The Old Court House, Whittingham, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66

Sitting proudly as a piece of history in the charming village of Whittingham, Alnwick is this exquisitely restored Grade II listed gem, once serving as the Court House and Police Station. Dating back to 1859, this extraordinary residence has undergone meticulous restoration and renovation by the current owners, a dynamic designer duo, who have injected their personality into this wonderful home, whilst preserving its remarkable period charm and original features, standing the test of 165 years. Their careful selection of colour schemes, guided by the play of light, has bestowed each room with its own distinct character, yet maintaining a harmonious flow throughout the home. The Old Court House has been faithfully honoured in their efforts.

The striking Grade II listed Victorian building, with its stone gables and picturesque mullioned windows, retains two of its original holding cells, now repurposed as a utility room and store room, adding an intriguing historical element to modern functionality. Additionally, the expansive first-floor courtroom, flooded with natural light and spanning the building's entire length, has been transformed into a studio, providing the owners with an inspiring space for creativity.

Set amidst approximately half an acre of gardens and grounds that gently slope down to the serene banks of the River Aln, this property offers both indoor and outdoor delights. Whittingham Village, with its community spirit and convenient access to Alnwick and Rothbury, serves as an idyllic backdrop. For outdoor enthusiasts, the breathtaking Thrunton Woods lie just moments away. If you seek an extraordinary country retreat steeped in history, The Old Court House beckons with its compelling narrative.

Accommodation in brief:
Ground Floor:
Entrance Hall | Dining Room | Drawing Room | Breakfast Room/Snug | Kitchen | Pantry | Utility Room | Storage Room | WC | Boot Room

First Floor:
Studio/Living Room | Principal Bedroom with En-Suite Bathroom | Two Further Double Bedrooms with En-Suites

External:
Double Garage | Sun Room

Accommodation
Ground Floor:
Upon entering this delightful home, you're greeted by a welcoming hallway. To the left, a cozy breakfast room and snug await. This multifunctional space features two distinct sections: the first housing a convenient dining area, while the lower section, adorned with original floorboards, boasts a comforting woodburning stove, ideal for leisurely Sunday mornings with the paper in hand. Seamless transition leads from the breakfast room to the stylish kitchen, meticulously crafted with modern conveniences in mind. A back door opens onto a charming patio area, fostering a delightful indoor-outdoor flow during the summer months. Continuing through, you'll find a well-appointed pantry, catering to the needs of enthusiastic cooks, before returning to the hall.

To the right, the Dining Room beckons, exuding drama with its dusky Obsidian Green walls. The ambiance is richly moody, offering an exquisite setting for hosting gatherings. Meanwhile, the drawing room embodies a French country style, awash in sunlight and adorned with Jane Churchill wallpaper, Hicks' Blue, and Pale Wedgwood hues on the walls. The revelation of the original stone fireplace, concealed beneath plasterboard, proved a delightful surprise, now fully restored to its former glory and fitted with a woodburning stove. Throughout, simple wooden shutters adorn the windows, while the ground floor floorboards have been stripped, refurbished, and stained dark to evoke a cohesive aesthetic, softened by vintage rugs.

Completing the ground floor accommodation is a spacious boot room, featuring striking black and white flooring and dark painted panelling, alongside two former holding cells repurposed into a utility room and storage area, and a convenient WC.

First Floor:
Ascend the historic stone staircase to encounter the third bedroom, situated on its own level just a few steps down. This bedroom offers a self-contained retreat, featuring three windows framing picturesque views of Whittingham Tower, along with its own en-suite shower room. The second bedroom boasts an original fireplace and en-suite bathroom. Continuing down a short corridor, you'll be greeted by the pièce de résistance of the property: the former courtroom, now transformed into a studio and living room. This grand space boasts magnificent sash windows, high ceilings, and a charming woodburning stove. There is the potential to convert this fabulous room into two further bedrooms, subject to planning consent. Moving through to the principal bedroom, once the judges' dressing room, you'll be captivated by its stunning design and convenient luxury en-suite bathroom.

On the outside:
Stepping outdoors, you'll find a spacious double garage seamlessly connected to the exquisite sunroom. This inviting space features its own private terrace offering panoramic views of the gardens and the tranquil river below. Flooded with natural light, this delightful room provides an ideal setting for relaxation. The enchanting gardens are thoughtfully tiered into three levels: starting with the sun terrace, then transitioning to a gravelled area offering breathtaking river views, and finally leading down to a sizable grassy expanse that extends to the riverbank.

The Area:
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Northumberland, Whittingham village exudes charm and tranquillity. Steeped in history, this quaint village boasts a delightful array of stone-built cottages, winding lanes, and lush greenery. Surrounded by rolling hills and bordered by the serene River Aln, Whittingham offers a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike. The village is adorned with a quaint church, a convenient primary school, and a welcoming community spirit. With easy access to nearby attractions such as Alnwick and Rothbury, as well as the stunning Thrunton Woods for outdoor enthusiasts, Whittingham village serves as an idyllic base for exploring the natural beauty and rich heritage of Northumberland.

Distances: Alnwick – 8.3 miles | Rothbury – 9.4 miles | Alnmouth – 12.7 miles | Newcastle City Centre – 38 miles
Nearest Stations: Alnmouth – 12 miles
Nearest Airport: Newcastle – 35 miles

Services:
Mains water, electricity and drainage | Oil central heating
Broadband is provided by Alncom with a download speed of approximately 125MBPS
These services have not been tested and no warranty is given by the agents.

Tenure: Freehold

Local Authority: Northumberland County Council - Band F

EPC Rating: D

Viewing Arrangements: Via the vendors’ agent: Sarah Tuer - Fine & Country Newcastle and Northumberland
The Estate Office, Rock, Alnwick, NE66 3SB

Agents Notes to Purchaser:
Although we endeavour to furnish precise information, it is strongly recommended that buyers undertake their own thorough due diligence. The onus for verifying critical details, including but not limited to floods, easements, covenants, and other property-related aspects, lies with the buyer. Our listing information is presented to the best of our knowledge and should not be the sole basis for making purchasing decisions. None of the services, systems, or appliances listed in the details have been tested by us, and we provide no assurance regarding their operating ability or efficiency. Buyers are encouraged to independently assess and verify all relevant information before making any commitments.