IN a world where everything seems to be mass-produced, the quirky and individual seem to be more and more difficult to find.
That’s why Brookside Cottage, an historic home on the River Leven at Great Ayton, is such a delightful property. With a host of unusual features, this beautiful house would appeal to a buyer with a taste for character - somebody who wants to come home to something original. The house was built around 1740, says owner David Deans, and was originally two properties with a cross passage, which were knocked into one a few years later. “My favourite room is the sitting room,” says David, “it’s such a cosy and warm place.” Exposed beams bring a period ambience to the room and a cast iron fireplace with a stone fire surround is a charming focal point. Overhead is another intriguing item - an ancient memorial stone set in the ceiling! But don’t worry, it’s not a grave matter - because David believes he knows the answer to this mystery. “I think a son died and there were errors on the gravestone. So they had another made and used this as an additional hearthstone for the fireplace that was upstairs.” Off the entrance hall there is a cloakroom and the entrance to the dining area. This room, the study and a lovely hardwood sun lounge which overlooks the garden are all open to each other, giving a light and airy feel to the ground floor. “It’s a good place for entertaining.” The kitchen is a modern one, with a built-in oven and hob and a tiled floor. Back into the entrance hall, David says he is particularly fond of two little windows near the ornate staircase. Upstairs, a library area with shelving acts as anteroom for the en suite master bedroom, he explains. There are several other bedrooms on this floor, one with a cast-iron period fireplace, and the bathroom is a good size. And these days, when everyone seems to be accumulating more and more possessions, another useful space is a storage room. There is another bedroom on the second floor, with Velux windows. “It’s a good long room. When they were young the children used it as a playroom - and the grandchildren used it later too.” The large rear garden is a highlight of the property and a real haven, as well as the little path along the river, which is at the end of the garden. “It’s very peaceful and quiet - you can’t hear anything from the high street.” The garden has a wealth of ornamental shrubs and herbaceous borders, and flowers include snapdragons, fuschias and roses. The stone patio is also a pleasant place to sit. On the side of the house is a sundial dating from 1769, as a reminder of the inevitable passing of the hours through the centuries. Brookside Cottage is on the market priced at £475,000. More details from Halifax Estate Agents, Stokesley on 01642 711570. | 
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