Widehope Farm, Bildershaw, West Auckland, County Durham

Accommodation in Brief
The Farmhouse
Entrance Hall | Sitting Room | Drawing Room | Snug | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | Studio | Ground Floor Shower Room | Principal Bedroom Suite with Dressing Room & Shower Room | Two Further Bedrooms with En-suite Shower Rooms | Fourth Bedroom | Bathroom

The Barn
Entrance Hall | Open Plan Sitting Room/Kitchen | Studio/Reception Room | Ground Floor Bedroom & Bathroom | Utility/Grooming Parlour | Plant Room | Stores | First Floor Bedroom & Dressing Room

Externally
Double Garage/Games Room | Single Garage | Laundry Room | Grooming area/ Kennels (all with planning permission) | Barn/Agricultural Shelter | Workshop | Two Greenhouses | Walled Garden | Paddocks | Building Plot with Planning Permission | In all 5 Acres

The Property
Widehope Farm offers a fantastic business, further building development and lifestyle opportunity with an impressive mix of flexible living accommodation, outbuildings, land and the chance to further develop. The property as a whole comprises a charming traditional stone-built four bedroom farmhouse, a beautifully converted two bedroom barn conversion, a stone barn, garaging, additional outbuildings and paddocks of around 4 acres. In addition, the property encompasses a building plot with permission to construct a three bedroom oak-framed house. Widehope Farm is tucked away on a private road with wonderful surrounding countryside, walks, hacking and riding routes.

The Farmhouse
The house was built in 1850 and is a fine example of the era with large windows and high ceilings and was extended around 15 years ago. Immaculately presented throughout, the farmhouse is bordered on two sides by garden along with a walled garden and secret garden with stunning views of the valley ahead.

The principal living accommodation blends characterful original features with contemporary touches. The sitting room, drawing room and dining room display traditional charm, whilst the open plan kitchen/breakfast room has a stunning light and modern atmosphere. A grand electric AGA sits to one end and there is room for both dining and casual relaxation. The kitchen is served by a generous utility room, whilst a ground floor studio and shower room offer versatility for a number of uses.

Stairs rise via a half landing to the first floor and the bedroom accommodation. The principal bedroom benefits from a dressing area and am elegant en-suite shower room. There are three further bedrooms; two have en-suite facilities and the fourth is served by a family bathroom. All the rooms have lovely green views of the surrounding countryside.

The Barn
Adjacent to the farmhouse is the stunning two bedroom barn conversion which has been recently converted from a former training centre. The centrepiece is the magnificent open plan sitting room and kitchen, offering desirable modern living space. The ceiling is vaulted with exposed beams and an unusual feature wall to the living end has a built-in television and stylish fireplace. To the other end is the kitchen with a central island for dining. There is a ground floor bedroom with adjacent bathroom and a second bedroom located on the first floor along with a dressing room.

The Barn also houses a variety of additional flexible rooms, including an expansive studio/reception room and a utility/grooming parlour. There is a plant room and numerous store rooms. Overall, there is great scope to configure for a range of requirements.

Outbuildings
An impressive range of outbuildings range around a courtyard area. A converted stone barn sits to the side of the courtyard, previously used as kennels and a grooming facility. The building is already equipped with power, drainage and utility connections, offering a versatile space with excellent potential for a variety of future uses.

The former triple garage has been converted into a double garage and a single. The double is currently configured as a fantastic games room with a bar and underfloor heating. (All of these outbuilding have planning permission for a 5 bed house with annex)

A separate barn/agricultural shelter provides excellent storage for large equipment along with an attached workshop. This is reached via a concrete road and sits on the edge of the well-fenced paddocks.

Externally
The fields extend to around 4 acres of organic meadow hay and have been designed around an access corridor; each paddock has a water supply and they are bordered by ancient woodland hedges which are full of birdlife. There is also a private fenced woodland area which is around 30 years old with birch and hazel trees.

Planning Permission
Behind the garaging and former kennels lies the cleared plot of the former cattery. Planning permission for an oak framed three bedroom house is still current as the development has been started by demolishing the cattery and carrying out the land surveys. The owner holds the plans should a buyer wish to use them for resubmission.

Local Information
Widehope Farm is located in the County Durham village of Bildershaw. Bildershaw has the rare distinction of being one of the only villages to still use feudalism, with a group of local officials meeting to discuss legal matters. The nearby market town of Bishop Auckland provides everyday professional, retail and recreational services. Durham and Darlington city centres, which are also within easy reach, provide comprehensive cultural, educational and shopping facilities. The surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and the property is well-placed for the Durham Dales and both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

For schooling, a number of primary school and secondary schools, together with a selection of community colleges, are available in the surrounding villages and towns. There are a number of private schools available in nearby Durham, Yarm, Barnard Castle and Newcastle.

For the commuter the A1(M) provides easy access to the major regional centres of Teeside, County Durham and North Yorkshire. East Coast mainline rail services are available from Darlington and from Newcastle there are links to all areas of the UK. For air travel both Durham Tees Valley Airport and Newcastle International Airport and are within easy reach.

Approximate Mileages
Bishop Auckland 4.5 miles | Darlington City Centre 9.0 miles | Teesside International Airport 14.6 miles | Durham City Centre 15.5 miles | Newcastle City Centre 33.7 miles | Newcastle International Airport 38.0 miles

Services
Mains electricity and water. Private drainage to septic tank. Three sets of solar panels qualifying for higher rate Feed-in Tariffs (FIT). 65kW Biomass boiler supplies heating and hot water to farmhouse, cottage and barn. Qualifies for Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) with 8 years to run from 2025. Details available on request.

Tenure 
Freehold 

Council Tax
Widehope Farm – Band E
The Barn – Rating C

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.

Directions
From the A1 take the A68 heading north west signposted Corbridge, Bishop Auckland, Shildon. After 0.8 miles at the roundabout take the first exit to stay on the A68. After another 0.9 miles at the next roundabout, take the first exit again to stay on the A68. Continue for 3.8 miles then turn left and be

Parking - Garage

Parking - Secure gated