County Durham is home to some stunning properties and we've taken a look at what's on offer at the moment at the top end of the market.
And the properties don't disappoint; from a former colliery owner's grand mansion to a stunning country estate once used as a hotel, we've picked out five of the region's best homes currently on the market for upwards of one million pounds.
- The Paddocks, Wynyard: Guide price £2,995,000
This five-bedroomed detached property is described as a rare and exceptional country manor within the prestigious postcode of The Paddocks, Wynyard.
The stately home delivers almost 8000sq ft of luxurious living space, occupying a large 42-acre estate with a mature woodland, tennis court, a private lake, landscaped gardens, patios, pergola with hot tub.
It even boasts an outdoor assault course with zipline and extensive lawns suitable for helicopter landings.
This impressively palatial family home offers an array of opulent spaces to relax and entertain, inclusive of a 26ft swimming pool, gym and games room with bar.
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Once the Wynyard Estate Manager’s home at the time of Lord Londonderry’s ownership, this beautiful Georgian mansion has undergone significant extensions and modernisation seamlessly in keeping with the original architectural style.
- Fir Tree Farm, Sedgefield: Guide price £1,500,000
Fir Tree Farm offers a rare opportunity to secure a lifestyle and business property in a highly desirable location.
This impressive compact estate encompasses a substantial detached bungalow with a luxurious leisure suite including a swimming pool and gymnasium, a detached modern office suite, extensive garaging and guest annexe accommodation.
The property sits in around 14.4 acres in all, including formal gardens, a paddock of around 8.4 acres and woodland of around 4.4 acres.
In addition, planning permission has previously been granted for the construction of a stable block with six stables, tack room and store.
Although this planning has lapsed, interested parties may wish to explore reapplying for planning; the stables and paddock would combine to create a wonderful equestrian setup.
- Heatherbrae, Snaisgill Road, Middleton-In-Teesdale: Guide price £1,350,000
Heatherbrae is a magnificent country house occupying a spectacular elevated position within landscaped gardens and grounds of around 2.3 acres in all.
The property is nestled just outside the picturesque village of Middleton-in-Teesdale and panoramic views sweep away from the house across glorious unspoiled countryside.
The accommodation includes a grand reception hall and impressive living spaces filled with period features.
There are seven bedrooms within the main house and a further three bedrooms within the flexible adjoining annexe.
In addition, there are several outbuildings within the grounds, including a garage and workshop, wood stores and the biomass shed, along with a tennis court to the north of the house.
Full of character and history, the property has in the past been a magnificent private residence and was once a popular hotel.
It is currently operated as a high end luxury holiday let and interested parties may wish to continue this business opportunity, or to create a private home with expansive accommodation.
- Low Etherley, Bishop Auckland: Offers over £1,250,000
Etherley Lodge was built in circa 1820 as a home for Henry Stobart who, together with his family, owned several collieries in the local area and used his wealth to build a nearby hospital for injured soldiers.
At the time of construction, the Lodge included several cottages for the mine workers, a mining office, an icehouse (which remains today), as well as extensive water gardens.
The house was extensively extended in circa 1912 and again in circa 1986, when it was used as a nursing home.
Having been left unoccupied and derelict for five years, it was purchased in 2018 by its current owners, who have completed a full restoration of the property, returning it back to its original purpose as a family home.
This property comprises the main house with the guest wing and the self-contained annexe.
- The Old Vicarage, Hunstanworth: Guide price £1,200,000
Standing in generous and private garden grounds, The Old Vicarage retains an abundance of period features including sash windows, many with working shutters, picture rails and period fireplaces.
The house is further enhanced by its adjacent coach house which offers potential for conversion to provide ancillary accommodation subject to the necessary approvals.
The grand entrance to The Old Vicarage is on the upper ground floor and has painted double gates with steps that lead up to an open covered portico.
An attractive arched, panelled Gothic-style front door leads to an enclosed porch and into the welcoming reception hall with a stone fireplace set in one corner fitted with a wood burning stove.
The main staircase and the secondary stairs lead up to the first floor where there are three further generous double bedrooms, all with different aspects and views of the gardens and surrounding countryside, an abundance of period features including stone fireplaces with cast iron inserts, painted beams, and concealed wash hand basins.
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