A PHOTOGRAPH is all it took for Kate Moore to fall in love with the stunning period property she now calls home. Not only did she and husband Mike buy their dream house. They also bought their dream lifestyle, running a bed and breakfast business in rural Northumberland. The couple, from Derbyshire, relocated to the area in 2005 after Kate was made redundant from her job in PR and marketing.
“We’d always wanted to run a B&B and when I lost my job, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to escape the rat race,” she said. “We were sitting on a beach in Greece and decided it was a case of now or never. I just fell in love with the property as soon as I saw it on the internet. When we pulled up in the car to view it, I knew it was the one without even going inside. I just had a gut feeling. We moved in eight weeks later.” Built around 1755, The Manor House in Fenwick was originally owned by the Haggerston Castle estate and has taken on many guises over the years, from a Land Army base during the Second World War to a youth hostel. The Manor House, 20 miles north of Alnwick, enjoys an idyllic location. As well as views over Holy Island, the Newcastle to Edinburgh cycle route is on the doorstep, making it ideal for those who love the great outdoors. Despite being run as a successful B&B, the property would make an ideal private family home. Kate said: “When we bought the house, we didn’t realise how wonderful the location was. It’s half way between Newcastle and Edinburgh and has wonderful views. We’re right in the middle of three long-distance walks and the cycle route passes our gate.” As well as versatile rooms, the house offers a wealth of period features including beamed ceilings and fireplaces. There are six bedrooms, four of which are en suite, and two reception rooms. The living/dining room has a multi-fuel stove, traditional exposed beams, wooden flooring and large bay window. Another reception room, Kate and Mike’s private space, also includes a fireplace and bay window. This leads to a galley-style kitchen with utility. The first floor has three double bedrooms, two with en suites. The first floor landing has two window seats from which to enjoy the views. The second floor has three double bedrooms, two with en suites, and a Victorian-style bathroom. Two bedrooms have access to a large balcony with views over Holy Island. Kate said: “The house has a lovely feel. It’s very homely. I particularly like the front garden as it’s really beautiful in the summer. I also love our bedroom. It’s light and airy and has lovely views over the hills from the balcony. One of the best selling points of the house is its character. It has so many wonderful features.” The house is perfect for entertaining, says Kate. “My son Ben recently got married and his Japanese wife’s family all stayed in the house. Even when it’s full of guests you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other.” There are large, terraced patio areas at the front of the house, providing the perfect place in which to relax in the summer . There’s also a fig tree, producing flavoursome figs, and a communal lawned area. The couple are reluctantly selling and opting for an easier pace of life. “We are looking to take life a bit easier and retire. We are staying in the area as we love it so much. We will be very sad to leave The Manor House, but it’s too large for just the two of us, so we’re looking for something smaller. It’s time to let someone else have some pleasure from it,” said Kate. The Manor House, Fenwick, is for sale through George F White at a guide price of £495,000, tel: 01665 603231. The business is for sale through separate negotiation. | 
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