerald Durrell wrote the following of the strawberrypink villa featured in My Family and Other Animals, and some would say it might have been written for Aleka or Damianos. “...the pansies pushed their velvety, innocent faces through the leaves, and the violets drooped sorrowfully under their heart-shaped leaves. The bougainvillaea that sprawled luxuriously over the tiny iron balcony was hung, as though for a carnival, with its lantern-shaped magenta flowers. “In the darkness of the fuschia-hedge a thousand ballerina-like blooms quivered expectantly. The warm air was thick with the scent of a hundred dying flowers, and full of the gentle, soothing whisper and murmur of insects.”

Getting there … The villas Damianos and Aleka are available via private introduction to the owner through Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions between May and October, priced from £750 to £1,750 per week for Aleka, and from £1,400 to £3,500 per week for Damianos There are regular convenient flights from Newcastle to Corfu from several well-known airlines. For more information, contact Jane Ruﬀman, Norseman Travel, Gosforth, tel 0191 284 7291

Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions is a new company which intends to introduce travellers direct to the owners of luxury villas, apartments and ski lodges in some of the world’s most sought-after locations. For a small set-up fee, owners can register selected properties with the SY Holiday Introductions website, via which they are introduced direct to discerning travellers through the comprehensive marketing and exposure of the SY Media, website and collection magazine. For more information about Sanderson Young Holiday Introductions - as an owner or a traveller - please contact Duncan Young, tel: +44 (0)191 223 3500, email: duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk

Aleka CORFU

Villa Aleka enjoys an enviable hillside position and commands the most breathtaking views â&#x20AC;Ś

Built by Damianos, who also built nearby Damianos House, Villa Aleka is built in the style of the traditional Corfiot country cottage but with more room and to a higher specification. Thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of its guests the villa provides the perfect setting for outdoor living with its private pool terrace and shaded pergola for al fresco dining. Accommodation: Open plan living/dining/kitchen area, Opening on to terrace, Twin bedroom, Bathroom First Floor: Double bedroom, Shower room

Sleeps up to 4

Facilities: Washing machine, Dishwasher, Satellite TV (Some English channels), WIFI, CD player, Telephone Air conditioning in bedrooms and living room, Built in barbecue, Insect screens Private Swimming Pool: 7m x 4m, 1.15m-1.7m deep with ladder steps Amenities: Shops/restaurants St Stephano 1.6km, Water sports Kalami 8km, Avlaki 2km, Kassiopi 4km

grand

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

British fashion is renowned for its innovation and creativity, with strong individuals pushing forward new ideasâ&#x20AC;?

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Gareth Pugh AW10

designs

FASHION | SY

Famous for its engineers in days of yore, the North East has more latterly produced some of the most exciting talents in Britain’s fashion industry, discovers Rosie McGlade Burberry, Abercrombie and Fitch, Aquascutum, Armarni AX, and on the high street at River Island, Topshop and more. Clever stuﬀ, but only a few reach the dizzying heights populated by the likes of Gareth Pugh. His designs are perhaps not the first you’d reach for when planning a weekend in the country or an important business meeting, but his outré looks are screamed after by celebrities around the world who maintain their profile through the breathtaking looks he creates for them. He exists, one fashion writer has put it, so that people like Kylie can wear him and people will say, “ooh, Kylie’s wearing Gareth Pugh; she’s still got it”.

Giles Deacon AW10

“

Pugh, the son of a policeman and a Littlewoods catalogue worker from Sunderland, has come a long way since his 1999 foundation year at Sunderland College. Success there realised him a place at Central St Martin’s College in London and he has since made his name for extreme designs - inflatable distortions, hints of S&M and fetish, and materials like masks, balloons, foam footballs, synthetic hair, and electrically-charged plastic. The fashion world adores him, and in 2007 he was named Young Designer of the Year at the Elle Style Awards. Hot on Kylie’s heels, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and >>

Hot on Kylie’s heels, Beyoncé, lady Gaga and Ashlee Simpson have stunned audiences in fashion-as-performance-art Pugh creations …

Giles Deacon AW10

ashion, say those who are consumed by it, is a compelling career. Tough, yes. Demanding, always. Populated by massive egos – very definitely. But it is still a career after which young people strive in their tens of thousands every year. Only the most talented make it of course – many of them graduates of the North East fashion degrees that are so well regarded internationally. Emma Jane Goldsmith, programme leader at Northumbria University Fashion School, reels oﬀ a Who’s Who list of recent graduates. They include Scott Henshall, beloved of A-listers like Madonna and Victoria Beckham, and a host of design heads in houses like Burberry, Pringle, Maxmara, Daks, Louis Vuitton, and more. The list of recent graduates who have won national and international awards seems to go on forever. Elsewhere in the region, Giles Deacon, born in Darlington and raised on the hillsides of Ullswater, did an art and fashion foundation course at Harrogate College of Arts and has ended up one of the world’s leading names, becoming British Designer of the Year in 2007. Another stellar name, Gareth Pugh, studied at the City of Sunderland College and burst onto the scene big time in 2005, designing for Kylie Minogue and her Showgirls tour. The notoriously hard to please US Vogue editor Anna Wintour is a big fan, and British Vogue has gushed that his "genius is undeniable". “British fashion is renowned for its innovation and creativity, with strong individuals pushing forward new ideas,” says Emma Jane Goldsmith. “They have carved out their identity and place in the industry and have a very dedicated following.” At Northumbria, the degree course lasts four years, with a year in industry midway through. Final year degree students create a collection and some 25 students are selected to take part in a catwalk show at Graduate Fashion Week in London, with recruiters from the top fashion houses in the audience. Recent Northumbria graduates can be found around the world in companies such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, DKNY, Chloe,

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SY | FASHION A structured cut by emerging North East talent, Nicola Morga

“

She's a super sexy, very French, sophisticated, slightly cheeky and playful woman. All the things we think of when we think of Parisian women"

<< Ashlee Simpson have stunned audiences in fashion-as-performance-art Pugh creations, and while he has described his designs as being "about the struggle between lightness and darkness,” he is now slowly shifting towards a more commercial focus, in order presumably to finally make some money, with his masterpieces now available to an excited fashion public. His autumn winter 2010 / 2011 collection oﬀers his signature tough silhouette in black padded leather, with his trademark chevron stripes adorning a range of tunics, trench and military style coats. Angular and gothic, black, grey, and occasionally softened by cobwebbed lace, the look retains his ever-present flamboyance in daringly cut leather, georgette and stretch wool. Giles Deacon, meanwhile, was named British Designer of the Year in 2006 and he remains a star UK name, attracting worldwide attention. He was born in Darlington in 1969, but moved while very young to a remote house near Ullswater where he spent a very happy childhood, his father an agricultural worker and his mother a housewife. A pupil at Barnard Castle School, he was inspired by the Canalettos and the mechanical silver swan at the nearby Bowes Museum, but school was never really for him, and he failed the science A-Levels he hoped would lead him into marine biology. Unsure of what to do, he was persuaded to take a place at Harrogate College of Arts, where fashion, something he’d never really thought about, was his favourite subject. A place at Central St Martin’s followed, where fellow students included Alexander McQueen and Louella Bartley.

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Read about Deacon now and not only is he swooned over by the fashion luminaries du jour because of his work, but he clearly charms them in person, too, with his handsome looks, refreshingly straight demeanour, mild Cumbrian accent, and unaﬀected ways. His London-based label, GILES, founded in 2003, he has described thus: "Hopefully, if you saw someone wearing one of our frocks you'd think she looks quite interesting to have a chat with and say ‘hello’ to. They're a bit, 'we're on, we're out, we mean business’." In 2008 he started a menswear line. Success with the ladies has accompanied that on the catwalk, and he has dated folk singer Beth Orton, model-turned-cook Sophie Dahl and fashionista Katie Grand. His own label clothes have strutted down the catwalk on the backs of often London-shy models such as models Karen Elson, Lily Cole, Eva Herzigova and Linda Evangelista. Having worked for various leading European designers, Deacon was hired to work for the Italian house Bottega Venata in 2000, becoming the head designer and debuting a widely acclaimed collection in 2000. He later worked under Tom Ford for Gucci womenswear and launched GILES in 2003. Recent collaborations have included Daks womenswear, Mulberry, and the more down-toearth high street giant New Look. In April this year, Deacon was appointed creative director with French fashion house Ungaro. Describing Ungaro woman, he has stated: "She's a super sexy, very French, sophisticated, slightly cheeky and playful woman. All the things we think of when we think of Parisian women."

life through a lens The work of chris Moore - veteran profiler of 50 years of catwalk fashion – is the subject of a new exhibition at the University of Northumbria. Newcastle-born Moore, one of the most renowned and revered fashion photographers ever, travels the world chronicling the catwalk shows, and his work is famed for its beauty, its clarity and its detail. All the photographs on these pages were supplied by Moore, and you can view a retrospective of his work in a special show at the University of Northumbria School of Design throughout October and November 2010. For details, see www.northumbria.ac.uk

So who’s next? Well, there are scores of them – young, talented and ambitious – coming out of the region’s colleges every year, and some will reach the very top. One of last year’s line-up won a national competition which now sees her employed by Harrods buying oﬃce. Nicola Morgan, who graduated in June 2009, won New Designer of the Year, as well as the Italian Mittelmoda International Lab Competition, which was entered by 2,000 people from 600 schools worldwide. Her winning design? A laser-cutting linking system based on flat-packed furniture to create a tailored collection that linked together, rather than using traditional methods of sewing. Watch this space...

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Having purchased three of Northumberland’s grand, architecturally listed halls in the last few months, the reverend robert parker is both churchman and rich man. Brian Nicholls meets a most unusual entrepreneur

Through the

eye

of a needle

SY | PROFILE

he Reverend Robert Parker’s presence – “call me Robert” – suggests, despite his informality, a time traveller bolted forward from a time when men of the cloth were commonly among the very wealthy. How many other ecclesiasts today hold four country estates, a house in France, a herd of red deer, pedigree Herefords, 500 sheep and stabling for 50 horses? The 6ft-plus frame and assured manner of this ordained and still serving Anglican give equally the mien of confidence about business and faith. He’s a growing force in Northumberland’s tourism, acquiring three businesses in three years in the county.

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It’s his wife Gina who, though of Danish descent, wished to relocate. She’d grown up at Seaton Carew, attended Central Newcastle High School, and after 20 years in Shropshire hankered for a return north. When the philanthropist Brian Burnie put up for sale the elegant four star Doxford Hall Hotel, which he’d painstakingly developed at Chathill near Alnwick, and specified the buyer should be, like himself, a charitable giver, there was market scepticism about the likelihood of a suitable buyer. Step forward the near-neighbouring Parkers, already part-ensconced in 19th Century Guyzance Hall, by Acklington – their second home and retreat from their

PROFILE | SY

main business, Tedsmore Estate near Oswestry and the Welsh border. Now, besides Guyzance and Doxford, they also have Eshott Hall, near Morpeth, and Robert speaks enthusiastically of his new surroundings, amazed by the number of castles, beautiful beaches and coves Northumberland offers. “Wonderful countryside,” he says. “Isn’t Morpeth lovely? Warkworth is a gem of a little town, as is Alnwick. Guyzance itself has lovely ravines and streams.” They’re bent on progressing their historic holiday, social and business venues. Robert believes overseas visitors can be weaned off their obsession with London, Stratford, Oxford and Cambridge. “We’ve found very quickly a marvellous response to what we are trying to do,” he says. Certainly, they aim to retain the unique characters of all three Grade II listed venues. Robert observes: “One’s always anxious people will think you’re trampling on territory you’ve no right to – that you’re a newcomer and other families have been here a long time, some for centuries, and you should be very circumspect in contributing. I hope people will feel we do what we do sensitively, and have a contribution to make.” They’re estimated to have mopped up at least £19m in the buying, with £2m more to reach the required standards. Guyzance, where parties can stay in the mansion during 20 weeks a year, and which also has holiday cottages among landscaped gardens, is 19th Century and in heavy demand. Eshott, with 500 acres of grounds and history back to 1310, was once occupied by Tyneside’s pioneer of department stores Emerson Bainbridge, and has weddings booked for the next year. It too has holiday cottages. Doxford, which has 10 acres of grounds, includes the hall completed in 1818 by Tyneside’s famous Georgian architect John Dobson. It’s widely considered his domestic masterpiece. So far there’s only been one upset, which arose when events began to be held at Guyzance without a required planning consent. Robert apologised and the county council gave limited retrospective permission. “I assumed and truly believed that because Guyzance has a ballroom and had been used in the past for hunt balls there was an inherited right there,” he explains. Presently, Doxford’s former residential hall is being turned into six more bedrooms, while the hotel already has a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre and banqueting for up to 350. A tiny chapel near Eshott Hall may be re-adapted to permit weddings and a landau and pair might eventually carry couples between chapel and hall. Altogether, 75 staff are employed in Northumberland. It may be 100 next year. Robert is delighted by the standards of local tradesmen, including those of three family building firms, and he has a buy local policy for provisioning also, which complements Eshott’s impressive kitchen garden. Only meats prick consciences. As he explains: “We produce fabulous beef and venison at Tedsmore. It’s a temptation to serve it up here. But we don’t want people locally to think we’re turning our backs on them. So there’s no decision there yet.” But some of Guyzance’s 800 acres might be used to introduce red deer. And the attractions of

Doxford Hall Hotel, Chathill near Alnwick

“

… Isn’t Morpeth lovely? Warkworth is a gem of a little town, as is Alnwick. Guyzance itself has lovely ravines and streams”

Northumberland are catching. The couple’s two peripatetic labradors have clearly taken to the local beaches. So might further purchases follow? “Having acquired three properties here fairly quickly, I think we now need to take a breath and see the response - let the teams settle and feel they’re properly in charge, and discover what the response is to what we’re doing. If all goes well I think in 18 months or two years we’d look at what else is available.” He’s had many roles in the Church – curate, assistant chaplain, rector, priest in charge, are all mentioned by the clerical directory Crockford’s – but these alone could not have brought the means to turn to landowning, farming and professional hospitality. So where did it come from, and how does it equate with Jesus’s words – “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Well, it came from property development, a passion for mathematics and some uncommon religious beliefs. His BSc from London University was in maths. He adds, picking his words carefully: “At about 15 I felt I’d like to be ordained. But I already loved mathematics. I was also very aware, listening to preachers, I was at times aghast at how emotional some were, how what they said seemed so far from what I’d call modern day reality.

“I’ve always believed passionately that what we experience of God in our own lives today has to be the same as that experienced 2,000 years ago. I don’t know anybody who walks on water. If The Bible says Jesus walked on water, something else is going on. You need a rational, logical mind to make links and discover what the writer’s trying to say. It’s a parable. “It’s the same with the Resurrection and the Virgin Birth. I deliberately chose mathematics to try to hone the rational, logical mind that could then be applied to theology. Many of my compatriots within the Church no doubt think me way, way out in my beliefs.” Born and raised in Nottinghamshire, where most of his family still live - including his father, hale and >>

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“

… I decided there had to be a complete change. But I wanted something I’d feel was still a ministry. I’m not quite sure how it happened

<< hearty at 92 – Robert has had some particularly pleasurable callings: his three and a half years after ordination, for example, spent in Sheﬃeld’s steelmaking area. Later, he chaplained for four years at Cheltenham College, where he was aﬀectionately known as“Muscles Divers”, because he taught not only divinity and maths, but also the more rugged pursuits of rugby and cricket. Six more years were spent in a large parish near Bristol called Yate. In fact, Yate was one of several villages being combined into one new town at the time. “I learned lots there about commercialism because we decided that the medieval parish church needed remodelling to give it life seven days a week.

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“I built a new church at the southern end of the town, and when you’re involved like that - raising money, working with builders and, you’re provided with a steep learning curve.” After three years at the Church of England’s Development Oﬃce in London, there came what one newspaper called “a career change”, but which many – certainly Robert – would consider his pastoral work extended. As he recalls, “I decided there had to be a complete change. But I wanted something I’d feel was still a ministry. “I’m not quite sure how it happened, but somehow, there was a suggestion that perhaps the care home industry could combine the two. I could maintain a pastoral, caring ministry and also develop the other skills I had been acquiring through the Church. I went to my bank manager. “He said: ‘Fine, Robert. We know you. We trust you. Go and find the home you want.’ I found a home I thought was right, in Shrewsbury. I wrote a paper with a proposal and a cash flow. The bank manager then bowled me the googly. He said: ‘Well, the bank of course will expect you to put a third of the money in yourself. This home is nearly £400,000. How much do you have and where is it coming from?’ “I’d no experience of that side. I told him I had £1,700. He didn’t smile, and he didn’t laugh at me. He just said: ‘Leave it with me and I’ll come back with a decision’.

“The bank agreed to fund me 100%. In today’s market it’s utterly astonishing, and it launched me into the business world and was a major stroke of good fortune for me.” One home grew to nine, with nine managers and some 450 staff caring for maybe 270 residents at a time. “We decided five years ago that after 20 years we ought to sell. We happened to come out at the top of the market. You can’t choose that – it’s just pure serendipity. I believe that since we sold, values have shrunk back to about 50% of what they were. It was absolute good fortune.” Robert bought the mid-18th Century Tedsmore Estate, carrying on a restoration started by two previous owners. It’s agricultural with a sporting – not hunting – side, and the racehorse trainer James Unett stables there. It’s home also to one of the UK’s largest N-gauge railways. And this year, besides securing Eshott in January and Doxford in March, Robert acquired a large dairy farm neighbouring Tedsmore, giving nearly 1,000 acres in all for 14 staff to run jointly as separate businesses. He continues serving the Church as a governor of an Oxford college, advisor to the Bishop of Derby, doing diocesan work in Derby and Birmingham, and helping in his own parish of Lichfield, where he’s still permitted to officiate. Being in Northumberland midweek only, he hasn’t applied for a licence here, but hopes eventually to be invited to take an occasional service. Meanwhile, he’s helped Felton parish to remodel its church for wider use. He feels that over the next 50 years every country church will have to do likewise, or have to close. “Congregations are dwindling, the number of priests is going down. Many village churches are struggling. But if they spend their precious resource on modernising their building to be used more, they’ll have a better chance of survival,” he says - a voice of experience. Northumberland’s growing on the Parkers, he says: “We’ve been talking a lot recently and there’s no decision. But we do love it so much up here, and people have been so welcoming and friendly that we’re saying: ‘Gosh, should this really be home where we live permanently, and reverse our present travel arrangement?’.” Their four children are married and settled. One’s an estate manager at Tedsmore. Two wish to become involved in the businesses. There are also seven grandsons and, just recently, a grand-daughter. Robert, 67, says: “It’s interesting how views change as you age. Our focus turns more and more to charity work. Since retiring, we’re giving money to charities.” We’re talking in millions not hundreds, though Robert doesn’t wish to elaborate. “Some is coming to Northumberland. Some goes overseas and some to Shropshire. I’d hope that as our lives wind towards their end we can focus more on this. We’ve provided for our kids. We’ll give them a bit of money, but I hope the vast majority of what we create will go to good causes, with even these businesses held in trust, and those trust funds going to charity. I’d cherish more than anything to find that 20, 30 or 50 years after my death, Eshott, Guyzance, Doxford and possibly one or two others were still within the family, and the family carrying on building the businesses and making a contribution to the region. That would be a marvellous thing.”

SY | PROFILE

HAVE

MANNERS,

WILL

TRAVEL

Lady elizabeth Devonport; former debutante, Mary Quant model, reality TV star, etiquette coach and all-round good egg, invites Jane Pikett for afternoon tea ady Elizabeth Devonport is recently returned from a month-long stint with a small travelling circus in Gloucestershire. She was, she says, “everyone’s granny and the odd-job girl”. She had a whale of a time, doing odd jobs and making costumes for the glamorous show people with Giﬀords Circus, described by one critic as “a beguiling throwback to the Middle European circus tradition”, and run by her friends Nell and Toti Giﬀord.

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PROFILE | SY

“

“I wonder sometimes if we’ve lost the distinction between what’s public and what’s private”

One wonders if her brief sojourn with the circus has resulted in more elegant performances than before; good deportment and etiquette being her stock in trade. A veteran of several reality TV series, all of them on the theme of good manners and behaviour, Liz (she doesn’t stand on ceremony) is one of life’s enthusiasts. If she fancies something, she will do it - hence the circus and reality TV stardom, which began with Channel 4’s Regency House Party back in 2003. She certainly caused a stir there, posing as a `noble chaperone’ on the programme which saw 10 men and women transported 200 years back to a stately home in Herefordshire. Regency House Party recreated, to the smallest detail, life in 1811, and at the heart of the experiment were the dating rituals of the day. And so the inevitable happened – the then-58-yearold Elizabeth, mother of two grown-up daughters, caused stir when she took up with fellow house guest Mark Foxsmith, a 33-year-old comprehensive school teacher from Bristol. They stayed together for two years, spending much of their time at Liz’s hilltop Tyne Valley home, despite the certain knowledge that their relationship was doomed by the fact the Mark would, one day, want to marry and have children – something Liz could not give him. Interestingly, however, it was she who left him in the end. “I just woke up one morning and thought, ‘no more’,” she says. “He was charming and I loved him very much, but I didn’t want to live with him any longer. He was shocked because we’d always thought it would be him who left me, but there we are.” Her life is shared today with a gentleman of similar age. He’s a psychology lecturer and lives in Edinburgh, and they are content to live apart. Her only company at home now is Beauty the cat, whose mate, Beast, met his demise some time ago. Beauty, for her part, is getting on in years, but can still haul herself up onto the chintz-covered window seat in the kitchen to keep a beady eye on afternoon tea visitors enjoying the homemade shortbread. The horses Liz kept for years are gone now, following a horrible back injury. It’s a shame, but again, she is absolutely philosophical. “It’s just life’s journey. Life’s been as ghastly as it gets and as good as it gets. You just get on with it,” she says. Her daughters Velvet, 34, named after the heroine of the film National Velvet, and Idonia, 36, who bears the name of a Celtic goddess, are central to her life, as are four great nephews and nieces aged between one and four. Their ‘Grantie’, she goes on holidays with them.

