Hillhead House

Accommodation in Brief

Entrance Porch | Hall | Sitting Room | Family Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room| Utility Room | Pantry | Rear Porch | Ground Floor Bedroom & Bathroom | Four First Floor Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Wine Cellar



Walled Gardens | Woodland | Stable & Store Room | Boiler Room | Store | Garage | Driveway & Courtyard Parking



The Property

Hillhead House is a beautiful and substantial detached period house with extensive formal gardens and established woodland. The property is nestled within the National Trust Gibside estate with remarkable views that roll away across the stunning landscape. The attractive stone under slate house dates back to 1760 and retains an abundance of character that reflects the history of the property. Hillhead House originally formed part of the Strathmore Estate, with the house occupied by the land agent of the Earl of Strathmore so that he could look after and maintain the estate. The stables at Hillhead House were used to house some of the finest horses in the region, and there is fascinating historical correspondence between the land agent and George Stephenson, the renowned "Father of Railways", to indicate that the horses were used by George and his son Robert to pull and transport the components of the groundbreaking locomotive The Rocket ahead of its public unveiling.



Superb contemporary updates have been carried out at Hillhead House with great thought, care and attention to detail to create gorgeous living spaces that are perfect for modern requirements whilst retaining a distinctive period atmosphere.



The entrance porch with pitched roof leads to the wide central hall with herringbone flooring and access to the principal living accommodation. There are three lovely reception rooms, all finished with elegant décor. The sitting room and family room are both positioned to the front elevation; these south-facing rooms are filled with natural light from large sash windows with traditional wooden shutters. The sitting room features a marble fireplace with woodburning stove, whilst the family room also has a marble fireplace, this time with a cast iron open fire. The dining room sits to the rear and is currently configured as a relaxing second sitting room. A rear porch leads to the courtyard outside. The gorgeous kitchen and breakfast room is a wonderfully bright and airy space and is sure to be a hub for spending time with family and friends. The gorgeous kitchen is by the renowned craftsmen and fitters of deVol, with the vaulted ceiling soaring above high quality modern fixtures and fittings with bespoke cabinetry that brings a country house feeling. A grand original electric AGA sits to one side providing a warm heart in the winter months. A combi-oven and microwave with induction plates provides a high specification alternative in the summer. French doors sweep open to the patio and gardens beyond. A generous utility room is positioned off the hall and adds practicality. There is also a walk-in pantry adjacent to the utility room. A door from the hall opens to a discreet staircase down to the wine cellar with traditional arched ceiling.



Beyond the kitchen and breakfast room is a ground floor bedroom and an adjacent bathroom that offers a perfect guest suite or accessible sleeping accommodation if required. French doors to the gardens bring an abundance of light to the bedroom.



Stairs rise from the hall via a half landing to the first floor. There are four bedrooms arranged across the first floor with varying outlooks. The elevated position brings sweeping views in all directions. Three of the bedrooms benefit from fitted wardrobes. The fourth bedroom would make an ideal study with inspiring views when working from home. The bedrooms are served by a well-appointed family bathroom with suite comprising bath, separate corner shower, wash hand basin mounted in a floating shelf and WC. A large linen cupboard off the landing offers impressive storage space.



Externally

Hillhead House sits within fabulous gardens and ground extending in all to just under 1½ acres. The property is approached via a private lane from Fellside Road which is only used by Hillhead House and its neighbours. A gated entrance and a private driveway runs past the walled gardens and around to the gravelled courtyard at the rear of the house. There is plenty of parking for several cars, in addition to the single garage. An electric vehicle (EV) charging point is located next to the garage.



The gardens are a stunning feature of Hillhead House. The beautiful formal walled gardens are south-facing and maintained to an exceptional standard. Manicured lawns sit between elegant rose gardens, box hedging and beds with an abundance of vibrant plantings. This idyllic sheltered escape is a dream for every keen gardener. A substantial stone-built outbuilding includes a stable and store room, currently used for outdoor equipment. Further storage is available in the boiler room which adjoins the rear of the house.



To the west of the gardens and drive are further grounds incorporating additional expansive lawns and mature woodland that is a haven for wildlife.



Local Information

The property is situated within the magnificent Gibside National Trust Estate in the heart of the Derwent Valley. Gibside is renowned as one of only a few surviving 18th century landscapes, incorporating around 600 acres of Georgian landscaped gardens, valley views, woodland, grand ruins and the remarkable Column to Liberty. There is excellent access to amenities, with the property close to Burnopfield and Whickham, both sought-after villages offering semi-rural living within easy commuting distance of the regional centres of Newcastle and Gateshead. Situated in an elevated position, south west of Newcastle overlooking the River Tyne, the villages offer excellent local amenities with a wide variety of shops, restaurants, fitness centres and professional services. Whickham also offers a golf club, cricket club and the nearby Whickham Thorns Outdoor Centre has two dry ski slopes, a climbing wall, archery, mountain biking and orienteering courses. More comprehensive services are available in Newcastle and Gateshead, with large supermarkets, a further range of shops and professional services together with cinemas, theatres and hospitals.



For schooling, the excellent Royal Grammar School (RGS) is only around 10 miles away. There is an excellent selection of primary and secondary schools with 'outstanding' and 'good' Ofsted ratings in the area, including Clover Hill Primary School which consistently rates as the top primary school across the whole region of Newcastle, Gateshead and Sunderland.



For the commuter, Gibside is well located for easy access to the A1 for onward travel north and south, Newcastle City Centre, the Metrocentre, Team Valley and Newcastle International Airport. The area has excellent bus services and the rail station in Newcastle provides main line rail services to major UK cities north and south and local services.



Approximate Mileages

Burnopfield 2.1 miles | Whickham 3.0 miles | Metrocentre 3.8 miles | Gateshead 6.4 miles | Newcastle City Centre 8.5 miles | Newcastle International Airport 10.5 miles



Services

Mains electricity. Private water supply. Drainage to septic tank. Oil-fired central heating.



Wayleaves, Easements & Rights of Way

The property is being sold subject to all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether or not specified within the sales particulars.



Agents Note to Purchasers

We strive to ensure all property details are accurate, however, they are not to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact and do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract. All measurements and floor plans have been prepared as a guide only. All services, systems and appliances listed in the details have not been tested by us and no guarantee is given to their operating ability or efficiency. Please be advised that some information may be awaiting vendor approval.



Submitting an Offer

Please note that all offers will require financial verification including mortgage agreement in principle, proof of deposit funds, proof of available cash and full chain details including selling agents and solicitors down the chain. To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, we require proof of identification from all buyers before acceptance letters are sent and solicitors can be instructed.

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