A PERIOD property steeped in history is what many people hanker for. Original features, high ceilings, spacious rooms and bags of character were all on Paul and Karen Dixon’s wish list when they were looking for their dream home more than a decade ago.
And they found it all at Dene Head House – a Grade II-listed building – in Old Ryton. But now after making this beautiful property their own, the pair are ready to take on a new challenge. During their 12 years living in the property with their two daughters – Rachel, 14, and Laura, 10 – the couple have made lots of changes, as accountant Paul, 50, explains: “We were looking for a period property – one with large rooms, high ceilings, period features and a secure garden for the children. “We have done a lot to it – the kitchen has been completely remodelled and refitted. “We also took down a wall between the kitchen and the utility room, we increased the height of the ceiling and replaced the radiators. That part of the property is unrecognisable from when we moved in. “Both bathrooms have been refitted and modernised and we have also reinstated some of the period features that were probably taken out in the 70s – such as a marble surround in the back reception room. “In the other main reception room there was an original surround but the insert had been taken out in the past – so we have taken the cheap one out and put the real McCoy back in there.” Paul and Karen, 45, a speech and language therapist, also put right the poorly converted master suite, replaced worn floorboards and decorated the property throughout: “A fair bit of work needed doing but we did it fairly early on.” Marketed as one of the most historic houses within Old Ryton Village, Dene Head House has certainly stood the test of time. Constructed by Reverend Charles Thorpe in circa 1807 and converted to three residences around 1939, the property – which also boasts sash windows with working shutters – provides generous living accommodation. This includes an entrance lobby, reception hallway, lounge, dining room, sun room/conservatory, and breakfasting kitchen. To the first floor there are three bedrooms and a shower room, while the master bedroom and an additional bathroom are on the second floor. There is a paved garden to the front while to the back there is a garden which is predominantly laid to lawn with patio areas. A garage is within the stone-built out- buildings and offers storage space. It has been rumoured that many of the property’s period features – including some stonework and chimney pots – were taken from older religious properties: “The stone- work above the windows in the conservatory was supposed to have come from church buildings in Durham and possibly connected to the cathedral,” explains Paul. “The rector, who is said to have built the property by all accounts, is a little bit of a naughty boy! Apparently if he fancied something he would say it needed repairing and it would turn up in the house.” Paul’s favourite parts of the property are the exposed beams in the master bedroom as well as the views from the room over the property’s extensive gardens. The family also enjoy the large conservatory that they often use to entertain: “As the conservatory is rather large we tend to have our Christmas meal in there. We have an old Georgian table that we transport in there and have the extended family sitting around for Christmas lunch.” After more than a decade living in the property, it’s full of memories for the pair who will be sad to say goodbye. But as Paul explains: “We have reached a point where the time is right to move on and look for another challenge. “Now we are in the throes of doing just that, we are quite enthusiastic about it but it will be sad to leave it behind. Being realistic it will be difficult to find another property like it.” Dene Head House, Barmoor Lane, Old Ryton Village, is for sale through Sarah Mains at offers over £435,000, tel: (0191) 488-9999. Mieka Smiles | 
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