“I feel sick with love for them,” she says. “It’s the most wonderful thing. I love being ‘Grantie’; there’s no pressure - you can play shops for ages, do whatever you like and enjoy it. When I stay with them, Fleur [her four-year-old great niece] does my make up every morning and puts my contact lenses in. It’s hilarious.” One assumes her great nieces will be ladies of great elegance and good taste, if their Grantie is anything to go by. Since The Regency House Party, she has done several reality TV shows, in each one coaching in deportment and etiquette. She is also now one of a select team headed by the Headmistress of the finishing school created for the Ladette to Lady series, Jill Harbord, oﬀering etiquette coaching. Their workshops, some of them held at Eggleston Hall in Weardale, the setting for Ladette to Lady, are fun; perfect for friends or work colleagues young and old. Meanwhile, standards, or the lack of them, among some these days are a source of bewilderment. “I was in Edinburgh last week, and I saw a man in shorts and

a singlet and, I’m sorry, but it was just disgusting, striding through a capital city like that,” she says, wide-eyed with wonder. “I do wonder if we’ve lost the distinction between what’s public and what’s private.” She’s yet to meet her match, though she admits she found the Aussie versions of Ladette to Lady (she did two series) challenging. “The girls were ghastly!” she says, laughing. “They would pee in the street!” A lady of impeccable manners and elegance, her style, she says is, “messy, eclectic and very often second hand”. Things have changed since the more formal world of her younger days, when she spent much of 1966 hiding in ladies’ lavatories from the debutante parties she was supposed to be enjoying. “I was woefully shy, and also just rather grot,” she says. She does seem to have regained her composure once the demands of being a Deb were removed and she was free to make her mark on London. Indeed, so enjoyable were the remainder of the 60s, that she can’t remember much, apart from the fact that she used >>

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“

“I love my life,” she says. “I wouldn’t ask for anything else”

<< to go to work wearing a beautiful Victorian nightdress under an Afghan coat. “I thought it was the grooviest thing ever,” she laughs. “I also thought I was very naughty, I wasn’t really. I did have fun, though.” She also claims she was very plain and only got jobs as a house model with Mary Quant (who was “simply wonderful “) because she was the right shape. I’d argue that on the photographic evidence, she was very beautiful. She still is, with strong features and a natural poise. She also did well for a girl whose Alma Mater, Elmhurst School of Ballet in Canterbury, asked her mother to take her away because she was, by her own admission, “completely useless”. “Like a life sentence,” she says. “For the school, I mean.” After that she was sent to France, to Fontainbleu, where she played endless hockey and did little else of use. She was only there a year, and set free, after her debutante year in London, she became a bit of a hippy and earned enough as a model to keep herself. Interestingly, she had little confidence, but she was pretty enough to do quite well. Another couple of years working for the fashion photographer David Montogomery, booking models and so on, she was married at 21. Her husband became Viscount Devonport and, after moving to Northumberland, the couple were divorced in 1979 after 11 years together. Their daughter Idonia has cerebral palsy and now lives at the Percy Hedley special school in North Tyneside where she is very happy and well cared for, says Elizabeth, who has a counselling diploma and also for many years organised country summer holidays under the title ‘Geordie Jaunts’ for underprivileged city kids. She was in a relationship with an antiques dealer, Roger Freer, and living in Corbridge when she first saw what was to become her hilltop home near Riding Mill in 1986. It was going to be a perfect home for them, but Roger died suddenly just six weeks after they bought it. She had no choice but to pick herself up and get on with things, eventually selling the farmhouse and some of the barns, moving into one of them, which is where she is now; a pretty home, full of family photos, bold artworks, flowers and good cheer. Liz doesn’t talk long without a hearty guﬀaw about something, and she has a sense of humour that is both

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mischevious and at times darkly funny. Retaining a strong sense of self preservation helps in life, she says, something which had to come into play when she bust a disc in her back a few years ago and ended up in bed for two months. “I was totally incapacitated,” she says; a state of aﬀairs no-one would relish, particularly someone so robust and active. Friends helped her through it, as did her philsophical outlook. “It’s weird how life gives you opportunities, and I’ve trained myself to be an extremely positive person,” she says. She has more TV work in the pipeline, again with a historic theme, this time about World War Two evacuees. She is a hit on screen, it seems, and not only because she appeared naked in Channel Four’s 2008 Diets That Time Forgot programme. Indeed, for her first foray into TV, The Regency House Party, she was picked from 65,000 applicants. But what made her do it? “I saw it advertised and just thought, ‘why not?’ That’s how I am. If I like something, I will try it out.” And what next? Well, there may be a book one day. She was one of six winners of a Daily Mail writing competition a few years ago which attracted 30,000 hopefuls judged on one opening paragraph of a novel. Less than sentimental, she hasn’t kept a copy of her gripping first paragraph. “I think I’ll go back to writing properly when I’m old and grey,” she says. She also did some acting training, but says she doesn’t have the guts for it. She couldn’t take the rejection, she says, because the shy girl who hid in toilets in 1960s London is still very much a part of her, though you’d never guess. Warm and welcoming, she is also fiesty and strong, and she certainly doesn’t let a fear of the unknown hold her back. “If a thing’s worth doing, it’s worth doing for the hell of it,” she says, whether that be disrobing on camera, taking up with a man young enough to be her son, or running away with the circus. “It comes with age,” she adds. “That bit of confidence to just do things.” Like most people her age (early 60s), she’s been though various trials and milestones in her life. Her childhood was very happy, she says, despite the fact that her father had left her mother when Liz was only two. Her two elder sisters were, she says, more conventional than her, and she was a bit of a challenge to her mother, but they were happy.

Her own divorce came before such a thing was common and of course Idonia needed – and still needs – a great deal of care. “There have been lots of momentous things in life, like anyone else,” she says. “Just getting old has made me wiser. I value my health, I’m not ambitious anymore and not competitive anymore, which is a joy in itself. “Professionally, I tend to think something will turn up, and it generally does. I believe in doing anything that comes along – so long as it doesn’t involved incest or Morris dancing!” Idonia lived with her until she was 20 and went to Percy Hedley, where, says Liz, the care is fabulous and her daughter is happy. These days, her ideal day is to spend time with both her daughters, have lunch somewhere nice, followed by a walk in the country and the train up to Edinburgh to see her partner and go to the theatre. “I love my life,” she says. “I’m very fortunate and I wouldn’t ask for anything else.”

Modern manners lady Elizabeth Devonport assists Jill Harbord, of ladette to lady fame, in her etiquette workshops. There is a range of courses on oﬀer starting at just £25, including corporate days, group workshops, wedding courses and one-day ‘finishing academies’ which include dining and table manners, making the most of social opportunities, public speaking and presentation skills, creating an image, elocution and deportment. The courses are available at various venues in the region. For more information, see www.jillharbord.com

START SPREADING THE

“

It's one of the most exciting places in the world. It's THE place to go, whether you're into shopping, the arts or just eating out and people watching

As Jet2 launches two special shopping flights direct to New York from Newcastle in December, Judy Hobson visits the city that never sleeps o one forgets the first time they fly into New York's JFK airport – that first, wonderful sight of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Travelling into the city is also an experience in itself, especially if you ride in one of the city’s iconic yellow cabs, which will take you over the Brooklyn Bridge towards the sky scrapers where many tourists say everything suddenly feels familiar. Of course, that's because you've seen it all before - in Woody Allen’s films, episodes of Friends, in Sex and the City, Seinfeld... New York is actually one giant film set.

It's hard to believe that just 30 years ago, Manhattan was on its uppers. 1970s New York brought us the Ramones, Blondie and the Velvet Underground. It was the home of US punk rock, and had a grimy, gritty feel with ‘bums’ on street corners and drug addicts hassling for spare change. It's nothing like that now. There's been a clear-up on a major scale. A series of mayors has overseen a zero tolerance policy on crime and as a result, New York has become one of the safest tourist destinations in the world and Manhattan's real estate is some of the most expensive on the planet.

TRAVEL | SY

“ It's also one of the most exciting places in the world. It's THE place to go, whether you're into shopping, the arts or just eating out and people watching. Suggestions? Where do we start? There are the famous department stores for those Gucci and Jimmy Choo shoes. One of the most famous is Macy's in Herald Square. It's got bags of everything and is so big you'll need to pick up a map when you enter. Macy's is also famous for its sales. Tourists get a discount on some goods at the visitor centre and you can even ask for your purchases to be shipped home. Trendier American brands can be found at Bloomingdales, especially its store in the Soho district. You might also pick up a designer bargain at Century 21 near Broadway, where the sales are among the best in town. But New York isn't just about the big department stores. Wander around and you’ll come across

… The park boasts more than 20 million visitors a year and is an oasis of calm within the bustling city. In fact, for many this is what makes Manhattan

independent boutiques where you’ll gather the finds that really make the diﬀerence back home. New York does everything big, of course, so you'll find flagship stores for many major brands. A must has to be the Apple store in the Soho district, complete with daily instruction seminars for iPad / iPod / Mac nerds. The three most visited sites are situated in downtown Manhattan. They include the immigration museum at Ellis Island - a tribute to the 12 million who arrived at the end of the 19th Century seeking a better life. It’s also a sombering experience to take a boat from The Statue of Liberty to Ground Zero, where there is a memorial museum and six skyscrapers in the process of being built. There are also two beautiful waterfalls, a performance centre and a rail terminal. Heading back uptown is Central Park with its lakes, theatres, ice rinks and fountains. There's also a zoo and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The park boasts more than 20 million visitors a year and is an oasis of calm within the bustling city. In fact, for many this is what makes Manhattan. If you're a John Lennon fan, you may want to pay tribute to the former Beatle at Strawberry Fields - a memorial located at his favourite spot in the park, close to the Dakota Building where he lived with Yoko Ono. There are plenty of art galleries, too, including The Guggenheim on the upper east side of Manhattan. It is the permanent home to a renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art and also features special exhibitions throughout the year.

You probably won’t have time to visit everything you want to see, but a bus tour is a good way to see most of the sights. Or take a film tour. There are a few on oﬀer, such as the TV and Movie Sites Tour, which includes locations from Friends, Seinfeld and films including The Devil Wears Prada and Spiderman. There are separate tours for Sex and the City fans and Sopranos aficionados. I can highly recommend the latter, which takes in New Jersey and places oﬀ the beaten track tourists don’t generally see. You can also get a great view of the city from the top of the Empire State Building or the Rockefella Center in Midtown Manhattan. The centre is a series of 14 buildings built in the 1930s in Art Deco style. In winter there's an ice rink in front of the main entrance - how very New York! >>

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SY | TRAVEL

<< So many films and TV shows are made here because it's such a diverse city. New York can be anything you want it to be. If boho's more your thing, head south to Greenwich Village and Soho - the cool part of town. This is the legendary writers’ and artists’ quarter – and though few can afford to live there now, the presence of the art crowd still gives it a great vibe. It's also a good place to eat, shop and hang around grab a coffee and a bagel in a trendy cafe and watch the hipsters go by. Music lovers will find cool bars and record shops, fashion fans will stumble across something a bit different in the boutiques. Head a little west into Chelsea and you'll come across the old meat-packing district. Nowadays, it's where you'll find the hippest bars, clubs and restaurants, like the French bistro Pastis - just one of the places to celeb spot, although you may find glitterati, limousines and onlookers clogging up the street outside. In New York, the city that never sleeps, you can also eat round the clock and get food from any part of the world. Just the China Town is huge. However, having breakfast in a 50s-style diner is a quintessential experience. Diners are everywhere and the food is normally very good - an added bonus for coffee fans is that you pay once for a cup that is constantly re-filled. A wonderful destination for foodies is Grand Central Station (42nd St and Lexington Ave). Here, you'll find authentic New York cheesecake and the famous Oyster Bar & Restaurant. There's also a slew of shops, including Godiva Chocolatier. Of course, New York is famous for its hot dogs, and it's always worth finding an old metal cart under a bright umbrella to order a dog with ketchup, mustard, onions and relish. Choosing accommodation in New York is a lot easier than it used to be. Not so long ago, you couldn't get a cheap room unless you were willing to share it with a few cockroaches (I can testify to this) but that's all changed. B&Bs are commonplace unless you go during a busy season (avoid Hallowe’en and Thanksgiving) and there

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are hotels to suit all budgets from the Hilton in Time Square to decent budget hotels. For something a bit diﬀerent, you could try the Hudson Hotel (356 West and 58th Street). Designed by Philippe Stark, it is striking inside and has a beautiful Sky Terrace. This will cost you between $300 and $500 a night per room (£195 to £325) and it usually has special oﬀers on - but be warned, the cheaper rooms are cool, but poky. Finally, another word of warning. The summers in the city are very hot and the winters can be freezing (in July temperatures can reach 30C, while January and February can fall as low as -3C). Spring and autumn are the perfect times to go, and then, the city that never sleeps is just waiting for you...

Getting there Airline Jet2.com has special one-oﬀ return flights to New York this christmas, on sale from £358.98 per person including taxes. Package holidays are also available from Jet2holidays from £599 per person, including return flights and three night’s hotel accommodation. This is the first ever direct service to New York from Newcastle Airport. The special Big Apple christmas shopping departures are: December 2 returning December 5, and December 9 returning December 12.

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SY | FOOD

inthe possible

best taste

If you’re desperate to utter the words, ‘come dine with me’, a new cookery school in North Yorkshire will ensure you do it with silver spoons, as Kathryn Armstrong discovers

“

We’re told that it’s the ingredients that matter and that simplicity is all when it comes to cooking …

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ood novices come in all shapes and sizes. From the hapless teenager off to uni to the workaholic living on expense account dinners and ready meals. Then there’s the rest of us, muddling our way through Nigella and Jamie, somewhere coaxing that inner Nigel Slater. It’s pretty easy to be OK at food. These days you can get away with knocking together a rustic shepherd’s pie or a roast chicken for a back-to-basics dinner party effort. We’re told that it’s the ingredients that matter and that simplicity is all when it comes to cooking – let the flavours shine and don’t forget to do something creative with the leftovers. But for most, the prospect of a dinner party – known less formally these days as ‘friends-round’ - catering can still strike fear into the heart. So the lure of the cookery school, more accessible than ever, is as appealing as a crème brulee. And a new and rather chi-chi one in North Yorkshire aims to help you get to grips with your inner gourmet. And you’re in the capable hands of ladies who really know their stuff. Lady G’s is the equivalent of a boutique hotel stay where you go home able to master your very own ‘come dine with me’ experience. I join a crowd of ‘students’ at the kitchen island. And there I find myself having my chopping technique scrutinised. It’s an uneasy feeling - after all, I’ve made an awful lot of spag bol over the years – but it’s that thing about experts watching you, the amateur, do something they excel at. Ten of us are placed around a chunky beech block worktop with very sharp knives experiencing Lady G’s

residential cookery workshops in the fine surroundings of Middleton Lodge, a Georgian mansion between the A1 and Darlington. We have our Lady G aprons on and are raring to go. The subject for the day is canapés, a dinner party main course and dessert. At the helm are Lady Georgina Anderson and Caroline Whalley. They are a very posh pair and have before them a mix of skills in their ten students. I consider myself a reasonable cook. I like creating in the kitchen, but in a beforehand kind of way – in other words, I like to make things that can be left once people arrive and hate the pressure of six dinner party main courses to execute while guests are sitting at the table. Consequently, the ethos of cooking with confidence for exactly those situations is appealing. Not to mention being able to do it in a way that says you are actually a ‘wow’ of a cook. Showing off in other words. Caroline and G, as she is known, are perfect tutors: thoroughly capable, effortlessly efficient and nice with it. They are both experienced chefs, having worked as private caterers for weddings, film catering, shoots and lunch parties. G trained at a cordon bleu cookery school and Caroline has worked in the restaurant trade as a head chef, as well as running a wine bar with her husband. Their cookery school is aimed at all levels and includes courses for students and gap year teens who have yet to embark on their own culinary journeys. They are taught the basics of food preparation that celebrity chef Tiffany Goodall also demonstrates on the student courses. Other specialist sessions include a more advanced course for chalet chefs.

FOOD | SY

Their experience means they are great at passing on tricks of the trade and their aim is most definitely to instil confidence in their students. Says G: “It is about making it easy. Make substantial canapés and you do away with the need to make a starter. You can make them the day before so you’re freed up when people arrive. Canapes also serve as a great way to get people mingling and talking, which is always good.” Both G and Caroline urge their students to make friends with the experts. “Make your local butcher your friend – it’s worth it to get good deals, but also so you know you are getting the best product possible and that will be reflected in the food you serve. It also means that you can get the right cuts and amount of food you need.” As we sit in the kitchen, G and Caroline demonstrate the dishes they will be making. Every place around the bench has a couple of sockets for blenders and other food gadgetry and we are all given a set of utensils, chopping boards, and a lesson in food hygiene. The canapés include Cajun salmon skewers with lime and yoghurt dip, which are so easy, and miles better than even the best shop-bought versions. Ditto mushroom tartlets with Parmesan crisps; the words ‘one pack ready-made tartlet cases’ on the ingredients list always a bonus. The diﬀerence is that it’s easy to create a fresh and home-made mushroom filling (this is where my expertly chopped mushrooms come in) that raises the humble tart case to a greater thing. And at the risk of getting over excited – Parmesan crisps! Pop some grated cheese in a circular biscuit cutter on a baking tray. Put in the oven for five minutes then leave to cool and you have a very ‘wow’ topping for your tart. Definitely in the swing of it, the stuﬃng of a lamb fillet becomes easy as pie with a knife that really works. The creation of Deconstructed Lamb Wellington is something to behold: a Masterchef moment if ever there was one. Perhaps more so the de-mystification of lavender panacotta, which should be very tricky you’d think. One of those desserts you would only have in a restaurant because it seems so complex, but once you

“

Make your local butcher your friend – it’s worth it to get good deals, but also so you know you are getting the best product possible …

see how to handle gelatine leaves and infuse some double cream then it all seems so straightforward. A bit of a revelation all round. We later got to eat our prepped food over dinner in Middleton Lodge’s sparkly dining room. For residential courses, this is definitely one of the highlights. The Lodge is a private house which is rented out for weddings, parties and corporate functions. James Allison, who runs it with his sister Fiona, lives there (it was their family home, and he bought it from his parents a few years ago), acting as a charming host for weddings and functions and managing all the events. He and Fiona have overseen a big refurbishment recently, making the most of the Georgian mansion’s

stunning proportions. The public rooms are a comfy mix of contemporary, shabby chic and antique. There’s also a new bar and a beautiful reception hall out of which the grand circular staircase meanders upwards. The bedrooms are elegant and mix contemporary heritage paint colours with modern bathrooms, lovely textures and furnishings, all making for a very luxurious, pampering stay, and the courses end with dinner and a stay followed by a hearty breakfast, recipe folder and goody bag: the perfect ingredients!

Since attending the course, I have made very successfully - panna cotta. With leaf gelatine and everything! And it really was a come dine with me moment! collection | 35

SY | FOOD

PERFEcT POSH PARTY

NibbLes

Cajun salmon skewers with Lime and Yoghurt Dip (makes 20)

Mushroom Tartlets with parmesan Crisps (makes 20)

400g Salmon Fillet (skin removed) 2 tsp each Thyme, Rosemary Oregano (dried) 1 tsp Smoked Paprika 1 tsp Sweet Paprika ½ tsp cayenne Pepper 2 tsp cumin Seeds (dry roasted) 1 Garlic clove (crushed) 3 tbsp Olive Oil ½ tsp Salt 20 Bamboo Skewers (soaked for 20 mins) For the Dip Mix the following ingredients: 400ml Pot Greek Yoghurt Zest and Juice of 2 limes 1 tbsp chopped coriander

250g Mixed Mushrooms (chanterelle, oyster, shiitake, button) finely diced, 2 tbsp Olive Oil 1 Aubergine 1 Red Onion finely diced 1 pack of fresh or frozen short crust pastry (or 1 pack of ready made tartlet cases) Knob of butter 100ml of Double cream 1 tbsp lemon Juice Salt and Pepper

Method cut the salmon into 1½ inch squares (approximately) To make the marinade, toast the cumin seeds and dry herbs in a frying pan until they start to smell and pop, mix in the spices, crushed garlic and olive oil to make a paste, place the salmon in a mixing bowl, pour on the marinade and toss the two together, then leave to marinade for at least one hour. To cook, place each salmon square onto the end of the skewer and lightly fry in a dry griddle pan for 2 mins each side. NB - no oil is needed for frying. Place each skewer on a baking sheet and put in the fridge until serving. To serve, warm the salmon skewers in a medium oven (160°) for 7 mins and serve on a platter with a ramekin of the yoghurt for dipping.

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Method If you’re using short crust pastry you will need a mini muffin tray. Place the whole aubergine on a baking tray, put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes at 190°c; it should be soft and beginning to char. If you are using short crust pastry, roll out your pastry to approx 3mm thick and using a small pastry cutter cut 20 rounds that will fit into the mini muffin tin. cut 20 grease-proof paper rounds to put onto each pastry case, put blind baking beans on top of the grease proof paper, this will stop the pastry from rising. Bake in a hot oven (200c) for ten minutes until golden. Remove from the tin and cool on a wire rack. Melt the butter and olive oil in a medium pan, sauté the red onion until soft then add your diced mushrooms, cook down making sure all the liquid has cooked off. Add the cream and simmer until the cream has begun to thicken, remove from the heat and place in a bowl to cool.

