AGREEING over a design scheme with your better half isn’t always an easy task. But when Caroline and John Isaacs took on the challenge of redecorating this Victorian villa they made sure that both of their decor tastes were catered for. John Issacs, 50, a doctor, explained what it was that first attracted him to the property: “It is a gorgeous Victorian villa, situated in a nice location with large gardens – basically ideal for a family.
“When we first bought it is was in need of cosmetic restoration. It was a challenge but a good challenge.” Through pooling their ideas they designed each room with a different theme, all in keeping with the property’s original features. John said: “My favourite room is one of the large reception rooms, it is a large space with high ceilings. “I spend most of my time in this room, lost in a pile of books. I also like the dining room a lot, It is decorated with deep rich reds and this works well. “We like entertaining and this room is the perfect environment to do so.” The couple – who share the house with nine-year-old daughter Sophie – have replaced two bathrooms, created a dressing room, restored the fireplaces and fitted a new boiler. A new kitchen was also added five years ago. The property boasts a range of period features, including high ceilings with plaster mouldings and an original light fitting in the dining room which dates back to the 19th Century. John said: “The house is full of lovely original features, beautiful ceiling moulds and the plastering in every room is original.” The living accommodation is arranged over four floors, comprising entrance hallway, lounge, second reception room, formal dining room, dining kitchen, utility room and guest cloakroom. There is a staircase down to the basement/ games room. A first-floor landing leads to a master bedroom with adjacent dressing room and en-suite bathroom, second double bedroom with en-suite cloakroom, two further bedrooms and an impressive family bathroom. A further staircase to the second floor provides access to the fifth bedroom, store room and loft storage access. John said: “I love the space and feel of the house, it’s a bit of a Tardis. “Spread over four floors, when you first walk in you don’t have any concept of how much space there is.” Sweeping private gardens run to the front, side and rear of the property. There is a generous gravel driveway, private lawned garden with patio area and garage with gated access. Nestled deep in its own grounds the property comes with a quarter of an acre of land complete with an abundance of mature trees. John said: “There are three large gardens which surround the house which are all protected by mature trees. It is very secluded. “They are good gardens and not too difficult to maintain.” There is also a series of outbuildings including a greenhouse and a coalhouse, used frequently in the winter months to provide wood and coal for the property’s fireplaces. John added: “All the rooms have open fireplaces so we get a lot of use out of the coal and wood house during the winter months.” Mr and Mrs Issacs have lived in the property for eight years. John said: “I am in love with this house. I am extremely happy here but it is unfair for me to call the shots when I work away for a lot of the time.” 11 Station Road, Low Fell, Gateshead, is for sale through Sarah Mains at a guide price of £595,000, tel: 0191 487 8855. | 
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