BOLD contemporary decor, historic charm and space for all ages are just a few attractions of The Old Vicarage.
On the edge of the village of Stillington, the handsome seven-bedroom Victorian house offers both tranquillity and easy access to the larger centres, Durham Tees Valley Airport and rail links. It is less than five miles from Stockton and six from Middlesbrough. “This is a great family home,” says owner Gavin Melville, who lives there with his wife Chloe and their twin boys. “In fact it has enough space for an extended family, with two sitting rooms, and a second floor that we use just for the children.” Off the entrance hall there are two south-facing reception rooms, both with striking fireplaces. The sitting room, a more informal place which the children use, has a Victorian tiled fireplace, and the drawing room features a large marble one. Gavin enjoys the drawing room, as an adult retreat. “It’s more restful - I can listen to music and relax, without stepping on Lego!” The dining room and kitchen of The Old Vicarage are particularly striking, painted in shades of red. The very large kitchen, with cherry-coloured walls and ceiling, has room for a dining table. Leading off it are a utility room and a wc. “We’ve always liked deep colours. The kitchen was so large and we chose the colour to give it a smaller, more intimate feel.” In the scarlet dining room, an attractive feature is the brick fireplace with wood-burning stove. “We like to entertain and the colour gives it that happy, after-dinner pub glow.” Upstairs there are four bedrooms and a bathroom to the first floor, including the master bedroom, which has an en suite dressing room. “It’s another of my favourite rooms, because it’s big, light and has a view of the garden. “The dressing room is useful too, because it means our bedroom isn’t cluttered up with cupboards.” To the second floor, the twin boys each have a bedroom, and also enjoy their own playroom and bathroom. Outside the house stands centrally within almost a half-acre of land. There is a driveway and parking area to the side and rear of the house, and the landscaped gardens are well-established, with shrubs, mature trees and flower beds. Adjoining the house to the rear is a brick outbuilding, which includes a garage and storage space. Some of this space was converted into two small pony stables, back when Gavin’s sons learned how to ride. “We’ve sold the ponies, but the loose boxes can still be used,” says Gavin. The Old Vicarage is next door to a primary school, and Stillington also has a doctors’ surgery, two pubs and a post office. However, although the family have all loved living here for the past four years, job offers in Wiltshire “that we can’t refuse” mean The Old Vicarage is on the market. “You’re near so many things here - the beaches, gorgeous Teesdale, the moors and the dales. But we have to move.” The Old Vicarage in Stillington is on the market for £500,000. For more details call Strutt and Parker, Morpeth on 01670 516 123. | 
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