FOOD | SY

Remove the skin of the aubergine and mash the flesh into the mushroom mixture. Season with salt and pepper and the truﬄe oil. Place the tart cases (homemade or bought) in a low temperature oven to warm slightly, warm the mushroom mixture and teaspoon the mixture into the cases, garnish with a sprinkling of parsley. parmesan Crisps (makes 20) 200g Parmesan, Finely Grated Method Prepare a baking sheet with silicon baking paper Using a 1” pastry cutter as a template, sprinkle a heaped teaspoon of parmesan inside the pastry cut so you have a neat round of cheese on the baking sheet, repeat 20 times, you may need to do two sheets of ten. Bake in a hot oven 200 °c for 5mins until the cheese has melted and turned golden. Using a palette knife, carefully remove each disc and cool on a wire rack. Please note these crisps are very delicate so take your time. Place a parmesan crisp on top of each Mushroom Tartlet. bruschetta with pea and Mint puree (makes 20) 225g Frozen Peas (defrosted) 1 tbsp Boursin cheese 3 tbsp cream cheese 2 Spring Onions (ends out outer leaf removed) Juice of 1 lemon 1 Small Bunch of Mint 2 Petit Baguette

Olive oil 20 sprigs of fresh mint Salt and Pepper Method Pre heat the oven to 200c Place the peas, boursin, cream cheese, spring onion, lemon juice and mint leaves into a food processor or blender and pulse until blended but not smooth. (The mixture needs to have texture). Season with salt and pepper, place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. Slice the ciabatta about 1cm thick, brush with a little oil and season with Salt & Pepper. Place on a baking tray and bake in the oven for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, place a spoonful of the pea mixture onto each bruschetta and garnish with a tiny sprig of mint.

Lady G’s at Middleton lodge A one-day residential course includes full day tuition and hands-on experience. Overnight, dinner and breakfast, £195 per person. The schedule includes student, chalet and gap courses for 2010/11. You can also do a half day Ready Steady cook course for a group of eight friends, or as a corporate away day. This includes learning how to produce a delicious two-course meal before sitting down to lunch to enjoy the food you’ve cooked - £50 per person (minimum eight people). You can also do a half day Dinner Party Menu course, spending the afternoon learning how to do canapés and dinner party main course and pudding - £70 per person (minimum eight people). Full-day individual courses can also be designed from £110 per person. Details at www.ladygscookeryschool.com

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Call 0845 15 50 180 or visit www.tsg.com collection | 37

SY | HOMES

Areyousitting

comfortably? Then we’ll begin… with the sofa, as Jane Pikett asks,

how comfortable is your living room? very generous friend of mine has just donated two sofas to my cause. I’d made no secret of coveting them over the years – two big, deeply relaxing crimson affairs which, once you’re in them, offer an embrace greater than the best lover or the most dedicated friend. My friend’s sons – and their mates, who used to loll around her drawing room - are up in arms, while my kids think all their Christmases have come at once, for these are arguably the most comfortable sofas known to man (or teenage boy). Your sofa is one of the most important purchasing decisions you will make. Get it wrong, and it’s not only an expensive mistake, but you can’t even relax in your own living room. Get it right, and what should be the most comfortable room in the house is the haven it should be (or it’s full of your teenage kids’ friends). We are particularly impressed this season with the new collection at Chapmans, which has beautiful showrooms in Newcastle and Carlisle, plus a newly launched online store. This is a fifth-generation family business where the quality of the goods is never in question and the well-informed advice of the staff is always gently given and much appreciated. The Newcastle store – a landmark in its own right on Market Street in the city centre - has a huge 30,000sqft of showroom space and has also just unveiled an enormous new window, extending its glazed frontage alone to a very attractive 150ft. Even more exciting - the company has launched a very tempting online store. Hard to resist, indeed… My friend upon whose sofa I now sit has been to Chapmans in search of an informal and relaxed look and has replaced the comfort of the couches I now enjoy with beautiful contemporary sofas and chairs in a stunning selection of fabrics. The kids aren't happy, but the grown-ups have the sanctuary they crave. Meanwhile, my sons’ friends appear to have moved into my living room. History is repeating itself, and I wonder how long it will be before I turf them out (sofas and boys) in favour of a more elegant sophistication? Chapmans, Newcastle and Carlisle, and online at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

kempston: A classic, elegant style in a contemporary print, this is the essence of elegance. large Kempston sofa, was £1,835, now £1,195 at chapmans Newcastle and carlisle and at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

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Milton: For versatility and contemporary style, this two-seater sofa oﬀers flexibility and classic design. Milton two-seater sofa, was £695, now £595 at chapmans Newcastle and carlisle and at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

elegance: For contemporary comfort and style, this mix of suede and leather with versatile scatter cushions is the ultimate in relaxation. Elegance scatter back corner sofa, was £1,295, now £995 at chapmans Newcastle and carlisle and at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

Montana: A bold take on big florals and a cheering presence in the dark months of winter. large Montana sofa, was £2,725, now £2,295 at chapmans Newcastle and carlisle and at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

Castellana: Ice-white leather creates ultra contemporary cool, but with a classic elegance that won’t fade with fashion. large castellana sofa, was £1,629, now £1,385 at chapmans Newcastle and carlisle and at www.chapmansfurniture.co.uk

Available at

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SY | INTERIORS

“

WORlD

This is the product of two and a half years of hard work, research and investment, and we’re proud to bring these designs to life again”

The historic fabrics of Queen Victoria and the Titanic are being brought to life for the first time in 100 years. Jane Pikett discovers an historic textile treasure trove hen Queen Victoria died in her bedroom at her beloved Osborne House on the Isle of Wight, one of the last things she saw was the chintz with which she had decorated the room. Look closely at the design and you will note that the profiles of Victoria and her adored Prince Albert are discernable among the block-printed flowers – testament to a devotion which endured throughout her 40 years of widowhood. No-one can know if that fabric, printed to Victoria’s own design in Cumbria in the 1850s, brought her some solace as she closed her eyes for the last time,

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but seeing it now – re-printed for the first time in 150 years – certainly makes one wonder. The Victoria and Albert Chintz, which still hangs in Victoria’s bedroom at Osborne, has now been re-printed in a limited worldwide edition of just 5,000 metres by Designer Archive Fabrics, based in Prudhoe, Northumberland. This, plus another floral print used in the ballroom and staterooms of the fated Titanic, which has also been reproduced in a 5,000-metre worldwide limited edition, will go on sale soon – for the first time in more than a century.

Mike MacIntosh, who with business partner Ronnie Kelly formed Designer Archive Fabrics with the intention of re-discovering and re-creating historic fabrics in worldwide limited runs, is delighted at the prospect. “This is the product of two and a half years of hard work, research and investment, and we’re proud to bring these designs to life again,” says Mike. “We are using the same processes and colouring techniques as originally, and the fabrics are being printed in the same Cumbrian mill as they were then. You can put the old fent [the sample kept in the vast archive at the print works] next to the new one and not see the diﬀerence unless you know what you’re looking for, such as signs of age.” The original designs are at the huge Cummersdale Design Collection at the Cummersdale Print Works in Carlisle; named for the Cumbrian village in which Thomas McAlpin and his step-son John Stead founded the print works which produced the Titanic fabric, the Victoria and Albert Chintz and thousands more from the mid-1800s onwards. The Cummersdale Design Collection includes all the Stead McAlpin designs, plus hundreds more dating back to 1790 which Stead McAlpin acquired when they took over a Preston print works. Designs are still available under licence, but only to select producers with a proper appreciation of their history, which is how North East based Designer Archive Fabrics come to reproduce them. The time and money invested in the project is massive. More than two years since embarking on it, and with an investment necessary of some £10,000 per pattern

INTERIORS | SY

“

It’s a labour of love really,” says Mike, “and we’re proud to be able to bring these designs back to life. They’re superb and it’s wonderful …

before a single metre is produced, Mike is able to proudly show me rolls of the fabrics at his shop, Factory Fabrics in Prudhoe. These patterns are exquisite in their own right, the more so for their provenance - yet this moment is fleeting; after the tiny 5,000-metre print runs are complete, the screens will be destroyed and the patterns will return to the archives, perhaps for another 100 years – who knows? Mike is first and foremost an enthusiast. He’s worked with fabrics most of his life, and is well known for co-founding Factory Fabrics, Blaydon – a textile treasure trove which has now moved to Prudhoe and

remains the source of fabrics hanging in homes throughout the land. In his oﬃce, he produces piles of paper – prints of the Titanic and Victoria and Albert patterns are laid out, and then covered by more – Lady Churchill’s Arum lilies, also lovingly re-produced in a limited run – and the 1920s Grand National and Old Vauxhall patterns of the great designer Harry Wearne. There are photos of the original print records from the Stead McAlpin factory, and of the notebooks, full of copperplate handwriting and tiny fabric samples, which documented the design and creation of each fabric.

“It’s a labour of love really,” says Mike, “and we’re proud to be able to bring these designs back to life. They’re superb and it’s wonderful to see them recreated. It will also be fascinating to see where our limited-edition runs eventually end up.” To view the Titanic and Victoria and Albert fabrics prior to their release for sale, contact Mike MacIntosh at Designer Archive Fabrics, Factory Fabrics, Princess Way, Prudhoe, tel 01661 836 717. Cummersdale Design Collection, Carlisle – home to 25,000 prints, including the Titanic pattern and the Victoria and Albert Chintz, tel 07894 490 815, www.cummersdaledesign.co.uk

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collection | 41

SY | HOMES

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Anelegantprospect

HOMES | SY

The owners of ravenstone, a Victorian hillside home overlooking the Tyne Valley, have achieved the almost-impossible in creating an elegant restoration which complements the grace and grandeur of their home. Jane Pikett discovers a rare opportunity to invest in a superb country house ome say the character of a home is innate within the fabric of its bricks and mortar while others assert that the true nature of a building is built over years by the impressions of the people who live, and have lived there. Either being the case, Ravenstone immediately impresses upon the visitor a sense of peace, wellbeing and - for all its magnificence and grandeur – comfort. There are few country cottages so welcoming, and few stately mansions so noble. In this, Ravenstone is something of an architectural paradox – a magnificent country home which is both elegant and snug, the large country kitchen and four-oven Aga at its heart providing a warmth which imbues the entire house. Ravenstone, which sits on Prospect Hill, just a mile or so from Corbridge’s historic village centre, has been home to many during its 143 years, including the Angus family, members of which were in residence for more than 60 years. The present owners purchased the property in 1996 and have lovingly restored it, creating a dignified, expressive home which enjoys both stately historic features and every modern convenience. The result of their extensive and painstaking restoration and remodelling is an outstanding family home which fluently expresses both history and modern convenience. Anyone who has restored an old home will tell you what a feat it is to strip away 20th Century features to reveal original grandeur, and to source period features which properly replace those that have been taken away or covered up over the years. >>

“

There are few country cottages so welcoming, and few stately mansions so noble. In this, Ravenstone is something of an architectural paradox … collection | 43

SY | HOMES

“

“We restored and re-used everything we could,” says the present owner, “ and sourced reclaimed goods to replace those we could not save …

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<< The present owners of Ravenstone embarked on their own journey with this house; remodelling it to remove the historic masters’ and servants’ divisions which still, in many Victorian houses, create grand spaces in only half the house, with lesser quarters, once occupied by servants, at the back and below. There are no such lesser spaces at Ravenstone. Any that were there have been remodelled to reveal spacious, comfortable rooms fitted with beautifully restored, elegant hallmarks which properly complement the property’s history. It is impossible to see where, from necessity, the owners have salvaged goods such as doors and radiators to replace those removed during the last century, and not even the most practised eye can spot where recently replicated or restored cornices and friezes have replaced those damaged or decayed in years gone by.

There are countless delightful touches; a charming flight of garden steps has been built from an original stone staircase that once led from the servants’ quarters to the reception rooms, while the Grade II listed dovecote, with its charming three penny bit tower, was until recently home to the family’s horses. “We restored and re-used everything we could,” says the present owner, “and sourced reclaimed goods to replace those we could not save or which had been removed years ago. The result is a much-improved house which merges history with every modern convenience. It has been a labour of love.” The spacious basement gym, sauna and shower rooms were created from old cellar rooms and open via French doors to the garden. The front elevation, which the present owners felt appeared overly austere when they bought the property, has been softened by the addition of a

HOMES | SY

The Dovecote…

ground-floor elevation with bay windows and first floor terrace, while one section at the centre of the house was completely rebuilt to provide for a new reception hall which links what were, at the time the present owners moved in, three distinct parts of the house. Yet this extensive building work is so seamless, so fitting in scale and style, that Ravenstone looks as if nothing structural has changed in over 100 years. The spaces flow eﬀortlessly, each room proceeding to the next through connecting doors and generous hallways which each create their own sanctuary. The decor is light and relaxed; butter yellows, creams and natural tones complementing shades of autumn leaves and breezy sea shores. The six beautifully decorated bedrooms are served by four bathrooms, all of them providing the latest contemporary services from historic fittings. There are French windows to a terrace with views over the Tyne Valley to one, a pretty window seat in the hall outside another. And while every room is large enough to accommodate furniture which complements the stately nature of the house, each is also snug and peaceful. They also all have beautiful aspects and views to the gardens and grounds, which stretch to some four acres from a winding drive through mature redwood fir trees. The grounds are divided into upper and lower tiers, with lovely lawns and castellated hedges, private patio terraces, pathways and walks. There is a rose garden, kitchen garden, Victorian vinery and potting shed, orchard and all-weather tennis court, plus the dovecote stable and fenced paddock. This house has all you would expect of a country residence built in grand style. The pillared entrance portico, for instance, is set into a castellated tower leading to a welcoming reception hall with mosaic tiled floor, beautiful stained glass window and there are four principal reception rooms – a dining room, a

study/library, a drawing room and morning/sitting room, all of them enjoying lovely views. The kitchen is fitted with hand-painted cabinets by Mowlem & Company and Indian slate flooring and leads on to a beautiful breakfast room connecting to an Amdega orangery. There is a studio, utility and storage space, extensive cellars, a workshop, a gardener’s plant room and kitchen, and integrated double garage. Plus, there is also a fabulous billiard room which features a barrel vaulted ceiling echoed by a timber fire surround – another vintage buy sourced from a reclamation yard. This room was extended by the owners to provide a raised sitting area, which is south facing and has French doors to a terrace and patio. The property is only a mile or so out of Corbridge and its charming shops, restaurants and pubs, half a mile from Corbridge train station with links to Carlisle and Newcastle, and only three miles from the main A69 route linking to the A1 in the east and M6 to the west. There are, of course, many excellent schools in the area, as well as renowned recreation facilities, golf and rugby clubs. Ravenstone, Prospect Hill, Corbridge, NE45 5RZ, price guide: £3.75 million

Ravenstone is being sold either as one property or with the addition of The Dovecote; a newly built stone house with its own private gated entrance to the east of the main house. The Dovecote, designed by the renowned architectural partnership of Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall, is built from the stone and slate which once formed a house in the garden of Ravenstone and its inspiring design features a threepenny bit tower which echoes that of the old dovecote in Ravenstone’s garden. This contemporary home features three double bedrooms, all with en-suite bathroom or shower rooms, a large living and dining room with bay window to the south-facing terrace and multi-fuel burning stove. The kitchen has painted cabinets with granite worktops, a cooking range, integrated appliances and double doors onto the south facing terrace. There is a utility room and integral double garage and a cloakroom/wc. The private gardens are separate from Ravenstone and The Dovecote is ideal for an independent relative or visiting guests. The Dovecote, prospect Hill, Corbridge, Ne45 5rZ, price guide: £750,000 ravenstone and The Dovecote, prospect Hill, Corbridge, Northumberland, are for sale as one purchase or as two separate properties, priced £3.75m and £750,000 respectively. please contact Duncan Young or Hazel ross at the rare! oﬃce, High street, Gosforth, Newcastle, tel 0191 223 3500, duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk hazel.ross@sandersonyoung.co.uk

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rare! is renowned as a leading estate agency for the sale of luxury and beautiful homes. Extensive knowledge and experience, superb marketing and absolute discretion are guaranteed, plus an international window to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best buyers. Beautiful homes in beautiful places... a rare! thing indeed.

Tel: 0191 223 3500 Hazel ross

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The Old Bank 30 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1lX

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Set within stunning Northumbrian countryside Bitchfield Tower is a highly impressive and unique country house, surrounded by grass parks and close to the magnificent Belsay Hall and Castle. It provides a peaceful tranquil haven for any purchaser desiring privacy, yet with ease of accessibility to Ponteland (5 miles), Newcastle International Airport (7 miles) and Newcastle upon Tyne (14 miles). The acquisition of Bitchfield Tower by the current owner in 1995 coincided with an extensive refurbishment of this fine building, as well as the construction between 1996 and 1998 of the fabulous Great Hall and a Gatehouse. The more recent conversion of the Estate Office also typifies the quality of the work carried out by the current owners of this lovely home. It enables a private business and management suite to be run successfully from within the grounds of the property, under high standards of security and surveillance. Bitchfield Tower enjoys a truly unique setting being accessed from a private drive and road..The entrance is very impressive with stone pillared surrounds and electrically operated gates.

Baronial style great hall | Cloakroom/wc | Morning room | Kitchen with Aga | Staff kitchen | Laundry room | Cellars & boiler room | Separate wc Flower room | Music room | Impressive dining room with double height void and galleried library above | Drawing room | Billiard room with barrel vaulted stone ceiling | Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study | Master bedroom and guest bedroom suites | Nursery | Seven further bedrooms | Five further bathrooms | Guest sitting room | Three bedroom staff house | Gatehouse Outbuildings including stabling and garaging Externally, the mature garden contains a champion sized all weather tennis court, a croquet lawn, beautiful walks through the mature woodland and a well stocked trout lake. The layout of the grounds, with a series of walled gardens, is much admired; the formality of the principal gardens to the southern elevation has formed a superb backdrop for several charitable functions and weddings. The sale of Bitchfield Tower provides a highly unusual and rare opportunity.

Price Guide: ÂŁ3.9 Million

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rare! OFFICE

Bitchfield Tower Belsay

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Witton Hall is one of the finest country houses to have been built in the north of England during the twentieth century, and was completed in 1989 to an exacting specification. It occupies an elevated position with panoramic views over the village, south to Witton Castle and along the River Wear. Constructed of the finest sandstone, the building features classic Georgian elements as well as other interesting details including a number of trompe l’oeil, bespoke marquetry and a selection of fine Italian marbles. Particular attention has been paid to the leisure complex, which is annexed to the Hall, and comprises a swimming pool, ballroom, gymnasium, sauna and mezzanine games room. Comprehensive lighting and Bang & Olufsen sound systems are incorporated throughout the house, and there is a lift connecting the ground and first floors. In addition to the main Hall, there is a detached lodge house, two cottages, a five-bay garage block, an allweather tennis court, loosebox and tack room.

Magnificent reception hall with sweeping staircase | Cloakroom Separate wc | Drawing room | Excellent breakfasting kitchen by Mark Wilkinson Furniture with French doors to terrace | Dining room | Orangery with French doors to terrace | Utility | Principal bedroom suite with dressing room, en suite bathroom, separate wc and double doors to balcony | Four further bedrooms, all en suite and three with dressing rooms | Leisure complex Externally the grounds include sweeping lawns, a gazebo, a balustraded terrace, a formal pond, raised flower and shrubbery borders, a sunken garden around a formal fishpond and a secluded flagged courtyard. Witton-le-Wear is an attractive, predominantly Victorian village with a selection of fine houses on the northern banks of the River Wear. It is an active community with a village school and playgroup, two pubs and three churches. Whilst enjoying a rural location, communications are excellent with Darlington, Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland all within commuting distance. There are East Coast main line railway stations at Durham and Darlington (Kings Cross 2½ hours) and two international airports within 45 minutes’ drive.

Price on Application

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rare! OFFICE

Witton Hall Witton le Wear, County Durham

rare! OFFICE Lauder Grange Prospect Hill, Corbridge

Price on Application

A fabulous opportunity to acquire a distinctive, stone built and highly impressive detached Victorian house. Built in the 1870s, the property has been extensively renovated, refurbished and luxuriously upgraded by the current owners in recent years. The house enjoys total gardens and grounds extending to just under 23 acres and includes grazing land of 15.5 acres and magnificent formal gardens. Situated just to the south of Corbridge, this beautiful home enjoys an outstanding aspect and view over the Tyne Valley and its stunning grounds. The house itself, accessed through electrically operated gates and good security, has a great deal of style.

Magnificent Great Hall | Elegant drawing room | Family sitting room | Gentleman’s study | Formal dining room | Well equipped and fitted kitchen Large breakfast room | Extensive basement store rooms, with study and workshop areas | Master bedroom suite with handmade furniture, outstanding bedroom, en suite and tower study | Six further bedrooms | En suite | Two further bathrooms Externally, the grounds also include a helicopter pad, a large general purposes store building and beautifully structured and tiered gardens. The outbuildings include stables, three double garages, kennels, tack and feed sheds and an arrangement of store rooms. The 15.5 acre paddock has its own water and a range of timber shelters. Lauder Grange is a very imposing ‘gentleman’s residence’, with excellent access to Corbridge, its shopping facilities and rail and road networks linking into Newcastle and the International Airport. A highly imposing country home.

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rare! OFFICE

Tall Trees Gubeon Wood, Tranwell Woods, Morpeth

Price Guide: ÂŁ2.5 Million

Situated in 3.732 acres of magnificent gardens, is this stunning detached modern mansion house. The property was extensively remodelled and refurbished in 2005 and is now offered for sale with superb accommodation in a beautiful area of Northumberland. The electrically operated remote controlled gates are impressive and lead to a large drive and courtyard, as well as a triple car garage. Above the garage is a separate one bedroomed annexe and flat with its own private staircase.

Majestic reception hall | Cloakroom and separate wc | Stunning kitchen/breakfast room with extensive appliances and family area | Utility Dining room |Drawing room with media wall | Study with log burning stove | Garden room and conservatory | Leisure suite with swimming pool Five bedroom suites with magnificent en suites and two with external terraces | Self contained apartment with gymnasium

The gardens that surround Tall Trees include beautiful lawned areas and superb flower borders, an impressive pond at the front with lighting and fountains, a separate water feature with bridge to the rear, and a number of terraces and private sitting areas. Tall Trees is a beautiful house in a fabulous area. Its intelligent wiring, CCTV and in-built speakers to many rooms, provide just some of the features of this amazing house.

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rare! OFFICE Runnymede Road Darras Hall, Ponteland

Price Guide: ÂŁ2 Million

This individual bespoke property, constructed in 1992, was designed for the owners and has been further extended over recent years. It is a beautiful and light, well proportioned house with magnificent feature double glazed windows set in wood frames, a comprehensive alarm system with security cameras to the entrance gates, a courtyard and parking area, an integral double garage, and very impressive grounds extending to circa 1.3 acres.

