Wearhead, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, DL13

Upper Weardale Hidden Gem – Former Schoolhouse with Cinema History, Move-In Ready Interiors & Timeless Character
Welcome to Barrington Hall – a rare and remarkable detached home set within the North Pennines AONB. Originally built in 1819 by Bishop Shute Barrington as the village schoolhouse – and later transformed into a community cinema in the 1930s – this lovingly updated property blends rich local history with modern-day comfort and charm. Ideal for homeworking or creative retreat with it's Beautiful rural setting with fast broadband

Inside, the home is fully renovated and move-in ready, offering over 1,560 sq ft of versatile living space across three levels. The cathedral-ceilinged living room is the heart of the home – a dramatic yet cosy space with exposed beams, feature stonework, and a powerful 12 kW log burner. A handmade kitchen with an AGA Rayburn and a warm, country feel sits just off the central hall, leading to a principal bedroom that still features the original school caretaker’s fireplace.

The home offers three bedrooms, a family bathroom with bath and thermostatic mixer shower, a cloakroom WC with utility area, and a restored sunroom opening directly to the garden.

Recent works include:
– New flooring across ~75% of the house
– Secondary glazing for enhanced warmth
– Electrical upgrades with Nest thermostat
– Eight new column radiators
– Grant oil boiler (recent, serviced 2025)
– Full internal redecoration
– Bespoke hardwood windows and external doors

Outside, there’s generous off-road parking, a charming stream with seasonal waterfall, stone walling, secure fencing, and beautifully tended gardens to front, side and rear. Fibre broadband is already live, making the home WFH-ready.

Surrounded by miles of walking paths leading to Cross Fell, Burnhope Reservoir and the River Wear, this location offers true rural peace - yet remains within reach of Durham, Hexham, Darlington and the Lakes.

Perfect for those seeking a main home, second home, country retreat or unique holiday let (subject to consents). Barrington Hall offers not just a house, but a way of life - where history meets nature, and character meets comfort.

Internal area: 1,561 sq ft / 145 sqm
Freehold | Not listed | Wearhead Primary School (Ofsted Good)


MATERIAL INFORMATION:

In compliance with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team’s Material information in property listings Guidance

PART A
Local Authority – Durham County Council
Council Tax Band – E
Tenure – Freehold

PART B
Property Type – detached
Property Construction – Stone
Number & Types of Rooms – Please refer to the details and floorplan, all measurements taken being the maximum dimensions available between internal walls
Electricity supply – Mains
Water Supply - Mains (unmetered)
Sewerage – Mains
Heating - Oil fired boiler with radiators
Estimated Mobile phone coverage – Please refer to the Ofcom Website -

Estimated Broadband Download speeds – please refer to the Ofcom Website –
Parking: off road parking - Scope to create a driveway with clever landscaping

PART C
Building Safety – The Vendor is not aware of any Building Safety issues. However, we would recommend that the purchaser engages the services of a chartered surveyor to confirm
Restrictions - None
Rights & Easements- An Easement is noted on the title dated 1976
Flood risk – very low
Coastal Erosion - NA
Protected Trees – no
Conservation area – Yes and within the North Pennines area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Planning Permission – no
Accessibility – The property has not been altered for accessibility
Mining Area – no
Selective License Area – no

No other Material Information disclosures have been made by the vendor. This information has been compiled in good faith using resources readily available online and by enquiry of the vendor prior to marketing. However, such information could change after compilation of the data, so J W Wood cannot be held liable for any changes post compilation or any accidental errors or omissions.
Furthermore, J W Wood are not legally qualified and conveyancing documents are often complicated, necessitating judgement on our part about which parts are “Material Information” to be disclosed. If any information provided, or other matter relating to the property, is of particular importance to you, please do seek verification from a legal advisor before committing to expenditure.
HMRC supervises the legal obligation for all estate agents to conduct identity checks on their customers, this includes buyers when their offer is accepted. This must be completed, per purchaser, who in the transaction will result in being the legal owner(s) of the property. There is a £30 (inc VAT) administration fee per individual purchaser, for these checks