WHEN Jobi and Dave Cheeseman were featured in The Journal homemaker six years ago, it was clear the couple were finding it hard to part with their beloved Georgian farm conversion. “I tried to smile for the pictures,” said Jobi. “But I couldn’t help thinking how sad we’d be to leave.”
They soon took the Northumberland property off the market but now, after almost 40 years of marriage and 10 years at Southcroft House, the pair have finally decided to leave their four-bedroom family home. “Last time we couldn’t let it go,” said Jobi. “We loved it too much.” Dave, a retired recruitment company manager, and Jobi, who runs a hair salon in Hexham, plan to downsize. As their children Craig and Jason are in their 30s and have long since flown the nest, they are hoping to buy a small cottage or a penthouse apartment. “My business keeps me busy and that and our love of travel made us decide to look for a smaller home,” said Jobi. It was the “rural charm and beautiful country village atmosphere” that had initially attracted Jobi and Dave. “We love the area, as it’s an idyllic location just five minutes from Corbridge, 10 minutes from Hexham and 20 minutes to Newcastle,” said Jobi. The home is within easy reach of the A69 making it perfect for a family needing access to the city, while appreciating the country ambience. Southcroft House has mature, secluded gardens of a third of an acre. Features include the arched windows, period fireplaces, elegant plasterwork and panelling. The house has undergone complete renovation over the past 10 years and Jobi says it has been “completely updated is every aspect”. The couple have refurbished the kitchen which is now equipped with a range of maple wood cabinets. At the heart of the kitchen is a central island unit with a granite worktop featuring a wine rack, storage space and a dresser unit. As well as integral appliances, there’s a window seat and laundry room. Both agree that the 29ft, south-facing drawing room is their favourite part of the house. Jobi says it’s “flooded with natural sunlight” due to the four windows. Additionally there is a dining room, snug, back lobby and cloakroom. The master suite is also on the ground floor and includes built-in maple wardrobes, an en suite and French doors to the terrace, which is ideal for breakfasting on summer mornings. Upstairs there are three more bedrooms and a family bathroom. In addition there’s a detached double garage and ample parking on the circular gravelled drive. “We’re excited about moving, but it was our dream home and it still is,” said Jobi. “We’re sad to let it go. We love Southcroft House, however, it is time to move to something smaller and let someone else enjoy what we have enjoyed for the past 10 years.” Southcroft House, Great Whittington, is for sale through Sanderson Young at a guide price of £645,000, tel 0191 223 3500. | 
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