Reception hall | Dining room | Games and playroom | Impressive drawing room with higher level views of the gardens beneath | Kitchen, finished in walnut, with extensive built-in appliances | Garden room | Family room | Walk in larder | Utility room, store room and studio/office above | Master bedroom suite, including a large bedroom, dressing room and luxurious en suite | Four further double bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities Externally, the main grounds are set out to the rear of the house and are segregated into five separate tiers, surrounded by paths and with many beautiful terraces. There are tall mature trees, beautifully planted borders, a summerhouse, an African hut and many al fresco sitting areas. This highly impressive family home has convenient accessibility to the facilities on the Broadway, as well as Ponteland village and easy transport links to Newcastle city centre and the International Airport.

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rare! OFFICE

Elmwood Elmfield Park, Gosforth

Price Guide: ÂŁ2 Million

A very special and unique opportunity to purchase an outstanding detached family home. This property is set back from Elmfield Park in its own private gardens and grounds, with electrically operated gated access and driveway leading to a courtyard and double garage. The house was purchased by the owners in 2007 and since that time has been extensively remodelled and refurbished to a very high standard, with intelligent wiring, built-in audio system and stunning interior design and decoration.

Fabulous reception hall with marble flooring | Cloakroom/wc | Sitting room with modern running flame fire | Garden room with doors to terrace Dining room | Family room with full south facing glazing | Playroom or study | Kitchen/breakfast room with extensive appliances and glazed doors to terrace and breakfast area | Utility | Four double bedroom suites, all with dressing areas and en suites

The house has a comprehensive security system, closed circuit TV surveillance and is a very impressive modern home. The grounds are magnificent; professionally landscaped with stone terraces, a summerhouse, lawned areas, beautifully stocked flower and shrub borders and superb lighting. Elmwood is a very special property in a very discreet and quiet setting within the heart of Gosforth and this is a unique opportunity to purchase a house of this quality.

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rare! OFFICE Ogle Castle Ogle

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.9 Million

Ogle Castle, believed to be one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Northumberland with occupation dating back to 1341, has a fabulous history and is beautifully built in stone. It is Grade I listed with approximately five acres of stunning grounds and currently operates as a bed and breakfast. A pebbled driveway leads to an open courtyard and parking area and a grazing paddock with stable, three loose boxes, a winter store and a large tack room.

The house has oil central heating and stone mullioned windows with cross leaded window detailing. Ogle Castle is a very special property and makes a fabulous country home and residence for a larger family. It is a secret gem within Northumberland and enjoys good accessibility into Ponteland, the International Airport and good road networks leading into Newcastle and Tyneside.

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rare! OFFICE

Saville Lodge The Grove, Gosforth

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.4 Million

Occupying a site of just under quarter of an acre on the corner of The Grove and Moor Road North, is this fabulous stone built detached home. The house was extensively renovated by the owners in 2007 to a very high standard, with contemporary interior blending well with the traditional late 19th century architecture. Electrically operated double gates and security entry telephone system link to the main house and connect into the front courtyard gardens. To the rear there is a westerly facing terrace, timber deck and patio with spotlighting and stone boundary walls.

The property has gas central heating, double glazing set in wood frames, fabulous windows, burglar alarm system, and a Nuvo audio system in many rooms. A highly impressive house in a great location of Gosforth with well screened and private gardens and tremendous access to central Gosforth facilities and amenities.

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rare! OFFICE The Old Vicarage Furzefield Road, Gosforth

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.3 Million

Occupying a professionally landscaped and mature garden site of just over 0.19 acres is this attractive three storey, semi detached house. The property has electrically controlled panelled gates set in brick pillars leading into a tarmacadam drive with detached double garage. The lawned gardens are south facing with bay trees, topiary box hedging and two private sitting areas.

The house has double glazing, a comprehensive alarm system and high quality interior decoration. The Old Vicarage is a very well presented house in an excellent area of Gosforth with good accessibility to the High Street, local private schools and leisure amenities. A beautiful home.

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rare! OFFICE

North Avenue Gosforth

Price Guide: £1.2 Million

A handsome and substantial, six bedroom, semi detached house, occupying a prime position in the heart of Gosforth. The delightful family home, circa 1908, has been beautifully restored and extended in the last 8 years to create a fabulous family home, with a wealth of character and original features as well as modern, luxurious fittings. The three storey house has a large block paved driveway, a double garage, and attractive landscaped gardens with a stone flagged terrace.

The internal presentation and decoration of this home is of the highest standard, with modern décor mixing with traditional and original features including: cast iron fireplaces, decorative ceiling coving and moulding, superb leaded and stained glass feature windows, and wood parquet and oak flooring.

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rare! OFFICE The Woodlands Sunderland Road, Cleadon

Price Guide: £1.1 Million

A very rare opportunity to acquire a luxurious detached family home. Built for the owner in the early 1970s, it was constructed with the finest craftsmen available and the quality is very special indeed. A private drive with security gatehouse and double gates links into the courtyard and parking area. A single garage is adjacent to the security office, with separate wc. There is also a separate cottage with large double bedroom, en-suite shower room/wc, lounge and kitchen. A very special property.

Vestibule | Reception hall | Cloakroom/wc | Principal reception room dividing easily into drawing room, dining room and garden room areas Kitchen with oak cabinets, built-in appliances, Aga and breakfasting area | Utility room | Master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, en suite bathroom and lady’s and gentleman’s dressing rooms | Three further bedroom suites with wardrobes and en suites The house has mahogany panelled doors throughout, gas central heating, double glazing, a sophisticated alarm system with 24/7 monitoring service, very impressive private grounds with lovely lawns and flower borders, and good accessibility into Sunderland, Boldon and Whitburn, with good beaches, walks and sports facilities close by.

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rare! OFFICE

Pelton House Front Street, Pelton, Chester Le Street

Price on Application

Pelton House, which is Grade II listed, is set back from Front Street in the village of Pelton, close by to Chester le Street and with good accessibility via the A1(M) into Newcastle, Durham and Washington. The property is believed to have been originally built circa 1750 and has a magnificent garden setting extending to 1.944 acres. The property sits very well within its site and overlooks the grounds, with their rolling lawned areas and well planted flower and shrub borders. Some of the mature trees within the grounds have tree preservation orders (details on file).

Kitchen/breakfast room | Sitting room | Drawing room | Dining room running the full width of the property | Lower basement store room Four double bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Second floor self contained apartment providing a fifth bedroom/sitting room, dressing room, kitchen and bathroom/wc To the north eastern corner of the site and separate from Pelton House itself is a partially utilised garage and office suite. Occupying a site of 0.313 acres it shows obvious potential for redevelopment for other residential/commercial uses. Within the gardens and grounds of the main house are a range of outbuildings, including a commercial studio, stone outbuildings and a newly reconstructed detached double garage. Some parts of the grounds show potential for redevelopment for residential purposes. Offers are invited for the combined properties and land.

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rare! OFFICE Queen Anne House Old Burdon, Seaton, Seaham, Durham

Price Guide: ÂŁ899,500

Delightfully positioned in a quiet hamlet, with access from a private road is this magnificent 1870â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built, detached, three storey home. Influenced and designed in the Queen Anne style this lovely property has been owned by the present owners for many years and has private gardens and grounds surrounding including a large carp fishpond, pebbled drive and courtyard with parking for many cars. The property enjoys easy access into Sunderland, Durham and Newcastle.

Entrance reception hall with family living room | Drawing room with lovely arched windows | Dining room with stone fireplace | Fitted kitchen with AGA | Utility room | Cloakroom/wc | Family snug room | Five bedrooms | En suite bathroom/wc | Two family bathroom/wc | Second floor two further bedrooms | En-suite shower room | Separate garage with professional studio with wc and garage Attached to the main house is the Dove Cote cottage which provides a living/kitchen/dining room, bathroom/wc and first floor mezzanine deck providing a double bedroom. The old dairy to the rear of the house is currently used as a workshop with two substantial store rooms, and has planning permission for a one bedroom self contained holiday let.

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rare! OFFICE

Gallowhill Low Luddick Hall House Whalton Callerton Park, Morpeth Lane, Woolsington

Price Guide: ÂŁ895,000 ÂŁ100,000

Lowoutstanding An Luddick House country is ahouse, periodsituated country only house, a short retaining distance many away original fromfeatures, the village with of Whalton equestrian andfacilities, close by lying to Bolam only and minutes its nature drivereserve from Newcastle and walks.City TheCentre. house itself offers Dating backato standard 1780 it was of opulence later extended and architecture before being rarely divided available intowithin two houses the region in 1977, and has andbeen is situated restored in to a private its former south glory facing by specialists, setting with capable mature ofgardens, working on a building extensive views of such and circa high 9standards. acres of grazing land with equestrian manege. A former Coach House and yard provides garaging, stabling and storage.

This unique property, registered as a small holding, can be accommodated as one main house or as a three bedroomed house with a separate two bedroomed unit. The property grounds has include extensive lawns with ha new ha, mature borders, the site of an old court, summer and extensive outbuildings. NB. The been fully refurbished with roof, rain waterorchards, goods, windows which aretennis double glazed set in houses sash timber frames and high quality alarm systems, as well as wiring and plumbing circuits.

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rare! OFFICE Grosvenor Villas Jesmond

Price Guide: ÂŁ895,000

A stunning three storey, Victorian semi detached villa, set in its own private crescent and one of only four original houses built at that time. The property has a lovely front garden with lawned area and long drive to the detached double length garage. At the rear the garden widens to provide a private lawned area, with brick wall boundaries and terraces. The house internally has tremendous architectural features and style and is very tastefully presented.

The property has gas radiator central heating, beautiful panelled doors, stained and leaded glass windows in part, an alarm system and lovely interior design. This is a super house in a good area of Jesmond, close by to all amenities and facilities and good transport links. Viewing is strongly recommended.

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rare! OFFICE

Springfield Lodge Shotley Bridge

Price Guide: ÂŁ785,000

Springfield Lodge was originally built in the 1950s, but was dramatically altered and extended in the 1980s and now provides a most impressive detached home in a magnificent setting within this beautiful area of County Durham. The countryside surrounding the property is magnificent and the views that this house enjoys from its elevated position are tremendous. The property is surrounded by approximately two acres of gardens and grounds.

This house is very impressive and enjoys good accessibility into Newcastle, Consett and Rowlands Gill. The surrounding countryside is particularly sought after because of its beautiful walks. A very attractive country home in a great location.

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A development by:

Indicative images

Moorlands Hall Elmfield Road, Gosforth Set back from Elmfield Road in the heart of Gosforth, work has now started on the extensive refurbishment and remodelling of this outstanding Victorian stone built detached Mansion. The property is located amongst an exclusive mix of newly built family homes and luxury apartments, which marry well with the mature partially wooded site with open lawned park to the south. The development is situated amongst many other valuable and exclusive traditional family homes in this very popular part of Gosforth. The developer, Adderstone Group, who has formed a niche for speciality conversions of this kind, has recently won planning permission for the conversion of this three storey building into five stunning apartments and one detached Mews house, with fabulous views to the south over the Park. The scheme is likely to provide some of the finest conversion luxury homes in Newcastle. To the ground floor there will be two apartments, both with three double bedroom suites with beautiful bath or shower rooms. The apartments will have some accommodation at mezzanine level maximising the use of the double height ceilings and the lovely windows. Both will have separate drawing and dining rooms or study with fabulous fireplaces and windows. The separate kitchens will be fully integrated with breakfast areas. Both apartments will be circa 200m2 in size which is very well proportioned in a safe and very prestigious area and with some private garden areas. At first floor level, with access via stairs and lift, are two further apartments with two double bedrooms both with en-suite facilities and with large drawing/dining rooms as well as integrated separate kitchen /breakfast rooms. They will offer between 132 and 137m2 of accommodation. The very best apartment will be to the second floor and is a stunning penthouse with a private key secured lift into its own hall. The accommodation will provide 230m2 of accommodation excluding a private stone covered courtyard with mini pool and retractable roofing glazing. The glazed atrium will give great light to the rooms including one very large south and west facing double reception room with fully integrated luxury kitchen. There will be three double bedroom suites all with en-suite bath or shower facilities. This apartment will provide one of Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest. The building will have car parking facilities and a very high standard of specifications and fit out. The three bedroom Mews house will be built to the East of Moorlands Hall and will be a beautiful two storey, newly constructed building, with a small private garden as well as access to the beautiful manicured communal grounds. This will be an exceptional scheme ideally suited to those wanting a safe and secure luxury apartment in an outstanding setting. Timescales for completion build are Summer 2011.

Prices upon Application

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All enquiries in confidence to Sanderson Young rare! 0191 22 33 500

The Sanctuary

Crowden Hill Farm offers a fabulous and unique opportunity for buyers seeking a picturesque rural property, set in approx 3.92 acres, with potential to extend the farmhouse, convert the barn and shop/tearoom into two residential units, and create a third building (planning consents approved).

Stone farmhouse | Living room | Sitting room Family kitchen with AGA | Utility room | Three bedrooms | Bathroom | Planning permission to extend the house, creating additional living space, office, conservatory and three further bedrooms The farm has been operating as a Wildlife Centre, and would be of interest to those looking to create a visitor attraction, those with equestrian interests or families seeking a rural home with two separate cottages and a home/office studio.

Price Guide: ÂŁ1 Million

Heddon House Heddon On The Wall Located a short distance out of Heddon on the Wall with fabulous views to the south overlooking the Tyne Valley, is this impressive stone built country home. The property has been extensively refurbished by the owners since their purchase in 2001. It is a fabulous country property forming the dominant wing of this large detached building.

Reception hall | Drawing room | Dining room Kitchen/breakfasting room | Utility Conservatory/garden room | Four double bedrooms, master with luxury en suite | Jack and Jill en-suite | Family bathroom/wc | Oil central heating | Super interior design and tremendous natural light Heddon House has good accessibility into the Tyne Valley, as well as Newcastle and is also convenient for access to the International Airport and the stunning country walks and golf courses nearby. This is a beautiful home in a fabulous area of Northumberland.

Price Guide: ÂŁ925,000

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rare! OFFICE

Crowden Hill Farm, Ulgham Nr Morpeth

rare! OFFICE

Berry Holme Underhill Road, Cleadon

Occupying a fabulous corner plot with beautiful gardens is this four bedroom, detached, family home, extensively refurbished by the current owners in recent years. The house has a great deal of character and style, is very well decorated and benefits from original sash windows to the ground floor and double glazed sealed unit windows to the first floor.

Externally the gardens are the main selling feature, with superb well stocked borders, beautiful tall trees and shrubs offering a great deal of privacy. There are a number of private sitting areas and terraces. There is a separate old coach house which provides a single garage and useful storage buildings and gardeners wc.

Price Guide: ÂŁ750,000

Cramond House Roseworth Crescent, Gosforth An individual, architect designed detached house, built in 1989 in the orchard garden of the neighbouring Yarm House. The excellent, four/five bedroom family home has planning permission to extend and convert the existing garage into a laundry and studio/home office (plans available on file). The property has an attractive frontage with driveway and garage, and a lovely, south facing, landscaped rear garden.

Reception hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Living room | Dining room | Conservatory | Fabulous kitchen/breakfast room | Master bedroom En-suite wet room | Dressing room/bedroom five | Three further double bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc | No upward chain Cramond House has a superb location on Roseworth Crescent, minutes from the High Street with its amenities and having excellent access to the city centre and major commuting routes. A fabulous, modern detached house in the heart of central Gosforth, offering versatile accommodation with scope to extend/convert further into a studio/annexe to the rear.

Price Guide: ÂŁ750,000

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East Molesden

Situated to the west of Morpeth, within this beautiful hamlet of high quality homes, is this lovely listed 18th century farmhouse with a two storey barn extension. The property has style and character and was extended in 1975, the old farmhouse and barn having been joined by a very creative design.

There are lovely south facing gardens to the front with stone flagged terrace and parking. To the rear there is a newly built stone double garage, lovely lawned gardens and a two acre paddock. Molesden is well located to the west of Morpeth with good access to local schools and transport links into Newcastle.

Price Guide: £695,000

The Masonic Hall and Temple West Avenue, Gosforth Believed to have been constructed around the turn of the twentieth century and designed originally as a meeting hall and used for many years as a private club, is this beautiful, very substantial property, set back from West Avenue in the heart of Gosforth. The building has many architectural features, two gas central heating systems and is fully alarmed.

Four principal function rooms with drinking license | Billiard room with three full size Riley tables | First floor Temple | Formal dining room | Professional kitchen and store rooms Office and storage rooms | Two bedroom caretaker’s duplex apartment Externally the front garden has parking and may be redeveloped to provide further parking, subject to planning consent. The second floor shows potential for conversion works to provide further accommodation, subject to planning consent. The property provides a fabulous opportunity for a commercial members club and restaurant in such a vibrant and affluent part of Gosforth and Newcastle.

Price Guide: £570,000

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rare! OFFICE

Molesden, Morpeth

Inspired publishing without the drama.

0191 537 5720 sales@room501.co.uk

www.room501.co.uk

4LKPJHS (LZ[OL[PJ &/,1,& /7'

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ALNWICK OFFICE

“ WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

For coast and country homes, historic market townhouses and holiday homes where memories are made that last a lifetime... north Northumberland is deservedly a jewel in Great Britain’s crown. We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else – and with an extensive property portfolio marketing superb homes at every level, we can make sure you don’t have to.

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Tel: 01665 600 170 gillian.greaves@sandersonyoung.co.uk heather.richardson@sandersonyoung.co.uk

Gillian Greaves

Heather Richardson

Oﬃce Manager

Valuer

ALNWICK OFFICE

The Hocket Rennington, Alnwick

Price Guide: £625,000

A period stone built detached house, circa 1890’s, extended in more recent years from the original cottage and barn to provide well proportioned living accommodation, set within a stunning mature garden site of approximately 1.328 acres. The property has retained a great deal of character and benefits from many traditional features including beamed ceilings to most rooms, exposed stone walls and an Inglenook fireplace, as well as benefiting from oil fired central heating, double glazing and an alarm system.

The Hocket is ideally placed between Northumberland’s Heritage coastline and the Northumberland National Park and is approximately 3.5 miles to the north east of the market town of Alnwick where an excellent range of services and amenities is available. The property is well positioned for commuting throughout the region being situated approximately 2 miles from the A1 trunk road and 4.5 miles from Alnmouth East Coast Mainline station.

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ALNWICK OFFICE

Lounge, 29 Longbeach Drive

Longbeach Drive Beadnell

Kitchen, 29 Longbeach Drive

Plot of land

Price Guide: £550,000

An opportunity to purchase an investment portfolio with development potential. The portfolio consists of two 3 bedroom semi detached properties run by the existing owners as successful holiday let accommodation and a building plot with planning permission for a 2 bedroom detached dormer style bungalow of approx 904 sq ft. The properties benefit from electric night storage heating, double glazing and security alarm system.

No.29 Entrance lobby | Cloakroom/wc | Lounge | Kitchen/dining room with French doors to the rear garden | Three bedrooms Family bathroom/wc | Driveway | Gardens Price Guide - £229,950 No.31 Entrance lobby | Cloakroom/wc | Lounge | Kitchen/dining room with patio doors to the rear garden | Three bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc Driveway | Gardens Price Guide - £229,950 Building Plot Well positioned on the ever popular ‘Longbeach’ Development within the village of Beadnell famous for its water sports , these properties make an ideal place from which to explore Northumberland’s Heritage Coastline. Price Guide - £110,000

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ALNWICK OFFICE

Namaste Fenwick, Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Price Guide: £395,000

An attractive and individually designed detached family home built circa 1997 and set within delightful gardens of approximately ¼ of an acre, within the pretty rural village of Fenwick. The property is of Scandinavian design benefiting from triple glazing, and a multi-fuel stove. Externally there is an attached double garage, and superb landscaped gardens extending to approximately ¼ of an acre surround the property.

Namaste is situated on the edge of the village of Fenwick. Local amenities are available close by in Lowick where there is a village shop, post office, public house, gallery/cafe and village First School. A full range of services and amenities can be accessed via the A1 approximately 1 mile away within the market town of Berwick to the north and Alnwick to the south, where there are numerous shops, restaurants, hotels, leisure facilities and schooling for all ages.

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ALNWICK OFFICE

West Lodge

The Stables

The Coach House

Kitchen, West Lodge

West Lodge, The Stables and The Coach House Beal, Berwick-Upon-Tweed An excellent opportunity to purchase individually, or as an established portfolio, these stone built detached properties, superbly positioned to explore Northumberland’s Heritage coastline and just two miles from Holy Island. Over a maximum period of approximately 10 years these properties have attained English Tourist Board Council 5* Rating with an overall average income of approximately £85,000 per annum. (Individual figures available upon request). Benefiting from oil heating, double glazing, ample off street parking and generous gardens.

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Pedlars Rest is an attractive and well proportioned individually designed detached family home, set within a mature and substantial garden site of approximately half an acre, enjoying superb views over the open countryside. The property benefits from oil central heating, double glazing, alarm system and double garage.

Entrance lobby | Entrance hall | Cloakroom/wc Kitchen/breakfast room | Utility room | Lounge opening out to a garden room with superb rural views | Dining room | Three bedrooms – master with en suite | Family bathroom The rural hamlet of Sharperton is located in the picturesque upper Coquet Valley, west of the bustling town of Rothbury. The village overlooks the River Coquet and is on the edge of the Northumberland National Park, ideal for those buyers who enjoy walking and exploring the surrounding hills and countryside.

Price Guide: £425,000

Dormie Lodge South Lane, North Sunderland Dormie Lodge is a well presented and spacious detached family home, attractively positioned on South Lane towards the eastern edge of the village of North Sunderland, which is ideally placed for access to North Northumberland’s Heritage coastline with its miles of unspoilt sandy beaches and dunes. The property benefits from oil central heating, double glazing, a large single detached garage, as well as ample off road parking, gardens and open aspect views to the front.

Entrance hallway | Lounge | Sun room | Study Cloakroom/wc | Fitted kitchen | Utility room Dining room | Master bedroom with en-suite Two further bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc Fourth bedroom/first floor lounge with fabulous sea views The village of North Sunderland is situated to the west of the village of Seahouses, where a range of local amenities are available including a variety of shops, restaurants/hotels, public houses, Links Golf Course and Leisure Club.

