KATH and Tom Smith had always admired Black House Farm, so when the owner approached them suggesting a house swap, they were surprised but delighted.
That was three-and-a-half years ago, and now the couple are selling up to pursue a self-build project. “We had always admired this house but we never thought it would come up for sale,” said Kath. “It’s beautiful. The views are amazing and it’s south-facing. The work had all been done. The only thing we did was change the bathroom.” The four-bedroom home, in Lanchester, County Durham, is set within 2.75 acres of land, including an acre of landscaped gardens and two paddocks. It has views across the Browney Valley and is handy for the A68 which leads to Corbridge one way and Durham the other. “You get a lot for your money,” said Kath, who has a daughter Veronica, 19, and a seven-year-old son, Miles. “There are stables, a hay barn and huge sheds. If the weather’s bad it’s great for indoor play. There’s such a lot you could do here, like add a conservatory or home gym.” As Miles is allergic to horses, the family don’t use the land to its full potential, preferring quad bikes to horses, but Kath says it would be the perfect property for those who enjoy equestrian pursuits. The house is well-proportioned with a reception hall, drawing room, study, playroom, dining room, open-plan breakfasting kitchen, utility and cloakroom on the ground floor. Kath’s favourite room is the kitchen, which has a Shaker-style kitchen with granite worktops and an island unit. All the traditional country-style features are there such as exposed ceiling beams, an Aga and Belfast sink. | 
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