WITH five children and a busy GP practice to run, doctors Ian and Kerry Pattison love coming home to the peace and tranquillity of Bird Hill – their detached bungalow set within 10 acres in Whickham village.
The plot, by Whickham Golf Course and overlooking the Gibside Estate, has spectacular views across the Derwent Valley and offers total seclusion, yet is just 10 minutes from the MetroCentre. It was the position of the property that first attracted the Pattisons. “It’s a very rare spot,” said Ian, 35. “Standing in the bedroom, you can see right across the Derwent Valley from one window and from the other you can see across towards the Cheviots. I often sit out and watch the red kites that were reintroduced into the area. We’re in the countryside but also three minutes from a pub.” Although the family have only lived at Bird Hill for 20 months, they have completely refurbished it. “It was fairly dated,” said Ian. “We’ve rewired, replastered, put in a new central heating system and added double glazing. We also converted the garage to make a dining room that’s open to the kitchen and added an en-suite. The only part that needs some work is the conservatory.” Now the couple are looking to move closer to their practice in Ryhope. Cutting down their 40-minute commute will enable them to spend more time with their children Sasha, 12, Bob, six, Tom, four, and two-year-old twins Matthew and Elizabeth. Ian explained: “There used to be a substantial three-storey Georgian mansion on the site called Bird Hill Hall, which was part of the Gibside Estate, but this was demolished in the 1950s. We think this property was the dowager’s house to the old hall.” The grounds – a mixture of lawns, landscaped woodland and meadow – are another major selling point. Ian has also added a vegetable patch, raised beds and polytunnels, plus there’s even a tractor shed. The space is the ideal children’s playground, and the Pattisons have bags of room for trampolines, bouncy castles and the like. Car enthusiasts or those with frequent guests will find there’s plenty of room on the Tarmac sweeping drive for parking – plus there’s an extensive detached garage with storage unit. Inside, the layout includes two main reception rooms, a garden room leading to a sun terrace, a contemporary kitchen, dining room and utility. There’s also a master bedroom with en-suite shower room, there further bedrooms and a family bathroom – all on the ground floor. With the children now enrolled in Sunderland schools, the family are gearing up for a move in 2009. “I’ve never got that attached to a house as it’s just bricks and mortar,” said Ian. “But I’ll miss the position and views. It has a lovely feel.” Bird Hill, Fellside Road, Whickham, is for sale through Sarah Mains at £625,000, tel: (0191) 487-8855. | 
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