Price Guide: £419,950

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ALNWICK OFFICE

Pedlars Rest Sharperton

ALNWICK OFFICE

Low Pastures Kenmore Road, Swarland Low Pastures is a well proportioned modern detached bungalow occupying an extremely attractive and generous garden site of approximately 1 acre, and benefits from oil fired central heating to radiators via a Stanley Oil Fired Range, timber casement double glazing, and a double garage. The bungalow provides spacious and versatile living accommodation.

UPVC conservatory providing the entrance hall Shower room/wc | Dining room | Hallway Lounge | 20ft conservatory | Fitted kitchen Utility room | Four bedrooms – one with an en suite shower room/wc | Bathroom with Jacuzzi style corner bath Externally the property is approached via wrought iron access gates with gravelled and paved driveway providing ample parking leading to a double attached garage. To the front and side is a lawned garden with mature trees and hedging, and to the rear is an extensive private garden with mature trees and hedging.

Price Guide: £415,000

Dune View Link House Farm, Newton by the Sea An attractive stone converted terraced cottage, one of three similar properties within a courtyard, superbly positioned close to the sandy dunes of Northumberland’s Heritage coastline. Just a short walk from the property through the dunes lies the beautiful sandy beaches of Newton-by-the-Sea with superb views towards Dunstanburgh Castle in the distance.

23ft lounge | Conservatory | Kitchen/breakfast room with byre style doors leading to the rear and integrated appliances | Three double bedrooms, two with en suite | Family bathroom/wc The small hamlet of Newton-by-the-Sea is centred around a traditional square and surrounded by stunning coastline popular for windsurfing, sailing, and bird watching. Dune View in recent years has proved itself to be a successful holiday let, and benefits from electric night storage heating, timber casement double glazing, off road parking, and shared gardens.

Price Guide: £410,000

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This spacious, well presented four bedroom detached bungalow, provides an excellent opportunity to purchase a substantial bungalow within a quiet village location. Occupying a large garden site within a cul de sac, it is only minutes walk from the River Coquet and benefits from gas central heating, double glazing, and driveway to double and single garages.

The picturesque village of Warkworth forms part of Northumberland’s Heritage coastline with miles of sandy beaches and Castles of historic interest. Warkworth has an imposing Castle, Norman Church and Hermitage, with lovely river walks and miles of unspoilt beaches.

Price Guide: £395,000

High Tide Newton Barns Newton-By-The-Sea

This attractive and well presented stone built barn conversion is part of a small and exclusive farm steading development constructed by Turney Wylde in 2006. The property is situated just outside the much sought after village of Low Newton by the Sea and from the boundaries there are stunning sea views making this an ideal second home/investment.

Open plan living including well appointed kitchen with appliances, dining area and vaulted lounge | Bathroom/wc | Ground floor bedroom | Two further first floor bedrooms, both with shower room/wc

View from the boundary

This spacious, light and airy accommodation has the benefit of double glazing, security alarm system, ground floor under floor heating and radiators to the first floor via LPG gas. Enclosed patio garden, stone outbuilding, parking for 2 cars as well as a paddock area of approximately 0.121 acres.

Price Guide: £385,000

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ALNWICK OFFICE

Coquet Way Warkworth

ALNWICK OFFICE

Tall Trees Greens Park, Warkworth An impressive four bedroom stone built townhouse in a prime position with some views towards Warkworth Castle. The property is built over 3 floors, benefits from a 10 year NHBC guarantee, and is well positioned in this historic village, within minutes walking distance of the Castle, pubs, restaurants, hotels and numerous shops.

Entrance hall | Cloakroom/wc | Open plan kitchen/dining room and sitting room | Lounge Two double bedrooms | Bathroom/wc Master bedroom with en suite | Further single bedroom | Garage | Gas central heating Alarm system Externally the property has a very private and attractive landscaped fully enclosed garden with patio, which backs south, and is not overlooked. It has been successfully let as a holiday home, with an English Tourist Board 5* rating. An early viewing is recommended to appreciate the superb location and space this property offers.

Price Guide: £329,950

Rivergreen Amble A stylish and contemporary semi-detached home with accommodation over three levels, occupying a superb position within this exclusive award winning development, with views of Amble Marina and Braid. The property incorporates many design features rated as excellent under Eco Homes 2003, including sedum and zinc roofs, whilst being finished to a high standard of specification, and benefiting from gas central heating to radiators via a condensing boiler, double glazing, and security alarm system.

Price Guide: £299,950

Harden View Netherton A modern detached bungalow offering versatile and spacious living accommodation, amidst spectacular rural North Northumberland, within the upper Coquet Valley. The property is well positioned as part of a small residential cul de sac development benefiting from superb rural views to the rear with oil fired central heating to radiators, timber casement double glazed windows, external security lighting and alarm system View from rear garden

Price Guide: £225,000

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An attractive and well presented four bedroom, detached family home, set in a prime position within the exclusive development of Aydon View with fantastic elevated views from the front across Aydon Valley towards the sea, as well as a stunning view from the rear garden across Alnwick and open countryside beyond towards the Alnmouth Arches.

The property benefits from gas central heating, double glazing and security alarm system, gardens with views towards Alnmouth from the rear and integral single garage. An early inspection is recommended to appreciate the location and style of this superb family home.

Price Guide: £265,000

The Dunes St Aidans, Seahouses Well presented three bedroom second floor apartment within the popular harbour town of Seahouses. The apartment is situated within the attic space of the central building with direct sea views to the Farne Islands and along the beach towards Bamburgh Castle. Benefiting from electric night storage heating, and a garage located within a separate block. This apartment is an ideal property from which to explore all of Northumberland’s Heritage coastline and its unspoilt beaches and dunes. View

Private entrance hall with stairs leading to the main accommodation Large open plan lounge/dining room with snug area | Fitted kitchen Three bedrooms | Bathroom/wc

Price Guide: £209,950

Hotspur Court Alnwick A superb first floor apartment centrally located for Alnwick town within this exclusive and popular development. This two bedroom apartment is ideal as a main residence or second home and benefits from a secure telephone entry system, gas radiator central heating, double glazing and allocated parking space within a private courtyard. Externally the apartment can be accessed from the main street on Bondgate Without to the front, or directly from the courtyard to the rear.

Price Guide: £185,000

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ALNWICK OFFICE

Aydon View Alnwick

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Ponteland Tandoori Restaurant 11a Main Street, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne 01661 860 292 | enquiries@pontelandtandoori.com | www.pontelandtandoori.com

The Daraz 4 Holly Avenue West, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne 0191 281 8431 | enquiries@thedaraz.co.uk | www.daraz.co.uk

Rialtos 1 Main Street, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne 01661 820 600 | enquiries@rialtos.co.uk | www.rialtos.co.uk

PONTELAND OFFICE

“

Ponteland and Darras Hall, the Tyne Valley and south Northumberland all benefit from the expertise and experience of Sanderson Young’s Ponteland oﬃce. With homes on oﬀer at every level, it’s never been easier to buy and sell in Northumberland.

Tel: 01661 823 951 Elaine Newbigin

Alison Bullock

Oﬃce Manager

Sales Consultant

elaine.newbigin@sandersonyoung.co.uk alison.bullock@sandersonyoung.co.uk

WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

Coates Institute Main Street Ponteland NE20 9NH

PONTELAND OFFICE

Bonas Hill Farmhouse Ogle

Price Guide: ÂŁ799,500

An outstanding opportunity to acquire a fabulous stone built detached house built in 2008. The property occupies a site of 0.70 of an acre to the south east of Ogle village with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside and farmland. This luxury house enjoys a private drive leading up to the courtyard and parking area as well as a detached stone built double garage. This traditional Northumbrian farmhouse style property, built in stone, has a fabulous interior with contemporary kitchen and bathroom fittings.

There is under floor heating to the ground floor and oil radiator heating to the first floor and double glazing. Ogle is a very convenient village with access into Ponteland and excellent road links into Newcastle. This is a very attractive home in a superb location.

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PONTELAND OFFICE

The Gin Gan Ogle

Price Guide: ÂŁ595,000

Well located in a popular area of Northumberland is this beautiful stone built family home. The property enjoys a super garden site, with large lawned gardens to the front, a lovely patio terrace to the rear connecting from the conservatory, good parking facilities and an attached double garage. The house has the benefit of LPG central heating, double glazing in wood frames and an Aga.

The Gin Gan is a lovely property in a beautiful location, with attractive terraces and good accessibility to Ponteland and lovely country pubs. In addition there are easy road links connecting into Newcastle, Tyneside and Newcastle International Airport.

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PONTELAND OFFICE

Darras Road Darras Hall, Ponteland Excellent detached family home in a lovely mature garden plot of 0.553 acres. The property has been dramatically extended and refurbished by the current owners; the principal extensions to the house have taken place at the rear and include a guest bedroom suite and breakfasting kitchen.

Externally there is an ‘in and out’ access drive, good parking and double width garage. There are lovely gardens at the rear with mature trees, family terrace and patio with rolling lawns, small burn and professional tennis court.

Price Guide: £645,000

West Lodge Belsay A superb opportunity to acquire a lovely detached family home, recently built in good quality stone under a pitched slate roof. The property has a beautiful garden site with lawned areas and stone flagged terrace. There is a large driveway at the rear leading to the detached double garage.

The accommodation is light and bright, with double glazing set in wood frames, oil fired central heating and an alarm system. West Lodge is an attractive property set back from Whalton Road in this very popular village of Belsay.

Price Guide: £525,000

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Occupying a rural setting with fantastic views to both front and rear elevations sits this attractive stone built beautifully extended three bedroom cottage. It is located only a few miles away from the village of Ponteland where there is a wide range of amenities.

This stone cottage offers versatile accommodation and is situated on a pleasant site with lawned and paved patio areas. The property is heated by the way of oil fired central heating and supplemented by three multi fuel stoves.

Price Guide: ÂŁ435,000

Dalecroft Horsley A detached four bedroom house situated in the delightful village of Horsley with views over the Tyne Valley sitting on approximately half an acre. The property offers deceptively spacious accommodation over two floors and is heated by way of LPG radiator central heating by Baxi Combi boiler.

This home will have to be viewed to be fully appreciated for its position, the village and the accommodation it has to offer. A driveway leads down to the front of the property and the double garage. This provides off street parking for a number of vehicles.

Price Guide: ÂŁ450,000

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PONTELAND OFFICE

East Thorn Cottage Kirkley

PONTELAND OFFICE

Western Way Darras Hall, Ponteland An excellent opportunity to acquire this well proportioned detached bungalow occupying a sought after site within the exclusive Darras Hall estate. The property offers potential for renovation and modernisation and although having been maintained over the years it is somewhat dated in presentation.

The property benefits from gas central heating and double glazing and is set within approximately quarter of an acre. There is a paved and tarmac driveway providing parking for several cars. We would strongly recommend viewing to appreciate the potential.

Price Guide: ÂŁ350,000

Bracken Close Dinnington Stunning larger style three bedroom semi detached house, positioned at the end of a cul de sac. This home has been finished to the highest standard with modern yet ultra stylish decor. It benefits from an extensive kitchen with family area, bathroom with marble flooring and solid oak internal doors.

Entrance porch | Entrance hall | Downstairs wc | Lounge/dining room | Fitted kitchen/family area | Three bedrooms Bathroom wc | Double garage | Double glazing | Gas central heating | Garden to the front with driveway | Garden to the rear This is undoubtedly one of the finest homes on the estate and internal inspection is a must to appreciate the standard of accommodation on offer. This home is in a quiet setting yet is within close proximity to transport links and public transport.

Price Guide: ÂŁ199,950

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This two bedroom ground floor apartment offers luxurious accommodation situated on an exclusive private estate in the delightful grounds of Hartford Hall, a stunning period property dating back to 1807 nestling within beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Blyth. Viewing is strongly recommended.

There are excellent commuting possibilities into Newcastle city centre, whilst on hand is the highly sought after ancient market town of Morpeth, offering a wide range of amenities with excellent schooling and further road links to the A1 and throughout the region.

Price Guide: £195,000

Western Way Darras Hall, Ponteland An excellent opportunity to acquire this well proportioned detached bungalow occupying a sought after site within the exclusive Darras Hall estate. We would strongly recommend viewing in order to fully appreciate the accommodation on offer. Western Way has excellent access to local amenities and offers good commuting into Newcastle.

The property is set within approximately 0.271 of an acre with lawns to the front and rear, mature trees and well stocked borders. There is a driveway providing ample off street parking and gives access to the garage.

Price Guide: £420,000

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PONTELAND OFFICE

Ha’Penny Gate Hartford Hall, Morpeth

PONTELAND OFFICE

Western Way Darras Hall Ponteland This superbly appointed, extended three bedroom detached property is located on the popular estate of Darras Hall. Extensively extended to create three bedrooms with en suites, spacious lounge, an exquisite kitchen opening up to the dining area creating a family living area, garden room, utility and cloakroom/wc.

Reception Hallway | Lounge | Kitchen/ dining room | Garden room | Cloakroom/wc | Three bedrooms, all with en suites | Utility room Attached garage | Gardens to front, side and rear elevations The property is set within approximately a quarter of an acre with driveway providing ample off street parking and giving access to the garage. Darras Hall and Ponteland provide a range of good quality facilities including public houses, restaurants, shopping and schooling for all ages.

Price Guide: ÂŁ440,000

Woodcroft Road Wylam This beautifully presented and well maintained three bedroom semi detached property is well positioned in the heart of this popular village. It is ideally situated for amenities including local shops, pubs and restaurants, play park, field, and train station. The property has recently been refurbished and modernised but retains character.

The property benefits from gas central heating and is offered for sale with no upward chain and must be viewed to appreciate the accommodation on offer.

Price Guide: ÂŁ359,950

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This large spacious detached family home is located just off Eastern Way in the highly sought after road of Willow Way. The property has been extended by the present owners and is both spacious and versatile which will have to be viewed to be appreciated.

Externally the property sits on approximately 0.25 acre with well stocked and mature gardens and a tarmac drive providing ample off street parking. There is gas central heating to radiators, double glazing and a security alarm system.

Price Guide: ÂŁ535,000

Falcon Terrace Wylam This superbly appointed, four bedroom, end terraced house, is situated in the sought after village of Wylam. It is served by a number of public houses, a restaurant and shopping facilities. The property itself has retained much of its original charm and character whilst being completely modernised to the rear with a large, light and contemporary breakfasting kitchen with family room.

Entrance hall | Two large reception rooms Breakfasting kitchen | Cloakroom/wc | Three first floor double bedrooms | Family bathroom Second floor fourth double bedroom | Gas central heating | Double glazing | Gardens Overall this is a charming, spacious period family house situated in a superb location, offering generous accommodation throughout with the added bonus of a yard and rear garden. We therefore highly recommend a full internal inspection to fully appreciate it.

Price Guide: ÂŁ400,000

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PONTELAND OFFICE

Willow Way Darras Hall, Ponteland

moving mountains... ...to ensure customer satisfaction, every move! With over two decades of removals experience under our belts we are, as you would imagine well versed in the art, and strive to make every move as stress free as possible. In setting these high standards for ourselves,we ensure customer satisfaction everytime, be it a domestic or commercial relocation. Each is dealt with by our own professional uniformed staff who are discreet and courteous and work to make your moving experience smooth and simple. With clean recyclable packaging materials, additional services available such as packing, storage and antique handling we are the complete removals service. So if your forthcoming move seems mountainous, well, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the specialists!

OFT Approved code

F005

Northumberland Business Park West, Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 7RH Telephone: 0191 284 0558 enquiries@gosforthremovals.co.uk

www.gosforthremovals.co.uk

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

“

For a truly regionwide portfolio of quality homes marketed by highly experienced, expert staﬀ our Gosforth oﬃce provides a shop window to the North East. Country cottage, city apartment, suburban house or country pile - our regional focus provides a superb collection and ample opportunity to get you moving.

Tel: 0191 213 0033 Julie Summerbell

Penny Wright

Oﬃce Manager

Valuation Manager

penny.wright@sandersonyoung.co.uk julie.summerbell@sandersonyoung.co.uk

WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

95 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4AA

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

The Grove Gosforth

Price Guide: ÂŁ699,950

A rare opportunity to acquire a magnificent, end terraced family home in a prime residential area of Gosforth. The handsome, six bedroom, Edwardian house is one of only a small number of individual three storey terraced houses within this location. The internal period features are beautiful and must be viewed to be appreciated, with ornate, decorative stained and leaded glasswork, original panelled doors, period fireplaces, impressive high ceilings, architrave mouldings and fabulous ceiling coving and roses.

The family home has a town garden to the front and side, with a south facing patio area leading from the conservatory to the rear. There is a private driveway to the rear, leading to a single garage. A most impressive family home with stunning period features and well proportioned reception rooms and bedrooms, located in a fabulous central position in Gosforth. An early viewing is recommended.

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Blue House North Off Blue House Lane, Washington

Price Guide: ÂŁ620,000

Blue House North is a substantial, five bedroom, six reception room family home, hidden away in a quiet, courtyard setting, off Blue House Lane in Washington. The semi detached property, with accommodation over three floors, is believed to have originally been the former Pit Managers house, and was extended in the 1960â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from the original stone house, to provide a generous and most impressive home.

Hallway | Cloakroom/wc | Reception hall sitting room | Living room | 25ft Snooker room | Conservatory | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast room Galleried first floor landing | Master bedroom suite with balcony | Dressing room | En suite shower room | Four first floor bedrooms Bathroom/wc | Shower room/wc | Laundry room | Second floor office | Two large loft rooms | Double garage | Driveway for four cars Fabulous landscaped gardens The lovely, private, landscaped gardens are set within the original brick garden wall of the neighbouring Blue House, and have a superb stone terrace seating area, a 24ft timber greenhouse, potting shed, vegetable and soft fruit beds, fruit trees and an ornamental pond, as well as an enclosed courtyard area to the front. A most unique, and generous family home offering versatile accommodation with further scope for development into the loft area (subject to normal planning consents).

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Eslington Terrace Jesmond A magnificent, four storey, six bedroom, period terrace house in this much sought after residential area of Jesmond. This superb family home has been lovingly restored and improved by the current owners, with many of the property’s period features retained including sash windows, decorative ceiling coving and roses, and impressive high ceilings.

Cloakroom/wc | Living room | Dining room Kitchen/breakfast room | Laundry | Boot room/store | Basement games room/office First floor drawing room | Master bedroom with en suite | First floor double bedroom with roof terrace | Shower room/wc | Four bedrooms to second floor | Bathroom/wc Externally, there is a lawned town garden to the front, a first floor terrace for sitting out, and to the rear an attractive, private courtyard with raised planted beds. There is a large double garage accessed from the rear lane.

Price Guide: £675,000

Woodbine Avenue Gosforth This is an outstanding and elegant three storey mid terraced property situated in a highly desirable and sought after location in the heart of Gosforth. This stunning residence offers spacious family living accommodation over three floors and is tastefully decorated throughout blending a number of original features with a good deal of contemporary appeal.

Entrance hallway | Lounge/dining room Mowlem fitted breakfasting kitchen | Two first floor double bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc First floor drawing room | Two bedrooms, both with en-suites, to the second floor Externally there is a block paved town garden to the front and two separate block paved patios to the rear with wine cellar/storage room. The property should be viewed in order to fully appreciate both the size and standard of accommodation on offer.

Price Guide: £599,950

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A beautifully appointed detached family cottage in a lovely location, with wooded surrounds and an attractive garden site. The property has a gated access with private on-site parking for several cars, as well as a detached double garage. There is a westerly facing rear garden with patio terrace, lawns and well stocked borders and a water feature.

Dining reception hall | Kitchen/breakfast room Lounge | Conservatory | Playroom | Two ground floor bedrooms | Separate wc | Two first floor double bedrooms | Master en-suite shower room | Family bathroom/wc with under floor heating The property has oil central heating, double glazing and an alarm system. This is a lovely home in a great location, close by to Morpeth and with excellent road links to Newcastle and Tyneside. Viewing is strongly recommended.

Price Guide: ÂŁ550,000

The Old Gardens Frankham, Fourstones, Hexham The Old Gardens is a delightful architect-designed detached house, originally built in 1979, and extended to provide the current spacious family accommodation. This unique house occupies a fabulous garden and woodland site extending to approximately 0.353 acres, positioned in a superb elevated position amongst mature trees and enjoying magnificent uninterrupted views over the Tyne Valley.

Reception hallway | Split level living/dining room with panoramic views | Fitted kitchen Laundry room | Second large reception room Two staircases to the first floor bedrooms Fabulous master bedroom suite | En suite Three further bedrooms | Bathroom/wc The property offers well proportioned, versatile accommodation over two floors, with an impressive glass frontage allowing excellent natural light set in beautiful, mature landscaped gardens leading to paths into mature woodland which surrounds the site. There is a double detached garage and attached office/studio.

Price Guide: ÂŁ545,000

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

The Cottage Three Ways, Tranwell Woods Morpeth

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Old Sunniside Farm Sunniside A period, Grade II listed, stone built farmhouse with large private gardens and a stone built, detached garage. The historic, family home offers a unique opportunity with further scope to develop the annexe/store into self contained accommodation, ideal as a granny annexe, home office or teenage pad.

Reception hallway | Living room | Dining room Fabulous family kitchen/breakfast room Family room/snug | Ground floor bathroom 17ft annexe/store | Three double bedrooms Luxury en suite bathroom | Family bathroom/wc | Loft room | Double detached garage | Gardens of approx 0.24 acres Whilst the majority of the house has been refurbished, it has still retained many of its period features including sash windows, cast iron fireplaces, original beams, exposed stone walls and the Grade II listed tombstone in the bathroom.

Price Guide: ÂŁ495,000

Elmfield Square Gosforth A luxurious, three bedroom, duplex apartment positioned on the 2nd and 3rd floor of this much sought after modern development in central Gosforth. The magnificent apartment offers superb, generous accommodation, finished to a high specification throughout, with great attention to detail in the quality of the internal fittings.

