Otterburn, Newcastle Upon Tyne

Otterburn Castle is currently run as a successful country house hotel and retains many of its historic fittings and striking architectural details. These include stone-mullioned windows, oak wall panelling, magnificent fireplaces and intricate plasterwork.

The stately reception hall has a carved staircase and timber panelling which creates an impressive sense of theatre upon arrival. Similarly, the principal reception rooms provide significant spaces for entertaining, being beautifully proportioned and full of character.

The drawing room which opens off the main hall is cosy and inviting with its fireplace and timber floors. There are dual-aspect views through full-length shuttered windows, attractive plasterwork to the ceiling and an adjoining room which is currently used as a side bar.

The stately garden room is light and airy with pale walls and an impressive bay window, as well as an ornate Florentine marble fireplace. This features paired Ionic columns and a frieze of a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. The room is currently used for ceremonies and can seat 120 guests comfortably, or 40-60 for formal dining.

Everything about the timber-panelled dining room is grand - from the imposing stone-mullioned window with stained glass roundels, to the immense fireplace with its intricately carved mantle bearing the Pease family crest. The room incorporates a private area for a more intimate dining experience.

Like the dining room, the breakfast area has timber panelling to the walls and fireplace, however, the overall ambiance has a much lighter feel. In addition to the two large timber sash windows looking out to the front of the property, there is also an arrow-slit window high up on one of the walls.

The former stable block is now used as workshop and storage areas.

For larger gatherings, there is a marquee with its own private bar which has panoramic views of the garden and can cater for up to 150 guests.

The service areas are situated away from the formal rooms and include a fully equipped catering kitchen with ancillary areas and a laundry room.

The 18 bedrooms are arranged over three floors and are all very different in character. There are two rooms on the ground floor and a further two are situated in the tower. The majority of rooms are located on the first floor and these include the bridal suite which occupies what was once the original library. This is accessed by its own private staircase and boasts a wealth of period details. These include an impressive inglenook fireplace with a segmental arch above which are five painted panels depicting scenes from the Battle of Otterburn. All rooms have en suite facilities.

There is further staff accommodation which comprises of three flats and one house.

Otterburn Castle sits within 32-acres of formal gardens, mature woodland and parkland which provides a very picturesque backdrop to this impressive property. A private drive leads up from the main road to a large parking area. This is bordered by terraced formal lawns.

There is a pretty woodland walk which follows the course of a small stream and culminates at a tranquil lake. Along the way, it passes the water wheel that once pumped water for the garden’s ornamental fountains.

The estate is also comprised of pasture land currently rented out to a local farmer. This could provide an opportunity for development, subject to the necessary planning consents.

About 32 acres and 3.5 miles of single bank fishing rights on the River Rede.

Otterburn Castle is located within the quiet village of Otterburn, a vibrant community which has a general store and a pub. The village sits within the Northumberland National Park, right at the heart of the picturesque Redesdale Valley and close to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall.

The historic town of Bellingham is the closest town for shopping and amenities. Known as the gateway to Keilder Water & Forest, it nestles on the banks of the North Tyne and is a well-known stopover point for the Pennine Way, the Pennine Cycle Way and the Reivers Coast to Coast cycle route. It offers a variety of shops, pubs and eating places, as well as banks, a library, a garage, a fitness centre, an 18-hole golf course and public transport links.