* Freehold
* Remarkable Historic Property
* Grade II* Listed
* Original Character Features
* Desirable Open Plan Living Space
* South - Facing Private Gardens
* Charming Market Town Location
Accommodation in Brief
Open Plan Sitting Room/Kitchen | Larder | Snug | Boot Room | Garden Room |
Dining Room | Shower Room | Upper Hall | Principal Bedroom | Two Further
Bedrooms | Family Bathroom | Family Room | Loft
Extensive Mature Gardens | Terrace with Seating Areas
The Property
Whitfield Place is a hugely appealing Grade II* Listed property in the heart
of a much - sought after market town. History and character are apparent in
every aspect of this beautiful property, with original features such as wood
panelling, stone fireplaces, mullioned windows, stained glass and even a
historic salt cupboard. Thoughtful updates and renovation provide superb
living spaces for modern requirements, and the property benefits from
extensive mature south - facing gardens which are walled and private, Whitfield
Place features in the renowned architectural guide “The Buildings of England”
by Sir Nikolaus Pevsner. The left - most part of the house is dated at 1677 and
has the initials “DM” at the frontage. The right - most part of the property is
said to have been converted from a former Pack Horse Inn where King Edward III
may have rested after his encounter with the Scots in Weardale in 1327.
Another king, Charles II, is said to have ridden his horse up the main
internal staircase in the 17th century. The same staircase, in the tower to
the rear aspect, is most impressive today. There are later additions to the
rear of the property
The main oak front door opens into the impressive open plan sitting room and
kitchen. This fabulous welcoming room retains the character of the property
yet offers space that ideal for modern living. The room has LED lighting
throughout, a large original beam, woodburning stove set in a magnificent
stone arch inglenook fireplace, salt cupboard, window seat and
mullioned/stained windows. The kitchen is fitted with a fine range of
cabinetry in a contemporary country house style with complementary oak work
surfaces. The centrepiece is a a four - oven gas aga, and appliances include an
integrated dishwasher and a bowl sink with drainer along with a useful shelved
larder and space for an American - style fridge freezer. There is plenty of
space for a table and chairs for day - to - day dining and the open nature of the
whole room creates a hub for spending time with family and friends.
The rear - facing snug adjoins the sitting area and has a soaring vaulted,
beamed ceiling, woodburning stove with stone surround and flagstone hearth,
together with French doors and window overlooking the glorious rear garden.
There is a useful boot room off the snug with cupboard to one side which
houses the gas central heating boiler. The garden room has a lovely outlook
across the garden through full - height glazed windows and a door gives access
to the rear terrace. With practical earthenware tiling underfoot, the current
vendors have configured the room as a spacious boot room, perfect for muddy
boots after a day pottering in the gardens or exploring the spectacular local
surroundings.
The generous dining room provides an excellent formal entertaining space and
has original wood panelling, open stone decorative fireplace, two large
cupboards, one of which was an old box - bed, together with a window seat
overlooking the front through mullioned windows. A lobby links to the
secondary front entrance. Also on the ground floor is a well - appointed shower
room with corner shower, wash hand basin and WC. A utility cupboard has
plumbing for a washing machine. At the base of the main staircase is hatch
access to the cellar/priest hole.
The magnificent turned staircase, located within the tower, has square newel
posts and turned spindles and leads up to the first floor landing, with a
window at the half landing with views over the garden. The landing links to an
upper hall with an abundance of fitted shelving running the length of one wall
to form a charming little library. The principal double bedroom has a bay
window with original window seat with views to the front through mullioned
windows and stone inglenook fireplace. Reputedly Charles II used this bedroom.
A further double bedroom, accessed from the secondary staircase, has a pretty
Victorian cast iron fireplace, original narrow cupboard, exposed beam and
mullioned window to the front. There is a third bedroom on this floor linking
the secondary landing with the library hall; this bedroom has a window
overlooking the rear garden. All of the bedrooms are finished in relaxing
neutral colour palettes. One bedroom is currently configured as a home
office/study, demonstrating the flexibility on offer.
The family bathroom is fitted with an elegant modern suite comprising bath
with shower over, wash hand basin, WC and heated towel rail. It also has a
mullioned window. Returning to the main landing, the staircase continues to
the second floor family room with exposed a - frame timbers and Velux window.
This room offers a wealth of possibilities, such as an additional reception
room, a quiet reading room or a hobby room for children or adults alike. A
further large loft room has superb exposed beams along with power and heating
in place; this could be configured to provide yet more living accommodation.
Externally
Whitfield Place is set back from the street with a cobbled area to the front
that is used for parking cars. There is also access to the rear of the
property off The Causeway. To the rear of the house is a secluded, paved
terrace with lots of seating space and views of the Weardale Hills. Steps lead
down to the large south - facing garden, with wall and hedge boundaries.
External lighting is fitted to the rear aspect of the house to illuminate the
terrace in the evenings.
The garden has a variety of mature trees and shrubs, together with lawned
areas and established herbaceous borders. There are fruit trees, a vegetable
garden and an unusual hybrid walnut/hazelnut tree. The ruins of the old Coach
House form part of the south - west boundary of the garden, matching the
wonderful history found throughout the property. The Coach House is not a
listed building, and so can be renovated if desired.
Local Information
Wolsingham is a small market town situated by the River Wear on the edge of
the unspoiled North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The
surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and the stunning
surrounding scenery is linked by a network of public footpaths, ideal for
walking and cycling. Wolsingham remains much as it did hundreds of years ago
and the annual Wolsingham Agricultural Show on the first weekend in September,
which was established in 1763, is one of the oldest shows in the country.
Wolsingham provides a good range of everyday facilities including a doctor’s
surgery, chemist, restaurant, pubs and other local businesses. For schooling
the town offers Wolsingham Primary School and Wolsingham School & Community
College. There are various private schools within the area including Mowden
Hall School and Barnard Castle School. Other facilities are available nearby
at Bishop Auckland and Durham.
For the commuter Wolsingham is conveniently located for access to the major
regional centres of Durham and Newcastle, and from here links to all areas of
the UK can be found by rail. Newcastle International Airport and Teesside
International Airport are both within easy reach.
Approximate Mileages
Bishop Auckland 10. 2 miles | Durham 14. 5 miles | Newcastle City Centre 23. 3
miles | Newcastle International Airport 28. 6 miles
Services
Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas - fired central heating.
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.

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