AFTER living in Foxbury House for more than 30 years, Alastair and Roddy Bond have decided to put their stunning period property on the market.
Alastair, a former consultant, said: “When your family has flown the nest, you downsize.” Both retired, the couple are looking to remain in the area but in a smaller property now that their three children have all recently married. Foxbury House is in Lesbury, a mile from Alnmouth railway station, with links to Newcastle, London and Edinburgh. The property is three miles from Alnwick and is close to the Northumberland Heritage Coast. Also nearby is Foxton Golf Club. Alastair feels the proximity to amenities, as well as the panoramic views of the Aln estuary, make this property a real gem. The river also boasts a healthy supply of sea trout. He said: “The property was originally built in 1925 by a gentleman who played tennis for England. He built two tennis courts in front of the house although they are now used as lawns.” The detached house features design and architecture from the Arts and Crafts period which is rare for this part of Northumberland. Much of the interior, including panelling and flooring, is made with Canadian oak. At more than one-and-a-half acres, the manicured gardens, with a paddock and patio are an eye-catching feature of this property. Adjacent to the house is a kitchen garden that is separated from the formal garden by an attractive hedgerow. “We bought this property because it was a beautiful house,” explains Alastair. “It gets the sun all day and all of the main rooms have a fabulous view over the estuary.” The principle rooms have a southern aspect, giving a light ambience throughout the day and stunning views. A striking entrance leads to the inner hall which features a return staircase and provides an entrance to the morning room from which the drawing and dining rooms can both be accessed. Both are spacious with beautiful original fireplaces and wonderful southerly views. The other side of the hall has the cloakroom and a further reception room. Additional rooms are used as a pantry, store and gun room. The kitchen has fitted units and an oil-fired AGA. It leads to a number of rooms that would have been the servants’ wing when the house was originally built. The first floor includes seven bedrooms and two family bathrooms.This floor also has further storage, a linen cupboard and a nursery. There is secondary glazing throughout the property. Foxbury House, Lesbury, is for sale through Strutt & Parker at a guide price of £850,000, tel: (01670) 516123. |