YOU don't have to be a fan of neo-Gothic architecture to appreciate the beauty of Shotley Hall, a historic grade II* listed residence designed by the renowned architect Edward Robson in 1862 and constructed in 1863.

The original owner was Thomas Wilson, whose family's wealth – earned from silver and lead mining – enabled him to enjoy life in the hall.

The opportunity of acquiring this impressive country residence has come about as the vendors are looking to downsize. As the property has been in their family for more than 150 years, this is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire probably one of the finest homes of its type in the North.

The property consists of the main residence and a self-contained wing.

Although improved over the years, many features of the period have been retained, including beautiful doors, shutters to the ground floor rooms, ceiling cornicing, fireplaces and deep moulded skirting boards. One of the highlights are the stained glass work, some of which the owners say was created by Burne Jones and some by William Morris himself.

Entry to the main residence is via the entrance vestibule, with its flagged floor and open fireplace, then into the main hall with floor-to-ceiling windows at both ends and an elegant stone staircase to the upper floors.

From here you can gain access to the remainder of the ground floor rooms: the library which is made up of an informal sitting room and an office area, drawing room, formal dining room boasting three sets of windows offering views of the grounds, a cosy living room, the dining kitchen which has an Aga and a shelved larder and a flagged passage with provides access to the cellars and a rear staircase to the upper floors as well as

self-contained wing.

The first floor is home to the master suite comprising a bedroom with a deep walk-in bay window and a large en-suite bathroom, six further double bedrooms, a dressing room and two bathrooms. At a half landing en route to the second floor is a further staircase to two additional bedrooms, while the second floor itself is home to what would have been accommodation for the household staff in years gone by. This includes rooms that have great potential to provide additional bedrooms, a cinema room and home office or to create an apartment.

The self-contained wing comprises a hall, spacious sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

As is befitting a property of this stature, Shotley Hall's grounds and gardens are simply superb. They encompass 3.2 acres of mature, formal parkland gardens, laid mainly to lawn, with well stocked borders, a wealth of shrubs and tall trees including a number of Giant Sequoia Wellingtonia plus a meandering burn.

The hall enjoys a secluded position on the edge of the highly sought-after village of Shotley Bridge and offers the potential, subject to covenants and planning, to be used as a high-end boutique hotel.

For further details and price please contact John Lightowler at Fine and Country on 0191 2390818.