Bilton, Alnwick, Northumberland

Orchard House is an impressive detached property combining traditional and contemporary design, extending to more than 2,800 sq ft of well-balanced and flexible accommodation. Situated in a semi-rural setting between Alnmouth and Alnwick, the property features attractive white-rendered elevations with stone mullioned windows, while the interior is presented in an elegant and understated contemporary style throughout.

The welcoming reception hall sets the tone on entry, with patterned tiled flooring and a bespoke oak staircase. Leading off, the formal sitting room provides a generous and well-proportioned space, with a triple aspect and an attractive fireplace fitted with a woodburning stove. There is also a formal dining room, featuring a fireplace with stove and offering versatility as an additional reception room if required. The centrepiece open-plan kitchen which overlooks the garden and has views out towards the Aln estuary provides further everyday living and entertaining space, fitted with shaker-style units and integrated appliances, while a south and west-facing breakfast or seating area benefits from two sets of French doors opening onto the gardens.

The first floor provides five well-presented bedrooms, one of which may also serve as a study. The principal bedroom is of particular note, with a Juliet balcony, walk-in wardrobe and en suite shower room. A further bedroom also benefits from en suite facilities, while a family bathroom is fitted with a freestanding bath and separate walk-in shower.

Outside, the gardens are predominantly arranged to the front of the property, taking full advantage of the south-facing aspect and the wonderful views towards Alnmouth and the coast. A substantial patio provides an ideal setting for outdoor dining, leading to a well-maintained lawn bordered by established planting, including shrubs and hedgerows. Vehicular access is to the side, where a driveway continues to the rear, providing parking and access to a detached garage, above which there is a useful and versatile studio space which, among other uses would be a great space for a gym, home office, craft room or art studio.

The property lies in the small hamlet of Bilton, close to the breathtaking Northumberland Coast National Landscape, just moments from the River Aln estuary and the coast, within easy reach of Alnmouth Beach, one of Northumberland’s finest beaches. The nearby village of Lesbury has local amenities for day-to-day living, including a community run shop, a pub, a parish church and a village hall, with Alnmouth offering further shops, pubs and cafés. Alnmouth railway station is less than a mile away, offering direct services to a number of major cities including Newcastle, Edinburgh and London, while the A1 is just over three miles away. The historic market town of Alnwick is four miles away, and provides a greater range of shopping and amenities. Home to the famous Alnwick Castle and Garden, it offers a wealth of shops, supermarkets, a good selection of cafés, pubs and restaurants, as well as a theatre, a local hospital, leisure centre and other services. Schooling in the area includes Hipsburn Primary School less than a mile away, as well as state secondary schooling in Alnwick.