ONE of the country’s finest Grade II-listed late Georgian houses has come up for sale in a secluded location in the heart of historic Alnwick. Freelands is a beautifully proportioned Georgian gem with a rich history and many original features.
In the 24 years Ray Farnsworth and his wife have lived there, they’ve hardly had to make any alterations, other than the large double- glazed conservatory to the west side of the property. The house retains its original sliding sash windows throughout, the majority of which still have working shutters. “My wife and I just fell for it when we saw it,” said Ray, 77, a retired director of an oil company. Ray was attracted to the property’s diverse history, with its Georgian roots and Victorian extension. Over the years, he has made it his hobby to trace the property’s history. It was built in 1837 for the Skelly family with an extension added during the late 19th Century for the Paynter family. “It housed 21 people in the 1881 census, aside from servants,” Ray said. “The servants were necessary for the number of fireplaces throughout the house. “Now we just use the one in the dining room on special occasions and collect wood from the surrounding trees.” Dating back to the early 1830s, the property has a traditional Georgian porch, an impressive reception hall, sun room and two main reception rooms on the ground floor. The first floor houses four bedrooms, with en-suite facilities to the master, and a further reception room. There is also room for extension, with the possibility of two more bedrooms in the attic and two store rooms on the ground floor. The large kitchen provides ample room for dining and has double doors leading to the side garden. Ray favours the elaborate ceilings and classic Regency staircase in particular. Halfway up the staircase is the first WC fitted into the house in the 1880s. Ray discovered a diary entry from a young lady stating: “The toilet is for ladies only. The men make their own arrangements outside.” There is also a cellar, which Ray uses for his collection of fine wine. A major selling point are the extensive well- kept gardens and outbuildings including a workshop and wood store. The surrounding acre-and-a-half of land is “delightful at this time of year”, according to Ray, who describes the front garden as being like “a small park”. He added: “It is a gorgeous place to be.” The scenic Northumberland National Park is only a short drive away and provides some of the most beautiful scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Ray’s enthusiasm for the house is obvious, as he reminisces about how the property truly comes alive when his grandchildren visit. “It’s a comfortable family home,” he said. “I’m moving to somewhere smaller in the town because I’m getting a bit more mature. I recognise it’s the right thing to do because it’s sensible, but I enjoy living here.” Freelands, Alnmouth Road, Alnwick, is for sale through George F White at £950,000, tel: 01665 603581. | 
Find a Home | New Home Developments | Property Pricecheck | New Homes Search | Your Money | Classified Property Search | Letting Agents | Commercial Property | Overseas Homes
