WITH 37 acres of woodland, Whalton Park is one of Northumberland’s best kept secrets – and most people don’t even know there are a handful of new-build houses in this beautiful, secluded spot.
Three executive homes were built here in 2001 and the first couple to move in were Laurie and Audrey Foster. “We found it by chance,” said Laurie, 77. “We were driving along and saw the developer’s sign at the roadside. We had a look and the location was idyllic. “Whalton Park is gorgeous. It’s an estate development from the late 1800s and there’s an old cricket ground with pavilion which has been converted.” As the couple reserved the property before it was built, they were able to make modifications to the plans. “We made it more open-plan with double doors on the ground floor and added a garden room,” said Laurie, now retired. “The area I particularly like is the kitchen/snug/garden room area. It’s very spacious. There’s an Aga in the kitchen and it’s south-facing. It looks out on to woodland so you can see red squirrels and owls. The specification is above average. It has higher ceilings with coving and external-quality doors inside. Being a new-build it’s also easily maintained with low energy requirements and high standards of insulation.” |