The apartment benefits from a communal entrance, lift and stair access, secure telephone entry system, contemporary oak doors, Amtico and travertine flooring and wiring for a multi-room music system, a balcony leading from the living area and a Juliet balcony leading from the master bedroom.

Price Guide: ÂŁ435,000

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A superbly presented, four bedroom, semi detached house occupying a fabulous, private position within this popular residential road in central Gosforth. The Edwardian family home has been beautifully refurbished and redesigned by the current owners, with a high quality finish throughout.

The property has planning permission for a loft conversion, creating a fifth bedroom with dressing room and en-suite, and a single storey kitchen extension. An internal viewing is essential to appreciate the accommodation offered, and the stunning, south facing, landscaped garden.

Price Guide: ÂŁ485,000

Northfield Road Gosforth An immaculate, extended, four bedroom house with lovely, west facing garden. The excellent, family home has been redesigned to provide generous accommodation over two floors, with gas central heating and double glazing. The garden overlooks the Cemetery to the rear, and has a high stone boundary wall.

A great family home on this popular, residential road in Gosforth, ideally placed and within walking distance of the High Street with its numerous shops, restaurants and amenities. No upward chain. Viewing is highly recommended.

Price Guide: ÂŁ329,950

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Northumberland Avenue Gosforth

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Salisbury Gardens Jesmond Vale A lovely, four bedroom, family home, well positioned in this popular road in Jesmond Vale, with generous rooms over three floors and an attractive rear yard. The property has retained many of its original and traditional features including wood doors, sash windows, fabulous marble and cast iron fireplaces to the reception room and all bedrooms, and decorative ceiling coving.

To the rear is an attractive stone flagged yard with a seating area, ideal for barbecues. The yard has a step down to the gate giving access to the rear lane. A great family home with both character and charm, offering well proportioned accommodation and private outside space.

Price Guide: £317,500

West Avenue Gosforth A rare opportunity for a purchaser to acquire a well proportioned, spacious, three bedroom ground floor apartment within this converted Victorian terraced house benefiting from a front door shared with the upper apartment. It also benefits from a very large living room and an open plan kitchen and dining room.

Three bedrooms | Living room | Fitted kitchen with dining area and access to court yard Family bathroom | Master en suite | Period features throughout

Beautifully presented with stunning internal décor, this property has to be viewed in order to appreciate the size and quality of accommodation on offer.

Price Guide: £299,950

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A handsome, five bedroom, detached house, positioned to the bottom of Barmoor Drive amongst similar exclusively designed family homes. The property, with accommodation set over three floors, was constructed in 2006 and has since been extended and refitted to create a fabulous 29’9 ft kitchen/breakfast room opening to the garden. An exceptional, modern detached family home with landscaped front garden and rear garden with decked terrace, double detached garage.

Price Guide: £499,950

Mystic Manor Front Street, Littletown, Durham Extensively renovated, refurbished and improved in recent years this large three storey family home occupies a beautiful garden site. The house has lovely views of surrounding farmland and good on site parking. The gardens are large with lawned areas, lovely sitting terraces and patios. The property benefits from gas central heating and an alarm system. A fabulous detached manor house in a great location with good access into Durham, Newcastle and Sunderland.

Price Guide: £499,500

North Avenue Gosforth Built in the 1950’s and occupied by the current owners since that time is this three bedroom, two storey detached family home situated in a walled garden site. It has a super west facing walled garden to the front, on site parking and an integral garage. The accommodation requires modernising and updating and benefits from gas central heating, pleasant gardens and is situated in a great location of Gosforth with immediate access to all amenities.

Price Guide: £495,000

Walbottle Hall Gardens Newcastle An attractive, Grade II listed, four bedroom house, a former wing of the Walbottle Hall, set back from the original Hall on the eastern elevation. The stone built, period home has generous accommodation over two floors, a double garage, a long gravelled driveway, and lovely lawned gardens to the front and side. The family home has many traditional features including sash windows, decorative ceiling coving and original fireplaces.

Price Guide: £475,000

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Barmoor Drive Gosforth

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Lintfort Picktree, Washington An attractive family home, constructed in a traditional style in stone with a slate roof, that is well positioned in a quiet cul de sac, on the former Home Farm steading site for the Lambton Estate. The four/five bedroom house, converted in 1987, offers deceptively spacious accommodation, and has been improved and extended by the present owners with the addition of a versatile, first floor granny/teenager annexe and a double detached garage.

Price Guide: £445,000

Elmfield Gardens Gosforth A substantial, four bedroom, three storey, house located on this popular residential road in Gosforth. The semi detached family home, with four double bedrooms and three reception rooms, has a town garden to the front, a rear garden enjoying a southerly aspect, and a driveway leading to a single garage. The house has retained some attractive period features including sash windows, a feature leaded porthole window and cast iron fireplaces to the bedrooms.

Price Guide: £399,950

The Spinney Wingrove, Rowlands Gill This splendid, four bedroom detached family home is located in a quiet cul de sac and occupies a lovely, mature garden site with fabulous woodland views, a double garage and ample driveway parking. The generous, well proportioned house benefits from gas central heating and has potential for additional first floor accommodation (subject to normal planning consents). Mature gardens to three sides with paved seating area, large timber shed, potting shed and a greenhouse.

Price Guide: Offers over £399,000

Montagu Avenue Gosforth A stunning, four bedroom, semi detached house, stylishly refurbished and redesigned in recent years, with superb attention to detail and finish throughout. The family home, positioned to the top of Montagu Avenue, has gardens to the front and rear, a driveway and single integral garage. The house has new double glazed windows and doors, a new bathroom and en-suite shower room/wc – there are new walnut finished internal doors, travertine tiling and wood floors.

Price Guide: Offers over £385,000

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Enfield Villa is an imposing period house, circa 1865, formerly one house, and now comprising two unique, semi detached homes. The property, listed of architectural interest, has accommodation set over four floors, with elevated views, a lovely, private front garden, a large shared driveway approached from the rear, and a double garage in a block close by. The family home has many period features including cast iron fireplaces, ceiling coving and working shutters.

Price Guide: £360,000

Stoneyhurst Road Gosforth A well appointed and extensively refurbished three storey, end terraced family home in a prime residential area. The property has replacement double glazed sash windows, new central heating boiler and has been newly redecorated. There is a front lawned garden and a lawned enclosed rear garden with flower borders. Street parking facilities are available and there is good accessibility to South Gosforth Metro as well as Jesmond Dene and local amenities.

Price Guide: £360,000

Elmfield Gardens Gosforth A well proportioned, semi detached house, circa 1910, located in this popular residential road, giving easy access to Gosforth High Street and local shops on Ashburton Road. The superb, family home has been extended to provide a fabulous kitchen/breakfast room at the rear, leading to the garden which enjoys a southerly aspect. Externally, there is a block paved driveway to the front, and a private rear garden with a decked terrace, and lawned garden.

Price Guide: £359,950

Church Road Gosforth A stylish, contemporary semi detached home well positioned in a quiet cul de sac, overlooking the Church to the rear. The fabulous, four bedroom family home was constructed in 2007 by New Forest, and has been finished to a superb standard with good quality fittings to the bathroom, en-suites, and kitchen. Since 2007, the current owners have further upgraded the accommodation and have landscaped the gardens with decked and paved terraces, timber pergolas and water features.

Price Guide: £350,000

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Enfield Villa Durham Road, Gateshead

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Saxilby Drive Whitebridge Park, Gosforth This deceptively spacious detached family home is located in Whitebridge Park which is popular for families looking for good sought after homes in a private and a central location. The property has been extended on the ground floor to the rear elevation allowing for an excellent family room. There is gas central heating, double glazing throughout, security alarm and a timber shed for storage. Viewing is highly recommended.

Price Guide: £350,000

Dorcas House Shibdon Road, Axwell Park, Blaydon A lovely, three/four bedroom detached house with private lake access and fantastic views over Shibdon Park Nature Reserve, immaculate, refurbished accommodation, attractive landscaped rear garden, single attached garage and workshop. To the front there is a block paved driveway with parking for three cars. The south facing rear garden is beautifully landscaped with a paved terrace seating area with steps down to a further lawned garden with feature pond. No upward chain.

Price Guide: £320,000

Kingswood Avenue High West Jesmond A well presented, three bedroom terraced house, located on this very popular residential road in High West Jesmond. The current owners of this home have retained many of its original features including wood flooring, ceiling coving and roses, period fire place and high ceilings. There is a wonderfully light and spacious breakfast and dining area lit by velux windows. Externally there is a well kept low maintenance yard with access to the back lane.

Price Guide: £299,950

Mariners Wharf Quayside A superb, very spacious apartment, located to the 3rd and 4th floor of this sought after Quayside development. The penthouse, which is newly decorated, has generous accommodation over two floors, with separate access to each floor, and a single garage beneath the development. A secure communal lobby has a staircase leading to the third and fourth floors. The kitchen has integrated appliances and French doors to the second balcony overlooking the river.

Price Guide: £297,500

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A traditional, three bedroom, mid terrace house, in need of some updating, with many attractive, original features and a charming rear garden. The family home has accommodation set over two floors, benefiting from gas central heating and period windows, ceiling coving and picture rails. The property is well positioned for the Metro Station, with easy access to Gosforth High Street, Jesmond and the city centre.

Price Guide: £279,950

Ashleigh Grove West Jesmond A fabulous, three bedroom maisonette flat, well positioned in West Jesmond for the Metro Station and the excellent local shops and restaurants of Brentwood Avenue. The flat, with three bedrooms and two reception rooms, has many character and traditional features including sash windows, stripped doors, lovely marble fireplace and high ceilings. The flat benefits from gas central heating, a large private rear yard, and on street permit parking.

Price Guide: £235,000

Arcade Park Tynemouth This beautiful mews development of apartments and duplexes was built in 2003/2004 from a refurbishment of the old building. This property represents one of the largest styles of duplex apartments within the scheme. The attractive mews with its pedestrianised access leads to a private reception hall serving six of the properties, with entry telephone system linking to the communal staircase leading to the second floor, with access to the private accommodation of this duplex.

Open plan living/dining room/kitchen with built in appliances Cloakroom/wc | Large master bedroom suite | Family bathroom with Sottini suite | Spiral staircase to upper level | Open plan living area and studio/bedroom

Price Guide: £220,000

Eslington Terrace Jesmond This impressive, two bedroomed, top floor apartment is situated on Eslington Terrace, which is a highly desirable road within the Brandling village area of Jesmond. Eslington Terrace has access to Osborne Road with its wide variety of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, as well as shopping facilities on Clayton Road and Acorn Road. The apartment is very well presented and tastefully decorated, offering spacious living accommodation throughout. The property benefits from gas fired radiator central heating.

Communal entrance via security entry phone system | Hallway Lounge/dining room with living flame gas fire | Fitted kitchen Two bedrooms | Family bathroom/wc | Shared rear yard providing off street parking

Price Guide: £210,000

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Rectory Drive Gosforth

GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Hawthorn Court Hawthorn Road, Gosforth A superb, two bedroom apartment located on the second floor of this popular and sought after development in central Gosforth, ideally positioned for the High Street and benefiting from secure, allocated parking. The apartment offers generous accommodation, with double glazing and gas central heating. Externally, there are attractive communal gardens and within the secure car park, an allocated parking space of one car and permit parking on Hawthorn Road. No upward chain.

Price Guide: £209,950

Cherryburn Gardens Fenham A traditional three bedroom, mid terrace, house on this quiet, pedestrian road with front town garden and a car port for parking in the rear yard. In need of modernisation it has gas central heating, some original features and potential for a fourth loft bedroom (subject to normal planning consents). Externally, there is a front town garden leading to the pedestrian walkway, and an enclosed rear yard with covered parking area and two storage outhouses.

Price Guide: £185,000

Eskdale Terrace Jesmond This well presented, one bedroom, ground floor apartment is situated on Eskdale Terrace, one of the more highly regarded and attractive roads within this central area of Jesmond. The property, which has been refurbished, in particular to the kitchen and bathroom areas, has a number of benefits and features including a security entry phone system and gas radiator central heating. This is an attractive apartment in a highly desirable location and viewing is strongly recommended.

Price Guide: £139,950

Sandyford Park Sandyford This is a wonderful one bedroom retirement flat situated in the quiet, well maintained and well sought after Sandyford Park. Sandyford Park is situated in an ideal position on the outskirts of Jesmond and the City Centre with easty access to the amenities both these locations have to offer. The flat is set in a beautiful position surrounded by a secure stone wall, landscaped gardens and mature trees.

Price Guide: £99,950

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We are pleased to market this unique and charming stone built one bedroom end terrace house situated within a central location of Low Fell. The property is set over two floors and offers generous proportions to the principal living areas. Internally, the property is tastefully decorated. The vendors of this property are willing to sell furniture by separate negotiation. This property could also, subject to planning permission, accommodate a second bedroom conversion into the loft space.

Price Guide: £97,950

Ettrick Lodge Gosforth This one bedroom second floor retirement apartment is situated within the regarded Ettrick Lodge development situated on The Grove. The property is tastefully decorated and has the benefit of double glazing, electric storage heating, security entry phone system, emergency pull cord alerts and a bathroom with wc and shower over. The property is offered for sale with vacant possession and no onward chain. Viewings are highly recommended in order to appreciate this lovely apartment.

Price Guide: £95,000

The Annexe Montagu Court, Gosforth We are pleased to present this rare studio apartment, well positioned on the first floor of Montagu Court, enjoying spectacular views over the Town Moor. The apartment has been cleverly designed to create a light and airy accommodation. There are lovely landscaped communal gardens. Montagu Court is centrally located in Gosforth with easy access to the numerous amenities of Gosforth High Street, and has easy road access to the City and A1 Western Bypass

Communal entrance with entry phone | Well proportioned and versatile room with panoramic views over Town Moor | Well appointed kitchen and shower room | Allocated parking for residents and guests

Price Guide: £92,950

The Wickets Moor Road North, Gosforth A spacious, two bedroom apartment situated on the second floor of this modern development with good sized living/dining room with French doors leading to the balcony, overlooking the Cricket Ground, and a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. The apartment benefits from a security telephone entry system, gas central heating and double glazing. There is allocated parking for one car and to the rear of the apartment a pleasant balcony overlooking the cricket ground.

Price Guide: £235,000

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GOSFORTH REGIONAL OFFICE

Kells Lane Low Fell, Gateshead

regIonaL LeTTIngs

â&#x20AC;&#x153; www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

City centre crash pad, country mansion, suburban family home ... the rental market in the North East is vibrant and exciting. The flexibility and versatility of renting appeals to many, and our portfolio is among the best in the region. City, coast, or country â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we have the property for you.

95 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4AA

Tel: 0191 223 3529 gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk sarah.johnstone@sandersonyoung.co.uk

Gail McLean

Sarah Johnstone

Regional Lettings Manager

Senior Lettings Negotiator

LeTTIngs | sy

Let’s move

A boom in the region’s residential rental market is keeping property moving, Neil Gordon discovers

ewcastle united might take some credit for an upturn in rentals, if only because some of the team’s stars spent summer 2010 splashing out on high end properties to rent. But that can’t be the only reason for the upturn behind sanderson young rental division’s best-ever trading period. certainly, there is a regionwide choice of properties to let from durham in the south to Bamburgh in the north and darras Hall in the middle. at the time of writing, there is a rural mansion near dalton and some cosy barn conversions at Barlow, near winlaton, while there is always a superb range of apartments and family homes spread across Tyneside and the a1 corridor. Take The Larches on the outskirts of durham city. It’s a palatial home dating from 1905 with seven bedrooms and many original features. It also boasts the latest hi tech features, a gym, ccTV, and a smart vacuum system. The Larches is on the market for £3,750 per calendar month with an option to include all the furniture. “I have no trouble renting very large family homes as soon as they come to market,” says gail McLean, sanderson young’s regional lettings manager. so, is the economic downturn in The gulf creating a pool of ex-pats eager to return to Britain and rent? “actually it’s the other way around,” says gail. “There is a steady stream of people taking up new jobs abroad, especially in australia, and they are asking sanderson young to rent their uk homes while they’re away. “The corporate sector of the market is still very healthy, and while it’s true that many corporate rental budgets have been cut, at least one financial institution based in the north east comes to sanderson young to find rental property for its short-contract staﬀ.

“

… “Because we are a regional lettings agency, we can oﬀer tenants a superb choice of property”

“we also have regular enquiries from film and TV companies, especially the BBc, looking for rented accommodation for film crews working in the area.” sanderson young guarantees rents for landlords who opt for its full management service, promising to underwrite a tenancy until the property becomes available for vacant possession, should a tenant be unable to pay the rent. “we’ve only ever had one claim in eight years of trading,” gail admits, “but this ensures our landlords can let their property with peace of mind.” For tenants, choice is at a premium. “Because we are a regional lettings agency, we can oﬀer tenants a superb choice of property,” says gail. “For example, we have a gorgeous five-bedroom village property in Heddon-on-the-wall available for £1,950 pcm and a fabulous six-bedroom family home in gosforth for £4,500. Further afield, we work closely with our alnwick oﬃce to bring a good selection of rental property in the north of the county to the lettings market, and of course the city centre is still very much a part of our business. “we still have strong demand for apartments in prestigious city centre developments such as Lime square, Manor chare, Baltic Quays and Mariner’s wharf. one and two-bedroom flats here are still extremely sought after and that is keeping the rental returns very healthy indeed.” sanderson young’s new iPhone app also covers

lettings and can provide a head start in the race to win the rental property of your choice. “The interactive map means you can click on an area and immediately see what properties are available to rent,” says gail. “you can also sign up to email alerts and contact us through the app. with waiting lists attached to so manyproperties, signing up to the app can keep rental house hunters in the loop.” Two developments that prospective tenants should look out for are greenside near Brunton and Turner square in Morpeth. cussins is building a tremendous mix of townhouses and apartments at Turner square in Morpeth, but there are only 24 properties available and they are bound to be very popular. It’s a similar story at greenside, near Brunton, a semi-rural location close to newcastle. “The largest growth area is still the high end of the rental market,” says gail. “I have clients who are prepared to wait for the right rental property and who are happy to pay for their dream home. Monthly rentals up to £6,500 are not unknown, and while I can’t promise every property can achieve this sort of return, I can promise all our clients will receive a truly professional service.” For more information on renting or letting property with Sanderson Young, contact the Regional Lettings Oﬃce, 95 High Street, Gosforth, Newcastle, NE3 4AA, tel 0191 2233529, email gail.mclean@sandersonyoung.co.uk

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

Bridge End House Main Road, Woolsington

Price Guide: ÂŁ5000 pcm

A stunning, substantial family home within its own private grounds and located within the much sought after area of Woolsington. Newcastle airport is close by as well as good access routes to Newcastle city centre and the A1 north & south making this the ideal property for access to good commuting links as well as local amenities. The property is very special indeed and has been extended by the current owners with luxury interior design and bespoke fixtures and fittings.

Reception hallway | Open plan dining area | Breakfasting kitchen | Inner hallway with cloaks and seating area | Three further reception rooms Conservatory | Training swimming pool and gym with steam shower | Five bedrooms, two with en suites | Family bathroom with Jacuzzi Shower room | Annexe, currently a cinema / entertaining area | Mezzanine to upper floor with multi functional space, currently the sixth bedroom, walk in robes and music room Externally there is a private security gated entrance leading into the grand paved driveway and central water feature, as well as the double garage. There is access into the rear entertaining gardens with a raised decked area with a water feature and lounge day beds; following on from this area there is a BBQ and seating area overlooking the lawned gardens. Early viewing is highly recommended, not to be missed.

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A beautifully presented six bedroom substantial family home, presented to an extremely high standard. Fencer Hill Park is a very exclusive sought after location within Gosforth which offers privacy and ease of access into central Gosforth as well as close links to the A1 north & south.

Externally there are lawned gardens to all sides as well as driveway parking for a number of cars. Early viewing is highly recommended, not to be missed.

Price Guide: ÂŁ4500 pcm

Tall Trees Gubeon Wood, Tranwell Woods, Nr Morpeth Situated in 3.732 acres of magnificent gardens, is this stunning detached modern mansion house. The property has been extensively remodelled and provides superb accommodation. The electrically operated remote controlled gates lead to a large drive and courtyard, and a triple car garage with annexe flat above.

Majestic reception hall | Cloakroom and separate wc | Stunning kitchen/breakfast room with family area | Utility and laundry room Dining room | Drawing room with media wall Study | Garden room and conservatory Leisure suite | Five bedroom suites Self contained apartment Tall Trees is a beautiful house in a fabulous area with the market town of Morpeth, the A1 and the International Airport within easy reach. Its intelligent wiring, CCTV and in-built speakers to many rooms provide just some of the features of this amazing house.

Price Guide: ÂŁ5000 pcm

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

Greystones Fencer Hill Park, Gosforth

REGIONAL LETTINGS

Delaware House Medburn £5,000 pcm

• 6 Bedrooms • Double garage • Gardens • Conservatory • En suite shower to master bedroom • Study

Mede House Runnymede Road, Darras Hall £4,000 pcm

• 6 Bedrooms • En suite facilities • Unfurnished • Parking • Kitchen with breakfasting room • Garden

• 4 Bedrooms • Conservatory • En suite shower room • Garden • Kitchen • Reception room

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Western Way Darras Hall, Ponteland £4,000 pcm

• 6 Bedrooms • Dining room • Double garage • En suite bathroom • Garden • Unfurnished

Osborne Villas Jesmond £3,000 pcm

Moor Crescent Gosforth £2,500 pcm

• 5 Bedrooms • Dining room • En suite shower room • Garage • Garden • Kitchen with breakfast room

Rose Cottage Lindisfarne Road, Jesmond £1,750 pcm

• 4 Bedrooms • Conservatory • Garden • Kitchen • Swimming pool • Parking

This beautifully presented and stunning furnished apartment is situated in the ever popular Montagu Court development. This is a very sought after location with stunning views over the town Moor and ease of access into central Gosforth with quality schooling and local amenities as well as good transport links.

