THIS stone-built Georgian country house provides an idyllic rural retreat. Set in about an acre of land and with impressive rural views, the restored and improved four-bedroom property has an attractive south-facing garden plus a paddock and useful outbuildings. Owners Clara and William Nicholl are only leaving the house to move to William’s family home a few miles away.
The couple bought Christowell, in the Northumberland hamlet of Coanwood, near Haltwhistle, four years ago and have worked hard to turn the property into an impressive family home for themselves and their one-year-old son Sam. The spacious property also has planning permission for a ground and first-floor extension. Their careful renovations have included fitting a modern kitchen and double-glazed windows. They have aimed to retain original features of the house while making better use of natural light and opening up the accommodation. The main reception rooms have working fireplaces, two of the bedrooms have feature fireplaces and there is a distinctive arch window. “The house was really run down when we moved in,” said Clara. “It was very old-fashioned. The garden was basically a jungle of gooseberry and raspberry plants. What we now call the boot room was full of hay and home to a pony and a cow. There was an owl living in the eaves, which is still around but outside, thankfully!” The Nicholls have overhauled the makeshift stable and transformed the south-facing garden into a pretty space with a vegetable patch. Christowell also has three useful outbuildings, and a one-acre grass paddock complete with stream. The surrounding countryside is crossed with bridleways, great for allowing the Nichols to indulge their passion for horse-riding. Clara says they feel sad to leave, but they plan to stay local so will still be able to enjoy the many attractions nearby. “We love the area. Splat in Haltwhistle is the coolest place in the world for kids,” enthused Clara. “It’s a fun centre with fantastic facilities. In summer we swim in the big open swimming pool in the town. As for cities, Carlisle and Newcastle are both within easy reach.” William will continue to commute to his job in Newcastle, a journey he says is easily manageable. Now the Nicholls are moving to the home of William’s family in Haydon Bridge to help with a large new renovation project there. Christowell in Coanwood near Haltwhistle, Northumberland, is for sale through Strutt & Parker at offers over £375,000, tel: 01670 516123. | 
Find a Home | New Home Developments | Property Pricecheck | New Homes Search | Classified Property Search | Commercial Property
