Serial renovators Richard and Kate Hodgson have struck gold again with their latest luxury holiday let project – a period townhouse in Barnard Castle. Jenny Needham visits

After they painstakingly turned two barns and a pretty cottage into award-winning five-star holiday lets, Richard and Kate Hodgson could have been forgiven for resting on their laurels. After all, they also have a farm to run and two children to look after. But these serial renovators don’t believe in sitting back and putting their feet up and were soon on the look-out for another property, something a little different, to add to their letting portfolio. A 19th century grade two-listed former weaver’s cottage in the middle of an historic County Durham market town fitted the bill perfectly.

“We saw Cheeseborough House, in Thorngate, Barnard Castle, just by chance one evening after our offer on another house had been turned down. It must have been fate,” says Kate. “As soon as we saw it on the internet, we were excited. We rang the estate agents the next morning, viewed it that afternoon and 36 hours later, it was ours.”

Within a minute of being in the house, the Hodgsons say they knew it was the one. The huge beams, period fireplaces, stone floors, panelling, sunny rear courtyard, view of the river and the beautifully restored stonework of the whole street sold it to them immediately. The fact that it was within easy walking distance of the town centre was the icing on the cake.

The property needed a new central heating system, new bathrooms and painting from top to bottom, but the bare bones of the house were all there; it just needed bringing back to life. “From the moment we bought it, we couldn’t wait to start work on Cheeseborough and because of all its existing charms, we were fired up to put our own stamp on it,” says Kate.

After building and renovating other properties, the couple are confident enough to tackle most jobs, though Kate says she hates sanding floors. “It’s definitely the worst job. It’s backbreaking and the dust is dreadful. The best part of the project is seeing our vision for it take shape and come to fruition, especially when all the furnishings are put into place.”

“We hope our guests can unwind, rest and feel at home here. Our decor is luxurious but not something you would be afraid to use,” says Richard, who has a great sense of colour and is very creative. “Our colours were chosen to be relaxing and have a rural French feel. We kept them light to increase the sense of space, and combined them with luxurious fabrics.”

Their favourite item is a beautifully renovated dresser which they stumbled across at an exhibition in York. Along with other pieces, it was transformed by Nicky and Julie of York-based furniture restoration firm Steele & Cox who painted it a bold red with hints of green showing from underneath. “We think it’s a real triumph,” says Richard.

A long way down the renovation road, nothing daunts this creative and competent couple any more, though they say a big part of their confidence comes from having a trusted group of very skilled tradesmen and local suppliers with whom they’ve built up relationships over the years. For today’s luxury lettings market, the finish has to be perfect.

“The bar has now been set to a very high standard for self catering properties,” says Kate. “Guests expect what they already have at home and more.” This includes modern bathrooms, power showers, kitchens with all the gadgets, music systems with usb connections, wireless WiFi, large televisions in bedrooms, fantastic sofas, outdoor space and furniture. Kate and Richard also have a library in all their houses, children’s and adults’ board games and a toy box.

To the rear of the house there is a glorious secluded courtyard garden, which even on a windy day can be a suntrap. There is a tranquil water feature, rambling roses, a decking area with rattan sofas and mosaic dining table. The stone flags were lovingly restored to their former glory by Richard, who used a pressure washer to reveal their original natural colours and then sealed them.

It’s been an intensive renovation, but the couples’ previous experience meant it all went smoothly. “We have done it all before and nothing structural was required. The only thing we didn’t realise was quite how much plumbing work needed doing,” says Richard.

“When we are transforming a property we tend to do the majority of the work ourselves so it’s increasingly intense until it’s finished,” adds Kate. “Although we still apply the same thought and effort into running the existing holiday cottages, family and social life have to go hold. Fortunately the farm is mainly run as an arable unit which allows time outside of the really busy periods to do other projects. Cheeseborough House took two months to complete and we couldn’t be more proud of it.”

The townhouse has much to offer our guests including beautiful walks and cycling straight from the door, the world-famous Bowes Museum with its prestigious exhibitions, a large selection of independent shops, great pubs selling local beer and a good selection of restaurants, all within walking distance. The River Tees is just a few yards away.

The Hodgsons’ growing luxury letting portfolio comprises two large barn conversions in beautiful countryside, Church Cottage in a quiet corner of the village green in Gainford and now Cheeseborough House in the vibrant market town of Barnard Castle, so will they be taking some time out now the latest let is finished. Not likely… “We have just secured planning permission for a luxury shepherd’s hut sleeping two on the farm and Barry, our fantastic joiner, will be busy this winter building it with Richard.,” says Kate. Watch this space…

KATE AND RICHARD’S ADDRESS BOOK

Joinery: Barry Proudlock. “With old properties most things are not straight or even, so you need a talented and experienced joiner. T: 07950-804820.

Painter: Richard Brown. T 07715-446177.

Heating engineer/plumber: Morgan Howe. T 07814-464047.

Bathroom World, Victoria Road, Darlington: They have a wealth of knowledge and we have used them on all our projects. Their quality and customer service is excellent.W: bathroomworlddarlington.com; T: 01325-463081.

Calverts carpets: A wide range and choice with good friendly fitters. W: calverts-carpets.co.uk; T: 01845 522967. Stores include Ripon, Thirsk, York, Richmond, Northallerton, Guisborough and Middlesbrough.

Warrens Lighting, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland: If you describe something, Brenda can find it for you and recommend products. W: warrenslightingltd.co.uk; T: 01388-603269.

Jude Heron Interiors, Shadforth, Durham: Amazing. Her sewing team and standard of finish is excellent and she has a huge range of paint, wallpaper and material at her showroom as well as coffee, tea and cake while you are browsing. W: judeheroninteriors.co.uk; T: 0191 372-0730.

Glenwoods, Yarm Road, Darlington: Great source of decorating products. W: glenwooddecoratingsupplies.co.uk

Furnishings: Barker and Stonehouse. W: barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

We have a glorious secluded courtyard garden, which even on a windy day can be a sun trap. We have a tranquil water feature, rambling roses, decking area with rattan sofas, and mosaic dining table. The stone flags were lovingly cleaned to their former glory by Richard which involved pressure washing and stone sealing to show off their original natural colours.

Having just secured planning permission for a luxury shepherds hut sleeping two on the farm watch out for details in spring 2016. Barry our fantastic joiner will be busy this winter building it with Richard. This will be available on a nightly basis.

  • To rent Cheeseborough House, Mill Granary, Mill Byre or Church Cottage – all awarded 5 Star Gold – go to millgranary.co.uk, call 01325-730339; mobile 07796-863888 or email info@millgranary.co.uk