Stunning kitchen with bespoke units and a breakfasting area | Spacious lounge/dining room | Study leading to long entertaining balcony with stunning views over the Moor Two double bedrooms | Fabulous bathroom interconnecting into the master bedroom

The apartment is furnished to an extremely high standard with bespoke fixtures & fittings throughout. There is a secure communal entrance hallway leading to lifts to all floors. Externally there is one allocated car parking space. Early viewing is highly recommended.

Price Guide: ÂŁ1500 pcm

The Turret Wylam Manor, Wylam This beautifully presented two bedroom home is situated within the much sought after development within Wylam Manor. Set in stunning grounds the property is very eye catching indeed and is furnished to a high standard. The location is perfect for commuting via the local train station and access to the A69 and A1 north & south.

Two double bedrooms, master with en suite facilities and a patio area | Separate family bathroom | Spacious lounge & dining area Separate kitchen breakfasting room | Private gated security access to the Manor

Externally there is a small patio leading from the master bedroom as well as a shared courtyard and one allocated car parking space. Early viewing is highly recommended, not to be missed.

Price Guide: ÂŁ895 pcm

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

Montagu Court Gosforth

REGIONAL LETTINGS

The Firs Gosforth • 3 Bedrooms • Allocated parking • Available immediately • Furnished • Hallway • Open plan kitchen • Open plan living area

Price Guide: £750 pcm

Hedley Terrace Gosforth • 2 Bedrooms • Available immediately • Bathroom • Furnished • Garden • Kitchen with breakfast room • Open plan living area

Price Guide: £850 pcm

Lanesborough Court Gosforth • 3 Bedrooms • Allocated parking • Available immediately • En suite bathroom • En suite shower room • Furnished • Kitchen with breakfast room

Price Guide: £825 pcm

55 Degrees North Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne • 2 Bedrooms • Allocated parking • Bathroom • En suite shower room • Furnished • Open plan living area • Pleasant views

Price Guide: £800 pcm

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• 5 Bedrooms • Available immediately • En suite shower room • Furnished • Garden • Reception room

Price Guide: £2250 pcm

Millfield Road Whickham • 5 Bedrooms • En suite bathroom • Garage • Garden • Open plan kitchen • Unfurnished

Price Guide: £1795 pcm

Woodlands Gosforth • 4 Bedrooms • Dining room • Furnished • Garden • Kitchen with breakfast room • Reception room

Price Guide: £1500 pcm

Park Drive East Forest Hall Road, Forest Hall • 2 Bedrooms • Available immediately • Furnished • Garden • On street parking • Unfurnished

Price Guide: £725 pcm

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

Darras Road Darras Hall, Ponteland

REGIONAL LETTINGS

Centralofts City Centre

Mariners Wharf Quayside

Grove Park Gosforth

• 1, 2 or 3 Bedrooms • Furnished or unfurnished • Allocated parking • Balcony • Concierge • Open plan living area • Bathroom

• 2 or 3 Bedrooms • Allocated parking • Furnished or unfurnished • River views • Communal areas • Open plan living area • Kitchen

• 1 or 2 Bedrooms • Furnished or unfurnished • Open plan living area • Bathroom • Pleasant views • Allocated parking • Kitchen

Price Guide: £650 - £2000 pcm

Price Guide: £750 - £1100 pcm

Price Guide: £600 -£900 pcm

Baltic Quays Gateshead

Manor Chare Quayside

Lime Square Newcastle

• 1 or 2 Bedrooms • Furnished • Open plan living area • Bathroom • Some with river views • Communal areas • Lift • Kitchen

• 1 or 2 Bedrooms • Allocated parking • Furnished or unfurnished • Balcony • Bathroom • Open plan living area • Communal areas

• 1 or 2 Bedrooms • Furnished or unfurnished • Open plan living area • Bathroom • Concierge • Gym • Balcony

Price Guide: £575 - £850 pcm

Price Guide: £575 - £800 pcm

Price Guide: £550 - £800 pcm

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Princess Mary Court Jesmond £1800 pcm

Linden Road Gosforth £1700 pcm

Grove House Gosforth £1400 pcm

55 Degrees North Newcastle £1500 pcm

The Dairy Barlow £1200 pcm

Lanesborough Court Gosforth £1100 pcm

successfully letting homes

continuing to do what we do best We now have clients looking for similar properties to rent. If you are thinking of letting your property please contact us today on 0191 22 33 529

Grove Park Crescent Gosforth £850 pcm

Centralofts Newcastle £850 pcm

Manor Chare Newcastle £625 pcm

Lime Square Newcastle £600 pcm

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REGIONAL LETTINGS

Shhâ&#x20AC;Ś SECRET GARDEN florist 19 Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne Tel: 0191 281 7753 | Fax: 0191 281 0534 | www.secretgardenflowers.co.uk

NEW HOMES

“

An increasingly confident new homes market is creating fabulous new property landmarks throughout the region. With the market back to its buoyant best, the new home you’re dreaming oﬀ is probably just around the corner. Isn’t it time you started looking?

Tel: 0191 223 3500 Janet Hopkinson

Nicola Osborne

Operations Director

Corporate Client Director

janet.hopkinson@sandersonyoung.co.uk nicola.osborne@sandersonyoung.co.uk

WWW.SaNdERSONyOuNg.CO.uk

The Old Bank 30 High Street Gosforth Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1LX

Sy | NEW HOMES

new

the

with

Increased confidence and interest in the new homes market has resulted in a growth of quality developments and buyer interest

he new homes market has seen continued interest and sales during 2010, which is good news for the region’s economy and for buyers who appreciate the investment potential of the region’s landmark new developments. Renewed confidence has seen growth in house building activity and buyer confidence, and Sanderson young has achieved great success in recent months with new homes marketing and sales. at Turner Square in Morpeth, launched by the award-winning Newcastle-based house builder Cussins Ltd in May, 11 properties have already been reserved oﬀ-plan. The build programme is

120 | collection

proceeding well and a new show home is launched in November 2010. at historic axwell Park in Blaydon, the dare group has built 18 outstanding new homes in the beautiful grounds. There are now only four of the 18 properties remaining, and they are attracting a good deal of interest. Field Homes’ Hawthorn grange development at Brunton Lane in gosforth is a tranquil rural development which has proved very popular. Only one town house now remains, with the site now fully finished. dunelm Homes’ Elmfield Square in gosforth is completely sold. an attractive mix of old and new, the site has seen one detached and four semi-detached homes sold and the new residents settled in. up the coast at Mount Hooley Farm, Beal, near Berwick, where a superb farm conversion has created six exquisite properties in a fabulous setting, four beautiful family properties remain. The variety and quality of new homes coming to market now illustrates increasing confidence in the market and the many opportunities available, which goes to show there is something for everyone but hurry.

Axwell Gardens Axwell Park Blaydon Outstanding four-bedroom townhouses built to a high specification and set in 35 acres of parkland with a walled garden and views across the Derwent Valley create a spectacle on this historic site. These beautiful homes boast versatile, contemporary living spaces and stylish design touches including a first-floor sun terrace overlooking the estate’s woodland. Out of 18 town houses, only four properties remain.

Prices from £380,000

NEW HOMES | Sy

Turner Square Morpeth

Hawthorn Grange Brunton Lane Gosforth

Mount Hooley Farm Beal near Berwick

A development of 24 stylish homes and apartments, with a mix of one-bedroom apartments, twobedroom duplex apartments, three and four-bedroom semis and three-bed terraced homes built around a leafy cul-de-sac with garage and/or oﬀ-road parking for each property. The first one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom duplex apartments will be occupied in December 2010, while the next phase of the build programme is proceeding well with a new show home launched in November 2010.

The final town house is now available in this sought-after location, which is now fully finished. Built to a very a high specification and boasting a contemporary internal layout for maximum versatility, this is a truly unique development and an outstanding blend of contemporary and traditional style. Its location is both close to the city and extremely tranquil.

A small development of exquisite barn conversions with bespoke designer bathrooms and kitchens and faithfully restored or recreated period features, Mount Hooley Farm is ideal as a permanent home, second home or holiday let. Four properties remain here; two three-bedroom homes and two four-bedroom homes, all boasting high quality specifications and spacious gardens with country views.

Prices from £82,000

Price £450,000

Prices £395,000-£430,000

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the waiting is over...

W E B E L I E V E T H AT D E S I G N I S AT T H E H E A RT O F E V E RY T H I N G W E D O . T H AT ’ S W H Y O U R H O M E S A R E B U I LT TO T H E H I G H E S T S TA N D A R D S . T H E G L E N R O S E B R A N D B E I N G S Y N O N Y M O U S W I T H Q U A L I T Y, B E S P O K E HOMES APPEALING TO THE DISCERNING PURCHASER.

Our exclusive development at Rydale Park, Sunderland SR2 7RD will officially launch on Saturday, 16th October and we will be delighted to welcome you to view our new showhome. Designed as a cul-de-sac to restrict traffic, a tranquil setting is being created on the outskirts of the city. The site was formerly home to Ashbrooke Sports Club and will consist of nineteen 4/5 bedroom detached properties with floor areas ranging from 1,628 sqft up to 2,116 sqft, each with double garage.

PRICED FROM £399,950. Part exchange available SALES OFFICE NOW OPEN: Sat & Sun: 11am - 4pm SHOWHOME OPEN: From Saturday 16th October

To request a brochure please call our head office on 0870 3515060 www.glenrosedevelopments.co.uk

24 STYLISH HOMES & APARTMENTS

NEW SHOW HOUSE AVAILABLE FROM NOVEMBER 2010 designed around a secluded leafy cul-de-sac, Turner Square offers a mix of one bedroom apartments, two bedroom duplex apartments, three and four bedroomed semi-detached houses and three bedroomed terraced houses. Having sold particularly well off-plan with 11 properties sold, we are delighted that with effect from November 2010 people will be able to view the site and take advantage of visiting our new Show House which will be open to the public.

TERRACED HOUSES: 1x 2x 1x 1x

3 Bed End Terrace with Conservatory - Show House 3 Bed Mid Terrace 3 Bed Mid Terrace with Conservatory 3 Bed End Terrace with Conservatory

£179,000 £149,950 £157,000 £162,000

SEMI DETACHED HOUSES: 1x 1x

3 Bedroom Semi detached House 4 Bedroom Semi detached House

£195,000 £220,000

4 Bed Semi-detached

APARTMENTS: 4x

1 Bedroom ground Floor apartments

£82,000

(all enjoying their own outside paved area leading from Lounge)

LaST REMaININg 2 BEdROOM duPLEX apartment

£149,950

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT SANDERSON YOUNG ON 0191 2130033 www.cussins.com

ESCAPE TO THE COAST Beadnell, Northumberland If you’ve ever seen yourself living in a beautiful coastal location then look no further than Cardinal Point. 2 bedroom homes from £183,000 3 bedroom homes from £193,000

Cardinal Point is just a short walk from the unspoilt and sandy beach. Perfect for long walks, sailing or just getting away from it all. The Northumberland Coast has long been prized for its wild and breathtaking scenery and Beadnell is no exception with new homes rare in this sought after village. Yuill Homes are building a collection of 2 and 3 bedroom cottage style homes, lovingly designed to perfectly complement their surroundings. For over 80 years, award-winning Yuill Homes has been known for innovation and design throughout the North East. A local company who really cares for their customers they have built a reputation on creating desirable and quality homes which stand the test of time, such as their prestigious Princess Mary Court development in Jesmond and Lanesborough Court in Gosforth. Cardinal Point is a stylish development of 2 and 3 bedroom homes each one individually and uniquely designed to fit in with the local area. Each home offers a great mix of contemporary style, comfort and flexibility with good, practical living spaces. These 2 and 3 bedroom homes have clever design touches such as double French doors, walk-through

Sales Centre at High View, Blaydon open Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm Call: 07860 503069

yuillhomes.co.uk

kitchen/breakfast rooms, en-suite bathrooms, downstairs cloakrooms, beautiful faux balconies and gorgeous gardens, all fully turfed and fenced so you can enjoy them from day one. Cardinal Point is perfectly located for a weekend retreat away from the City with the villages of Craster, Seahouses and Bamburgh within easy reach and Alnwick with its world famous castle just 15 miles away. There is quite simply no better place for those who love the coast. What next? visit Yuill’s High View development in Blaydon and one of their friendly Development Sales Managers will be on hand to help you make the move to your dream home.

Sy | NEW HOMES

Villagelife As work to create 14 luxury apartments and penthouses in the heart of historic Corbridge begins to take shape, interest in Countylife’s Orchard Court development is buoyant. he alnwick-based company, renowned for creating individual developments at desirable locations in the region, have already sold four apartments oﬀ-plan. John Swanson, director of Countylife said: “Our key consideration for any development is the location, and Orchard Court oﬀers buyers the rare opportunity to live in the centre of this popular village. “Corbridge is the jewel in Northumberland’s crown and the design and specification of Orchard Court will match this worthwhile reputation.

“Externally, it will blend seamlessly into Corbridge’s period streetscapes yet it features contemporary architectural features, including a magnificent glazed atrium and open-plan living spaces. “There is also secure, allocated underground parking for all residents, with lift access to all four floors.” The apartments are individually crafted with spacious, open-plan living the cornerstone of their design. a choice of high quality kitchens is available with finishes to suit buyers’ tastes, whether traditional or contemporary, and all feature integrated appliances.

The apartments and penthouses enjoy two or three spacious bedrooms, all featuring en-suites to the master with classic white bathroom furniture and a choice of tiled finishes to the walls and floors. The apartments also feature patios and balconies and the penthouses have beautiful roof gardens. Prices at Orchard Court start from £325,000 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with private underground parking. For more information, tel 01670 785 691 or see www.countylife.co.uk

QuorumFlyingHigh Quorum Business Park in north Newcastle is celebrating, having let more than 200,000sqft of oﬃce space and bringing more than 2,000 jobs during 2009 and 2010. mong them was Tesco Bank, which, after a national search, brought the national headquarters of its insurance business to Quorum creating 1,000 new jobs. Insurance company Insurethebox then brought its national service centre to Quorum with a promise to create 150 jobs. Most recently, in September, construction giant Balfour Beatty announced it was taking 41,000sqft at Quorum for a customer support centre, creating 200 jobs. Quorum is already the largest speculative oﬃce scheme in England and is now one of the most successful, its current level of take-up unmatched across the country.

development director Fergus Trim said: “We have invested heavily in the infrastructure, amenities and sports facilities at Quorum, which are important to attract and retain the best staﬀ.” Quorum can also point to more than 90,000 people active in the jobs market within 30 minutes of the park, and there are 24 buses serving the park every hour during the working day. Fergus Trim added: “Of the four lettings we have secured over the last 12 months, all have been led and advised from outside the region. We have targeted the national market, particularly in London, and this has resulted in us attracting occupiers that may well have gone to other parts of the country.”

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How can you step into your perfect home?

easy.

HISTORIC FISH QUAY RESTORATION

With the new gentoo Home Buyer scheme. You may find your dream home. But you may also find it’s out of your reach. We’ve changed all that with the new Gentoo Home Buyer scheme available on every Gentoo home. You may only need a 70% mortgage and just 5% deposit. We will then contribute the remaining 30% as a Home Buyer loan, interest free for 5 years, which is repayable at the end of the tenth year. It’s opening doors for more and more Gentoo customers. And it could open doors for you too.

Irvin Building Apartments, Union Quay, North Shields NE30 1HR. Prices from £81,000* Now is the ideal time to take advantage of Gentoo Home Buyer to secure one of our impressive quayside apartments in the magnificent Grade II listed Irvin Building. With a rooftop garden to relax in, and breathtaking views out to sea, they’re not just beautiful, they’re beautifully affordable.

AGREATCATCH ew life is being breathed into the historic heart of North Shields Fish Quay with the conservation of the striking Irvin Building. This magnificent building has been given a new lease of life with luxury one and two-bedroom apartments for sale. Prices start from £81,000 with gentoo Home Buyer, making The Irvin an attractive and aﬀordable option for those looking to get on the property ladder. gentoo Home Buyer is a new easy way for buyers to own their own home, as they may only need up to a 70% mortgage and just 5% deposit. gentoo would then contribute up to 30% as a Home Buyer Loan, which is interest-free for five years, repayable at the end of the tenth year. Jill Haley, head of new homes marketing and customer care, said:

“The Irvin is a fantastic option for first-time buyers and those looking to get onto the property ladder, and with our new gentoo Home Buyer oﬀer it’s more aﬀordable than ever.

Call 0191 525 5000** or visit gentoohomes.com

Living for a new generation *Maximum Gentoo Home Buyer price quoted which is 70% of the full marketing price of £115,000. Terms and conditions apply. **This number is chargeable. Mobile costs may vary. Please note on a weekend calls may be diverted through to a mobile phone in which case calls will cost considerably more. The information contained in this advert is intended for guidance only. Please contact Gentoo for full details.

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“designed with open-plan and contemporary living in mind, all finishes are to a high specification with design features such as period windows reinstated to preserve the building’s character, style and heritage. “Now is the ideal time to take advantage of gentoo Home Buyer and secure one of these impressive quayside apartments.” The apartments feature stylish fixtures and fittings including modern, high gloss kitchens with integral appliances. Luxurious tiled bathrooms also create a statement with all two-bedroom apartments featuring en-suites. all apartments have designated parking accessed via automated gates and there is a lift to all floors. There are also commanding views to the mouth of the Tyne and beyond from the private rooftop garden, complete with furniture sculpted from the reclaimed timbers of the original building. The Fish Quay is within easy reach of Tynemouth with its bars, restaurants and boutique shops, award-winning beaches and dramatic coastline. Oﬀering a luxurious blend of period character and contemporary design, the apartments retain many of the building’s original features and only a few remain. For more information about The Irvin or other developments by Gentoo Homes, contact the sales team, tel 0191 525 5000, or see www.gentoohomes.com

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best move I ever made.â&#x20AC;?

Join the world-class companies based at Quorum Business Park in Newcastle. Here youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find free sports facilities, on-site events, plenty of parking and subsidised public transport, all less than four miles from Newcastle city centre. No wonder businesses at Quorum attract and retain so many of the best people.

www.quorumbusinesspark.co.uk

TheGrinFactor

Take a Merc and make it better. That’s what Mercedes AMG is doing, and Mark Anderson enjoys every bit of the C63 hen I first started writing about cars I was relatively young, had no kids and little in the way of common sense. as a consequence, I was happy to drive ludicrously powerful, impractical machines so long as they were quick, looked good and had room in them for myself, a girlfriend and an overnight bag. Things have changed, and while I’m still a huge fan of

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high performance cars and the thrills that go with them I’m at a life-stage where children (unreasonably, in my opinion) expect to be ferried about, I might need room in the boot for a week’s shopping and my wife won’t let me have girlfriends any more. Praise be, then, to Mercedes aMg, which is producing some of the most visually stunning, technically brilliant cars around today that will still get the kids to school, the shopping in the freezer and out-perform pretty much anything in their respective price ranges. aMg, the performance division of Mercedes Benz, was formed independently in 1967 by some ex-Mercedes engineers (aMg are the initials of the founders) and originally took stock cars and engines and beefed them up. They are now owned by Mercedes and responsible for

MOTORS | Sy

producing harder, faster and, let’s face it, very exciting versions of Mercedes range of vehicles. The C63 aMg I drove recently is a perfect example of their craft. This car is related to the C-Class Mercedes in much the same way that I am related to Brad Pitt and usain Bolt. They share similar dNa, there are similarities, but let’s be honest; they are in a diﬀerent league. This car gets a 6.2 litre turbo charged engine producing 457 bhp and 600 Nm of torque. It also gets top end suspension upgrades; 360mm ventilated and perforated disk brakes with massive six point callipers. It has a seven speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox that can be moved to various settings, depending on your level of lunacy. It’ll race to 62mph in 4.4 seconds and only stops at a limited 155mph because members of the german green party are spoilsports. That takes care of the usain Bolt bits. It’s blisteringly quick, but aMg don’t just bolt all the fast bits together, they want the car to look magnificent as well and, actually, some of the bits that look good do actually contribute to performance. The C63 has the full aMg body kit, comprising of larger wheel arches to accommodate larger wheels and wider suspension than the standard car. ‘Power bulges’ in the bonnet hint at the massive engine beneath, and while I suspect this does nothing in terms of performance or handling, they look damn fine. Because this one is fitted with the Performance Pack it also has a carbon fibre spoiler, rear diﬀuser and bright red brake callipers. and because Jeremy Simpson, head of Mercedes in Newcastle, is a proper car nut this one also has powder coated black alloy wheels. No reason for this, they just

“This car is related to the C-Class Mercedes in much the same way that I am related to Brad Pitt or Usain Bolt “ look the business. good man, Jeremy. That’s your Brad Pitt elements assembled. Inside it’s pure Mercedes with all the kit you’d expect in a quality car and aMg haven’t mucked about with it too much. Leather seats grip the body without being full buckets. It’s beautifully appointed with plenty of room in the back and a proper boot. Sat Nav, bluetooth, decent stereo, electrically adjustable everything. Start it up and the engine emits a short but satisfying rasp via its four chromed exhaust pipes before settling back to a deep rumble. Out on the road that aMg suspension is firm without threatening to break your teeth every time you roll over a pencil. Steering is crisp, way more so than on standard cars, and in full automatic under normal driving conditions gear changes are imperceptible. Should you want to get a little bit more enthusiastic, downshifts via the paddle shifters are accompanied by an automatic blip of the throttle ensuring a smooth downshift an injection of torque and a fantastic noise. Much fun. I didn’t have long with the car and got nowhere near its performance limits, but I did let it rip a few times (on private land, I assure you) and it brought the hairs up on the neck. The V8 roared, I was pressed back in my seat and approaching the limiter in no time at all. This car has what I call ‘the grin factor’. What a car. I could have happily driven this when I was 25 and I’ll still be happy in it when I’m 55.

