The Old School House, Satley, County Durham

Accommodation in Brief
Ground Floor
Kitchen/Dining Room | Sitting Room | Utility Room | Shower Room | Family Room

First Floor
Principal Bedroom with Dressing Area | Three Further Double Bedrooms | Family Bathroom

The Property
Dating from 1816, The Old School House is a beautifully restored Georgian home that once served as Satley’s village school. Constructed from traditional sandstone with a classic pitched roof, it now stands as a quietly distinctive detached house that pairs Georgian character with a practical, contemporary layout. It enjoys a peaceful village setting, set well back from the road beside the 12th-century St Cuthbert’s Church. The location offers a rare sense of rural calm while remaining within easy reach of Lanchester and the A68. Surrounded by rolling farmland, the property enjoys far-reaching views that further enhance its tranquil position.

The interiors reflect the same considered balance. A hand-built kitchen with painted cabinetry, oak worktops, and a traditional range cooker sits at the centre of the house—its farmhouse table, garden-facing door, and open staircase reinforcing its role as both a working space and a place to gather. Two distinct reception rooms provide flexible living areas: one a soft-lit sitting room with a wood-burning stove and rustic hearth; the other, a bright and open family room with wide-format tiles underfoot, benefiting from a multi-fuel stove and double doors connecting to the garden. Set just off the kitchen within the entrance hallway, the utility room is fitted with cabinetry and houses the property’s eco-efficient biomass boiler system. A contemporary shower room with WC offers additional convenience.

There are two staircases to the first floor. One rises from the kitchen to a central landing, where three well-proportioned double bedrooms share access to a stylish family bathroom with freestanding roll-top bath and panelled walls. A second staircase—discreetly tucked within the family room—leads to the principal suite. The room features a spacious dressing area with fitted wardrobes and a peaceful aspect across the garden, making it a restful and self-contained space. The loft above is fully boarded, offering excellent storage and scope for future use subject to consents. The scale and configuration of the property also lend themselves well to multi-generational living, with a self-contained annexe providing flexible, private accommodation for extended family or guests.

Externally
A secure gated driveway offers privacy and ample parking, while the east-facing garden wraps gently around the house—beautifully tended and thoughtfully landscaped, with dry-stone boundaries, mature trees, and soft lawned areas creating a sense of both structure and calm. A broad paved terrace extends from the rear of the house to a sheltered timber pergola, where a seating area, chiminea, and space for outdoor dining provide an inviting setting for alfresco entertaining. To one side, a shed offers versatile storage or workshop space, complemented by a large, covered log store. The garden and surrounding landscape are a haven for birds and wildlife, further enhancing the property’s peaceful rural setting.

Local Information
Satley is a peaceful rural village in County Durham, surrounded by rolling farmland and scenic walking routes. The village itself has a strong sense of community, centred around its historic church and active village hall. It offers easy access to nearby attractions including Hamsterley Forest, the Weardale Valley, and the historic city of Durham. Ideal for nature lovers, the area is known for its wildlife, woodlands, and unspoilt countryside. Nearby towns such as Lanchester, Wolsingham, and Durham offer a broader range of amenities, including supermarkets, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and retail shops.

The property is well placed for access to several highly regarded schools. Notable private options include Durham School (ages 3-18) and Barnard Castle School, both offering excellent academic and co-curricular provision. Wolsingham School and Durham Johnston Comprehensive are also within easy driving distance.

Satley offers peaceful rural living with convenient commuter links. Durham is just 15 minutes by car, providing access to mainline rail services to Newcastle, York, and London. Newcastle city centre and airport are also within easy reach.

Approximate Mileages
Lanchester 4.2 miles | Weardale Valley/ Wolsingham 4.9 miles | | Durham 11.4 miles | Newcastle City Centre 18.3 miles | Newcastle International Airport 22.2 miles

Services
The Old School House is connected to mains electricity, water and drainage, with a renewable biomass boiler providing efficient heating and hot water.

Tenure
Freehold

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.

Disclaimer
The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Finest Properties strives to ensure all details are accurate; however, they do not constitute property particulars and should not be relied upon as statements of fact or representation. All information is provided and maintained by Finest Properties.