SET amid a bluebell woodland and with gardens leading down to a river, it’s easy to see why this property captured the hearts of its owners. The Old Mill Dairy near Morpeth has been the home of Kay and Nick Williams for seven years.
"The house was very different when we bought it," said Kay, 45. "It was beautiful and in very good condition, but it was decorated in a Mediterranean style, which we didn’t think fitted with the rural surroundings." Solid oak doors have been fitted throughout, a conservatory has been added, the kitchen has been renovated and the bathrooms have been refurbished. Entry to The Old Mill Dairy is via a long, private driveway, leading to a double garage with ample parking. Kay describes it as a quirky house – it is all on one level, apart from the master bedroom with dressing room and en suite, which are accessed by an oak staircase. Among the spacious rooms are an entrance hall, reception hall, drawing room, dining room, a newly refurbished breakfast kitchen and a study. The dining and drawing rooms have been combined to form an open-plan room with the hardwood conservatory on the side. The kitchen is fitted with oak units and an island unit. It also has a larder and doors leading to a patio area. There are four double bedrooms, two being en suite. Set in 5½ acres of semi-ancient bluebell woodland with river frontage, Kay and Nick have made the most of their location. It is mainly used for walks, somewhere for the children to play and for wildlife. "We cut paths into the woods to make it more accessible and hopefully benefit the wildlife. There is a badger sett at the end of the woods," said Kay. With an acre of formal garden, they have plenty of room for a lawn, patio, flowerbed, vegetable patch, greenhouse and even space to raise chickens. They have also added a terraced area, which faces south towards the woodlands. Despite its secluded rural location, the property is just 22 miles from Newcastle and Morpeth is only 20 minutes away. It was the location that primarily attracted Kay and Nick to the house, but now their priorities have changed. They are keen to find somewhere with extra rooms, or the potential for development to allow their parents to live or stay nearby. The Old Mill Dairy, at Rothley Mill, Hartburn, is for sale through Strutt and Parker for offers in excess of £650,000, tel: 01670 516123. | 
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