It looks imposing without being brash or overly flashy and the performance is stunning. This is what aMg is all about - producing cars packed with cutting-edge technology, exciting to look at and to drive and yet practical without being dull. at £52,925, it isn’t cripplingly expensive (I suspect the one with black wheels may cost a few quid more) and yet very exclusive. I believe Mercedes only has six for the North East this year. Mercedes ‘standard’ cars are very fine vehicles, but if, like me, you want to have your cake and eat it, aMg is the way to go. The C63 AMG was supplied to Mark Anderson’s by Mercedes Benz Newcastle, tel 0191 447 6484

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Sy | gLIdINg

Mark Anderson gets airborne, thanks to a pilot and all-round adventurer by the name of Storm (yes, Storm!) Smith

over Northumberland

“

… flying unaided in Spandex and a cape. I then developed the much more reasonable ambition of becoming an X-Wing pilot for the Rebel alliance; an ambition I hold to this day. My dad was in the RaF and I spent my youth on bases in the uk and overseas watching the best pilots in the world flying Jaguar, Tornado and Harrier aircraft. In my teens I joined the air Cadets and flew trainer aircraft such as the Chipmunk and Bulldog and went up in Venture gliders. Sadly it was at about this time I discovered I had entirely the wrong sort of brain to become a pilot. I’m not a great multitasker, have poor spatial awareness and can get lost in a box. I came to terms with this and moved on, but a recent trip to Eshott airfield to meet

I’ve always wanted to fly. at first I wanted to be Superman …

Storm Smith, the owner of the airfield and proprietor of Purple aviation, a flight school based at the airfield, has reignited my interest. More on this later. The fabulously named Storm Smith has been flying at Eshott airfield for 14 years. a Northumberland lad, Storm spent ten years in the armed forces, rising to the rank of Major before leaving for civilian jobs that continued to take him and his family around the world, finally pitching back up in the North East where he continued to pursue his passion for flying at Eshott. In 2002, Storm bought the airfield with the aim of developing it into a centre for aviation sports excellence and a business. a ‘Boy’s Own’ adventurer, Storm completed one of the longest ever microlight flights in a journey from India to Farnborough in the uk that took 25 days to complete and raised £200,000 for charity.

gLIdINg | Sy

In 2004, along with blind microlight enthusiast Miles Hilton-Barber, he broke the world altitude record for a dual passenger microlight, reaching 20,300ft; a flight that required breathing apparatus and heavily insulated flying gear as temperatures dropped to -38C. I understand that when not flying he wrestles bears for fun. Now, I don’t know about you, but when somebody says ‘microlight aircraft’ to me I think of a hanglider with an engine on the back. Today, that perception is pretty wide of the mark. Sure, Purple aviation operates the familiar ‘weight shift’ machines – a three-wheeled buggy with a wing above and engine behind that the pilot manoeuvres by shifting the aircraft centre of gravity much as a hang-glider does – but even these are more sophisticated than one might imagine. There are airspeed and altitude instruments, radio and even gPS on many models and modern 4-stroke engines make them quick (up to 100mph) and reliable. More surprising to me were the range of what are called ‘3 axis’ machines I saw at Eshott. These to me look like small light aircraft. “Well they are” says Storm. “What defines a microlight aircraft is its weight. any aircraft under 550kg in weight and capable of carrying no more than two people is classified as a microlight.” These aircraft have fixed wings, the pilot and passenger are fully enclosed and the aircraft are controlled via stick and pedals that operate ailerons and rudder in exactly the way the pilot of, say, a Cessna would. What I liked about all the machines was that despite being very modern they were clearly simple to understand, maintain and, ultimately, to fly. I saw one guy turn up, push his aircraft out of the hangar (yes, push it, by himself, these things are really light!) and have it airborne within 20 minutes. I got a complete tour of the airfield, which was built in the 1940s to train Spitfire pilots (how cool is that!). The airfield is home to Purple aviation’s own aircraft, but also to about 40 privately owned machines. These are variously stored in a large hanger or, for the serious enthusiast, in a series of individually rented single hangars (very big garages, basically). “We are very busy at weekends,” Storm explained, “when owners like to come up to fly and maintain their aircraft, but some of them turn up through the week for a quick blast. The owners are a diverse bunch; Mds of well-known companies, doctors, plumbers, carpenters – you name it. People also drop in from other airfields or come in for pleasure flights they’ve been given as Christmas and birthday presents.” Eventually, it was my turn for a flight. I was going up in the fixed-wing EV 97 Eurostar; Storm’s pride and joy. a few pre-flight checks later we were trundling up to the runway, then we were oﬀ. With the throttle open we shot down the runway and were aloft incredibly quickly. The rate of climb and forward speed was impressive too – it can do 100mph and has a range of 500 miles, which means my pilot is able to regularly pop over to Blackpool for lunch, should the fancy take him, as it often does. It also runs on standard unleaded fuel, and in no time we were 1,500ft above the Northumbrian countryside with the coast on one side and views of Cumbria in the distance on the other. Visibility beneath our perspex bubble was fantastic

Smith

“

… it can do 100mph and has a range of 500 miles. My pilot likes to pop over to Blackpool for lunch …

and I was soon reminded what a beautiful part of the world we live in. The aircraft was incredibly stable for such a small light machine and I was hooked on the whole experience. I want one, what does it cost? “It costs about £3,000 to train towards a pilot’s licence”, Storm told me, “and most people can achieve that within 30 hours of tuition; easily do-able inside six months, many do it in considerably less. That’s compared with upwards of £6,000 for a light aircraft licence. Once you have a licence you can be flying for as little as £10 to £15 per hour rather than £150 to £200 on heavier aircraft.” good news. also good is the news that you can pick up aircraft at surprisingly low prices. I’ve spotted a fixed wing for £2,995 and a flex wing for £2,600 on a well-known website. another good way to get started is to buy a share in an aircraft, which I’ve seen advertised for a few hundred pounds. and microlight flying is nowhere near as regulated as other forms of aviation. Eshott has no air traﬃc control, because it doesn’t need it (although flying is

regulated by radio contact with the airfield) and owners can maintain their aircraft themselves without any special qualification with the Caa, checking them over now and again with the equivalent of an MOT. anyone can do this. all this means I could be flying for less than it would cost me to buy and run the TVR sports car I’ve promised myself when the kids stop eating all my cash. So I’m going to and I apologise in advance to Storm and the club members if, in a few years time, they hear some nutter on the radio squawking “accelerate to attack speed and watch out for turbo-laser fire coming oﬀ that deflector tower,” as my X-Wing heads for the death Star. The Force will no doubt be with me. If you fancy having a go yourself a half hour experience flight, where you will get to control the aircraft as well as enjoy the view, costs £65 and an hour £115. and if you mention Sanderson young magazine you’ll get a 20% discount! Call Purple Aviation on 01670 787881 or see www.purpleaviation.co.uk

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Sy | OuT & aBOuT

hiddengems Jane Pikett discovers some wonderful places to shop, eat, and stay awhile The Dragonfly Shop, Hexham

Leigh Hetherington, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle In the nine years she has been in business, Leigh Hetherington has won national acclaim for her exquisite bridalwear collections. Leigh’s designs are contemporary yet classic, absolutely elegant and beautifully designed to fit and flatter, in luxurious silks with hand beading and detailing. She also creates stunning handmade accessories and veils and also stocks gowns at her boutique by La Sposa and Beverly Lister. The finish, the attention to detail and the romance of these designs really is something to behold; Leigh is a fabulous North East talent. Leigh Hetherington, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle, tel 0191 260 5757, www.leighhetherington.co.uk

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One of the loveliest shops in the Tyne Valley, plus a fabulous online store, Jose grove’s wish to help children and young people suffering from cancer, as she did, is realised here. Josie, from Corbridge, who died aged 16 in 2007, designed a dragonfly pendant in the weeks before she passed away and her parents, jewellery designers Cliff and Jacqui, now manufacture a range of dragonfly jewellery and accessories with the aim of raising £300,000 every year for children and young people with cancer. They recently opened the shop in Hexham as a complement to the online store, where much of the gold and silver jewellery, including the signature dragonfly pendants and cufflinks, carry the words Strength, Courage and Happiness in tribute to Josie, who had acute myeloid leukaemia. Through the money raised, a cash gift of £500 is given to terminally ill children and teenagers to allow them to enjoy something special in their last weeks or months. Josie’s charity also funds activity and craft packs distributed to children’s cancer wards and teenage cancer units throughout the uk. The exquisite range of jewellery and accessories at The dragonfly Shop and online is lovely and so special. It’s a privilege to go there and experience something of this brave’s girl’s legacy. The Dragonfly Shop, Hallstile Bank, Hexham, tel 01434 600 011, www.josiesdragonfly.org

Woven, The Gates, Framwellgate Bridge, Durham city designer retail pioneer Chris Hayes has launched a new upmarket brand in durham city, 15 years after co-founding the groundbreaking Van Mildert brand. Hayes recently launched his smart new menswear and accessories brand, Woven, at The gates shopping centre, specialising in designer labels, bespoke tailoring and lifestyle accessories. In addition to sought-after designer brands such as armani, Hugo Boss, gant, Lyle & Scott, Hackett and Pretty green, specialists from the renowned Stefano Lucchesi tailoring house visit every six weeks to provide a made-to-measure suit service. Woven also offers collections by leading design houses including Scabal - the world-renowned Brussels-based tailoring label and supplier of fabrics for suits worn in the last two James Bond films – Savile Row’s classic shirts and other leading men’s labels including dunhill and armani. Woven is also one of the only stockists outside London of the recently re-launched Fake London label - a favourite of Liam gallagher, Robbie Williams and Madonna - and also features lifestyle goods alongside aftershave, cufflinks, shoes, ties, watches - including vintage Timex designs - and home wares. Chris, who is no longer involved in the Van Mildert stores, has been working with renowned designer names to ensure the store is able to offer limitededition designs and items which are exclusive to Woven outside London and is sourcing designs from as far afield as Scandinavia and New york, with suppliers including John Varvatos - a favourite of Hollywood star Tom Cruise - and dr denim. Woven, The Gates, Framwellgate Bridge, Durham, DH1 4SJ, www.thegatesshoppingcentre.com tel 0191 386 9363

OuT & aBOuT | Sy

Electric Estate The Cragside estate near Rothbury, Northumberland is one of those magical, serendipitous places – its grounds a magnificent maze of woodland and water, its great house a noble tribute to its creator, William Lord armstrong, pioneer of the electric light bulb. Northumberland Lights, in association with the National Trust, returns this autumn to celebrate the 200th birthday of Lord armstrong at Cragside with an interactive illumination entitled The Electric Estate. For three weeks from November 12-28, the estate will

be transformed. Reflecting armstrong’s imagination and invention, renewable power sources deep in the heart of Cragside’s woodland will illuminate magical evening walks. On armstrong’s birthday, November 26, fire, water and electricity will create a spectacular finale show at the estate, followed by a torch-lit community procession from Cragside to Rothbury. For more information and ticket details, tel 01665 833 751, or see www.electricestate.co.uk

Alnwick Rum and the Saddleworth Cheese Company Surely a marriage made in heaven, delicious alnwick Rum is now being used in a new cheese produced – somewhat improbably – by former Coronation Street star Sean Wilson, who is making quite a name for himself for his award-winning Saddleworth Cheese Company. The cheese, which is based on a blue cheese recipe, Smelly-apeth, uses alnwick Rum – a thing of beauty in its own right and a marvellous cooking ingredient. The enthusiastic Ian Linsley, Md of alnwick Rum, is justly proud of his tipple. The recipe was lost for some

20 years following the closure of the brewery in the 1980s, but after the death of his father, the last managing director of the alnwick Brewing Company, Ian discovered the recipe and is now in full production of the rum plus an excellent range of alnwick beers. Alnwick Rum, Alnwick, tel 01665 604 768, www.alnwickrum.com Saddleworth Cheese Company, Preston, Lancashire, tel 0845 686 0775, www.saddleworthcheese.co.uk

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The North-East’s Number 1 Hot Tub Dealer collection | 133

Sy | PROFILE

Working exquisite pieces from the world’s ancient treasures such as lapis lazuli, amber, and amethyst, Judy Burberry’s pieces are each a delicate objet d’art. Jane Pikett is dazzled by her work

treasures There’s something hypnotic about watching jewellery maker Judy Burberry at her meticulous work, each semi-precious stone, each minute silver fastening lined up on her work table, awaiting its turn, as she works with tiny jeweller’s tools to create exquisite pieces from stones and gems sourced in some of the world’s most exotic places. One doesn’t like to disturb Judy, so absorbed is she in her work, but indicate your presence with a quiet ‘hello’ and she looks up with a beaming smile, perfectly content to be interrupted and delighted to share her passion for her raw materials, which travel many thousands of miles to reach her delicate hands. “I love all the stones, the way they soak up heat and cold, their texture, their temperature,” she says, “and I have to be making things all the time. My husband says I am always fiddling, but I just love beautiful things. “Even when I cook, I can’t just cut up a carrot, I have to make beautiful designs and create a display. It is who I am.” Judy’s bespoke jewellery boutique and workshop at The gates, Framwellgate Bridge, durham city, is a sweetie shop for bauble lovers; home to a dazzling array of delicately worked pieces of jade, agate, amethyst, opal and more of the world’s most precious stones. Judy can create bespoke pieces to match an outfit, and is also now breathing new life into old pieces, re-designing vintage pieces a customer may have inherited or grown tired of.

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PROFILE | Sy

“

… These materials are of the highest quality,” she says. “The best lapis lazuli, for instance, comes from Afghanistan, we source materials from Hong Kong, New Zealand and Dubai.

She sits at her work table and creates each unique piece as her customers look on, working deftly with dazzling turquoise and agate, amber, fresh-water pearl, lapis lazuli and paua shell, rose quartz, malachite and more. If her materials sound like the haul of treasure hunters from far-oﬀ oceans, it is no surprise; for that is exactly what Judy is. She finds her treasure in asia and the Middle East, sourcing the fine gems and semi-precious stones and working each with sterling silver to create unique bracelets, earrings and necklaces you will find nowhere else. They’re so tactile, it is diﬃcult not to handle all the pieces in her boutique, and running smooth lapis lazuli and delicately textured paua shell through your fingers is a multi-sensory pleasure. “These are beautiful materials,” says Judy, “and I get so excited when I have new materials to work with and new designs to try. It is a real pleasure.” Indeed, Origems began as a hobby, when Judy and her husband alan, an electrical engineer, lived in dubai a few years ago. “I started making earrings and things for me, and

people would comment on them and ask if I would do something for them, and it grew from there,” says Judy, 40, who moved to dubai in her teens with her family from her native Philippines. “I was working as a Pa and making jewellery, mainly for myself, in my spare time. One day, some ladies asked if they could come to my house and see the collection. They did, and they bought all of it. It was then I decided to do this professionally.” Judy and alan moved to the North East in 2003, and Judy’s designs, which she sells via the Origems store at The gates, at durham Cathedral shop and via the Origems website, have proved just as popular in the uk as in the Middle East. after much training and study in jewellery design and manufacture, Origems is now an established business and Judy works with suppliers all over the world to source her quality raw materials. “These materials are of the highest quality,” she says. “The best lapis lazuli, for instance, comes from afghanistan, we source materials from Hong kong, New Zealand and dubai. Our jade comes from China, our opal from australia, and turquoise from Iran, Turkey and the uS. “The sterling silver I use is from the uk, and only by using the best quality materials can you create pieces like this. I don’t have a favourite material, I just love them all, and there is nothing better than the moment you open a box when a new delivery arrives.” Judy knows the provenance of all her materials, and is able to source goods, including coral, from ethical and sustainable sources. The exotic locations which give up their precious gems to Judy’s hands are a long way from pretty Sherburn Village, just outside durham city, where she lives with alan and their four-year-old son, daniel. Meanwhile, their daughter karen, 19, has inherited an artistic

talent and is studying art at Birmingham university. Judy hopes to grow the business further in the years ahead, if only to allow her to indulge her passion for creating these exquisite pieces. For as she says: “I would do this whether I were paid for it or not. Every piece is made with love, and every piece is unique. It is a privilege to spend my time doing this.” Origems, The Gates, Framwellgate Bridge, Durham, www.origems.com

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Gone

Sy | dayS OuT

fishing

You don’t have to travel hundreds of miles for an inspired family day out. Rosie McGlade organises a day of adventure and artistry in Northumberland that’s as good as you’ll get, wherever you go

t’s 9am and we’re aboard the MFV guide Me beneath the harbour at Seahouses. The children slept in their clothes in their tent and I wonder if any other of our fellow passengers did the same. It’s boy heaven, and myself and my friend, mother of two of the three boys aged between 10 and 14 (Bryn, then James and Max), are the only females present among the dozen of us preparing, for the first time in some cases, to catch some serious fish. alan dawson, our skipper, wastes no time. He has two more trips to take out and the turn-around between each is a bare 10 minutes, so we’re past the harbour walls in no time. On a day like today he’ll be doing well enough, but yesterday the high swell meant he had to cancel all trips and it must, at times, be an elusive way to make a living. Everyone likes alan. By the time we make our first stop, he’s filled us in on the sea-faring gossip of North Northumberland, and oﬀered some rudimentary encouragement. “aye, it depends if we fall lucky.” His aim is to stop over a shoal of mackerel. I don’t know how you’re supposed to tell. There are no sea birds circling, though an occasional gannet has made it down from the Bass Rock south of Edinburgh to dive, kamikaze-style, into the water. Whatever his gut reading, he stops the engines, and

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the smooth waters reflect the thin streaks of blue in the sky between the clouds with a mesmerising calm. The Farne Islands stand to our right, and behind us, the castles of dunstanburgh, Bamburgh and Holy Island mark a skyline you’d be proud to show oﬀ to any visitor. We drop our lines straight down from the boat. alan, whose family have been fishing these waters for generations, and his captain’s mate, have shown us what to do, which seems simple enough; I’m more concerned about what we do when we catch one. If we hit the bottom, we’re more likely to pull up the codling which hang out there. For mackerel, you simply wind in your line slowly, and the little coloured feathers round our three or four hooks should attract them. When our first mackerel comes in we go nuts. There’s a cosh on board to whack them over the heads with, so they’re quickly put out of their misery. Fortunately, the boys take to the idea whole-heartedly, and blood soon splatters their shoes. The hook business is pretty squeamish, but again, the boys are sudden experts. On our first stop, we pull in around six, and a couple of codling. a pause, and alan thinks we should move on. another half dozen or so meet their maker. By now, we’re working like professionals. On the fourth and final stop, we hit the jackpot, a shoal underneath, and several times we bring up three or four at a time. The excitement of it all! We’ll freeze what we don’t eat in the next couple of days. With 51 fish in our bucket, it’s time to head back to port. alan and his helper fillet them for everyone on the way back, which is a major bonus. We get back to the camp site and cook up a barbeque; there can be few better things from the sea than mackerel just caught – we eat loads, with brown bread, butter and lemon, then we’ll get home tonight with a proud feast for all. It’s cost us £17 per adult and £15 per child for a three-hour morning with rod hire included, that marks a real highlight in the summer holiday. and we have fish we can eat for ages. anyone know a good recipe for mackerel? Alan Dawson, MVF Guide Me, Seahouses Fishing, Northumberland, tel 01665 720 940 / 07956 046 175, www.seahousesfishing.co.uk

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She surrounds herself with beach-combed treasures; pieces of driftwood, shells, multi-coloured strips of weathered copper, glass pebbles polished from years in the tumbling sea …

Rachel Clinton’s little workshop stands inside the walled garden in central Bamburgh, through a door opposite the Victoria Hotel and pub. It’s full of pretty things gathered painstakingly from the beach, many carefully drilled ready for little hands to string them together into something surprisingly lovely. The first time I found her, her Sticks & Stones sign catching the eye on a trip to the excellent Carter’s butchers over the way on Front Street, I couldn’t quite believe how lovely it all was. Rachel herself is a charming young artist whose greetings are as warm as it gets up the Northumberland coast, particularly if you’ve a child with you. She surrounds herself with beach-combed treasures; pieces of driftwood, shells, multi-coloured strips of weathered copper, glass pebbles polished from years in the tumbling sea, all gathered from local beaches. Her business involves encouraging visitors to string or stick them together into door signs, mobiles, or other decorative fripperies in an hour-long session for which she charges £8 a head. By the time my son had pieced together his ‘Bryn’ door sign ready for Rachael to stick in place with a glue gun exactly, and I mean exactly, where he had placed them onto an aged piece of driftwood, I wanted to pay her twice as much. It was an hour of utterly engrossed labour, delightfully spent, using tiny things that must have taken her an age to collect, and which resulted in something we’ll probably keep forever. Clearly, the business model works best when more than one child is present, so on our next visit, after the fishing trip and resulting mackerel lunch, there were three boys, ranging in age from 10 to 14 - so a teenager among them, a rugged test for Rachael. The older boys make a house sign for their mother, a gift for a special occasion fast approaching. It pleases them they wouldn’t have to go shopping. It actually pleases them to sit in this rickety wooden studio with its fascinating bits and pieces and work for an hour in peace, bar Rachel’s merry encouragement. you wonder at the thrill a younger group of children would feel to be there. I can’t think of anyone I’d have rather met when I was growing up; my pockets constantly weighed down with shells and interesting stones whenever we visited the seaside, without ever

really knowing what to do with them. In all honesty I still have that problem, and surely can’t be alone there. Rachel’s answer is to organise parties for young and old. Children’s birthday outings – happy days! Or grown up craft afternoons, where she envisages small groups wiring together Christmas wreaths from dried seaweed and gnarly sticks, or drilling tiny LEd fairy lights into lengths of driftwood to twinkle through limpet shells. Born in Seahouses to a kipper family, Rachel still has the favourite jars of stones she collected as a child when her addiction started. She studied art at Edinburgh before moving back to the area with her husband, and has now bought a kiln to fire the clay work she sculpts. Heavily influenced by the sea’s colours and moods, her pieces are dotted in and around her hut next to picture frames, lamps and bird houses she’s lovingly put together for sale or on commissions. Visitors are welcome to pop in and look around, or

to call and book an hour’s beachcraft workshop or children’s party, with special days for adults nearer Christmas. Rachel Clinton, Sticks & Stones Studio, Bamburgh, Northumberland, tel 07534 497 377

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47 - 48 Eldon Garden, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RA Telephone: 0191 232 0788 Facsimile: 0191 233 2274 www.richardsintonjewellers.com info@richardsintonjewellers.com