Alistair Cochrane said: “The sale of Birdhope Farm offers an outstanding opportunity to acquire a delightful mixed landholding in the heart of the National Park, amidst some of the most striking scenery in England. The purchaser will be able to continue the well-established livestock enterprise and there may be potential to develop a further rural or tourism business if desired, making use of some of the wonderful traditional farm buildings, subject to planning consent. There is also scope for further tree planting or other natural capital projects.
“The house is of great character, has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside and has been tastefully restored to provide a superb family home. The landholding is a fascinating mix of flower-rich meadow land, permanent pasture, native woodland and fell grazing. The fishing rights on the River Rede further add to the amenity value of the property. Given its glorious location and versatility, we expect a great deal of interest.”
The farmhouse is believed to be mainly of 19th Century construction and is faced in dressed sandstone, understood to be from the Blaxter Quarry, renowned for its high quality stone.
The accommodation includes, on the ground floor: living room incorporating Coalbrookdale stove; dining room; large kitchen incorporating fitted floor and wall units and a Jotul woodburning stove; shower room; pantry/utility room and further pantry. On the first floor are two double bedrooms, a single bedroom and family bathroom.
There are various areas of woodland, including an area of designated Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland, an area of blanket bog and a Romano-British settlement, designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Birdhope offers substantial wildlife and ecological interest, including a number of rare lichens.
The farm buildings are located close to the farmhouse and comprise a range of mainly traditional buildings which have been beautifully restored, including a range of stables, a distinctive timber hay barn with slate roof, a workshop and a separate former byre. Several of the farm buildings are of considerable vernacular interest.
Birdhope includes around 19 acres of mowable land adjacent to the River Rede, as well as about 26 acres of enclosed, permanent pasture. Further to the south west, as the land rises, the fell grazing extends to about 302 acres.
There are approximately 13 acres of woodland on the farm, as well as further areas of grazed woodland. Most of this is mixed, naturally established woodland of great scenic, wildlife and environmental interest. The Dead Wood, situated at the northern tip of the property, is classified as Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland.
Birdhope includes single bank fishing rights on 1,500 metres of the River Rede, which forms the northern boundary of the property. There is a resident population of brown trout and, as the Rede forms the principal tributary of the famous North Tyne, there is the chance of catching a sea trout or salmon later in the season!
In addition, the farm could easily lend itself to the development of a successful rough shoot, if desired.
The situation of the property is convenient for access to local facilities including at Rochester (2 miles) and Otterburn (6 miles) while the city of Newcastle is just 37 miles, and Newcastle Airport is 32 miles.
Birdhope Farm is for sale through Galbraith for offers over £1.2 million.