Haltwhistle, Northumberland, NE49

Bellister Castle has been a true labour of love for its current owners, who—alongside The National Trust—have meticulously restored the property to its full splendour. Every element reflects thoughtful craftsmanship, blending the comforts of modern living with the grandeur of a historic fortified mansion. Opportunities of this calibre are rare, offering a chance to own a landmark steeped in English heritage.

The Castle's origins trace back to medieval times, with the adjoining pele tower dating to the 12th Century. Over the centuries, Bellister has passed through distinguished ownerships, each contributing to its preservation. The most recent extension and partial rebuild by architect John Dobson further enriched its character and architectural integrity.

Today, Bellister Castle presents a harmonious fusion of history and modernity, offering a warm, elegant and manageable family home within beautifully maintained private grounds. In addition to the Castle, the estate includes a charming two-bedroom Lodge and courtyard outbuildings at the entrance of a private tree-lined drive, leading to Grade II Listed buildings currently used for garaging and storage.

The estate spans approximately 4.51 acres, framed by mature trees and open countryside. The grounds feature an orchard, a traditional walled garden, and extensive south-facing lawns bordered by shrubs and a Ha-Ha, contributing to the tranquil setting.

Bellister Castle is Grade I Listed, with its earliest parts dating from the 12th Century. Over time, it evolved with additions in the 17th, 19th and 20th Centuries, showcasing restored mullioned windows, crenellations and other period details. Modern comforts have been seamlessly integrated into the Castle's historic fabric, preserving its atmosphere while enhancing its functionality.

Accommodation spans over 4,778 sq ft across three floors. The ground floor includes an entrance hall, sitting room with wood-burning stove, breakfast kitchen with Everhot range, dining room with decorative fireplace and silk-lined walls, and a drawing room with ornate ceiling, window seats and French doors to the garden. Additional spaces include a laundry room, boot room, cloakroom and boiler room.

A handsome staircase leads to the first floor, where the principal bedroom enjoys three bay windows overlooking the gardens. The ensuite bathroom features a restored 19th-century fountain bath and ornate chiffonier. Two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom complete this level.

The second floor offers a large bedroom suite, up to three additional double bedrooms, and a newly appointed bathroom with shower. The property benefits from a fully updated oil-fired central heating and water system.

A private tree-lined drive leads to the Castle and its buildings. To the south are lawned gardens and an orchard, flanked by mature trees, woodland and Ha-Ha. To the north lies a traditional and immaculately maintained walled garden.

Immediately to the northwest of Bellister Castle are an impressive range of Grade II Listed sandstone buildings. Dating from the late 1700s onwards, they are arranged in a handsome horseshoe around the original farmyard. Together they extend to about 6,507 sq ft and retain many fine architectural features, including archways and mullioned windows. While currently used for storage, subject to the usual planning consents, the buildings present a significant opportunity for sympathetic conversion. Their scale, layout and setting make them ideally suited for a range of uses, such as additional residential accommodation, holiday lets, leisure facilities or workspace, adding to the potential of the property.

The Lodge is a detached two-bedroom stone house at the entrance to the driveway. Refitted in 2020, the ground floor includes a kitchen, sitting room with stone fireplace, office and utility room. Upstairs are two double bedrooms and a family bathroom. To the rear is a private courtyard and garden.

Bellister Castle is superbly situated adjacent to the Northumberland National Park and moments from the River South Tyne. The area itself is endowed with a rich history, falling within close proximity to Hadrian's Wall and other Roman landmarks, forming a fitting backdrop to this Medieval Castle, believed to be built of stone from Hadrian's Wall. The Castle sits proudly on an elevated motte within 1,200 acres of National Trust parkland, screened by outstanding mature woodlands.

The immediate surroundings are typically rural and peppered with ancient woodlands and natural landmarks, amidst traditional livestock farms and undulating grassland.

There are good transport connections being close to the A69 and almost equidistant between Newcastle and Carlisle, providing useful access to both Cumbria, Northumberland and a choice of routes south via the A1 or M6, with rail networks to London within 2hrs 35mins. Newcastle International Airport is 35 miles to the east.