YOU can almost imagine yourself lord or lady of the manor in this superb Tudor baronial-style house.
The grand five/six bedroom semi-detached property is on Elwick Road in the West Park area of Hartlepool. Built in 1895, it was originally part of an even larger home, but was subdivided in 1954. “Many of the large houses around here were once the homes of shipping magnates,” says owner Paul Hopper, who lives there with his wife Julie. “This one was built by a wine importer.” The house is set back from the main road on more than four acres of land, yet is just a two-minute drive from Hartlepool town centre, he says. One of his favourite features in the Grade II listed property is the large and elegant entrance hall, with a galleried landing above, period fireplace with insert in brass depicting Grecian figures, and delicate cornice. “We often use the entrance hall as a dining room as it’s so large we can seat 20 people. Off the hall is a cloakroom, and then it’s into the sitting room, which is full of historic beauty. The eye is immediately drawn to the elaborate Florentine plasterwork ceiling. Paul says the first owner brought craftsmen over from Italy to work on it. Other attractive details include French doors and leaded, stained-glass transoms in the bay window which feature depictions of writers such as Lord Byron and John Keats. This leaded and coloured glass decoration is used in many windows in the house and, along with the Florentine ceilings, is a particularly distinctive aspect of the property. The dining room, which the owners currently use as a snooker room, has another plasterwork ceiling and ornate cornice, as well as deep French style windows with stained glass transoms depicting wildlife. A smaller, octagonal-shaped room, also with Florentine ceiling, leads off the snooker room. “When our grandchildren visit they use it as a playroom. It can also be used as a smaller sitting room.” Additional rooms on the ground floor include a study, kitchen and utility/laundry room with a pantry. Then it’s up the teak and mahogany staircase, past the three-quarter landing which has a stained-glass window featuring the signs of the zodiac. The graceful galleried landing also boasts an ornate picture rail and cornice, and a roof light. To the first floor there are four bedrooms, one with en suite dressing room, another with updated en suite bathroom. There is also an upgraded main bathroom. To the second floor there are two more potential bedrooms, and another room could become a playroom. “These rooms would have originally been the servants’ quarters, but they could be used for more space.” Outside the house is set on 4.2 acres of land, and is surrounded by woodland on two sides. There is a paved drive. Although the current owners do not ride, the property also includes a paddock area, which could be of interest to a buyer. To the rear of the house there is a courtyard area with access to a formal garden, which the owners have restored. It has a screen wall and a raised patio area. The Hoppers have lived in the house since 1995, but their children have grown up and moved away and they feel it is time to downsize from such a spacious property. “This house would suit a family that enjoys seclusion, yet still wants to be near facilities like shops. “You’re close to town, but you can also come home, close the gate and be a million miles away.” The property, on Elwick Road, Hartlepool is on the market priced at £895,000. For more details call Manners and Harrison, Hartlepool on 01429 261351. | 
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