With historical landmarks a-plenty and a wealth of characterful homes, the villages around Morpeth are property hotspots. Aranda Garrard finds out more. VILLAGE living is by far the most sought-after for those who want to connect with a close-knit community. The area surrounding the market town of Morpeth offers not just the peace and tranquility of the countryside, but it’s home to the kind of exclusive characterful properties which are hard to find elsewhere.
The villages have a wealth of history and are a magnet for affluent business professionals seeking space away from the madding crowd. Mitford, Pegswood, Cambo, Bolam, Stannington and Longhirst are just some of the villages that make up the postcode area of NE61 – which has around 13,434 homes and a population of about 30,274. The average price of a two-bedroom property in this area is less that the national average of £187,894 at £168,922. Longhirst Hall is a prime example of the elegance and grandeur that NE61 has to offer. Designed by John Dobson, the hall is typical of his classic style, inspired by the buildings of ancient Greece. It now offers hotel accommodation, a golf course, restaurants and bars and caters for weddings and other events. For those who want to enjoy the flora and fauna of the surrounding area, Bolam Lake has much to offer, from fishing to biking, boating to natural history. A number of castles can be found in Northumberland, and Mitford has one of its own. Built as a motte and bailey between 1066 and 1100, the castle’s ruins are a stark reminder of the village’s past. Pegswood village was originally developed around its colliery, but since its closure, it has primarily become a commuter village. Tony Hooks, head of property sales at George F White’s Alnwick office, said: “NE61 is an area encompassing many of the rural communities around Morpeth, including the town itself. “The villages are very popular, especially for those who work in the Newcastle area and want to enjoy the benefits of country living. Morpeth is the hub of NE61 and has excellent services, from supermarkets to local produce shops, and entertainment. King Edward VI High School has a very good reputation together with a number of first and middle schools in the area. There are also a good selection of places to eat from pub fare to town centre restaurants. “There are a wide range of character properties in this area, ranging from village cottages and steading conversions to large farmhouses with land and stabling. Buyers wishing to live in this prestigious postcode can expect to pay around £200,000 for a two-bedroom terraced cottage.” Sam Gibson, partner at Strutt & Parker, said: “Buyers may be more discerning, but for top end properties such as Broomhill House, Whalton – with a guide price £1,250,000 – and Grangemoor House, in Scots Gap – with a guide price of £1,100,000 – the decision is about aspirations and lifestyle, as well as value. “Our experience shows that realistically priced, well-presented properties at this end of the market are still selling, albeit in many cases they are taking longer to sell. “It does not have to be high value in order to sell. Badgersburn Cottage, Longhirst is around £525,000. Redesdale House, Morpeth is currently under offer at in excess of the guide price of £475,000 – it is a pretty five-bedroom house. We have recently sold The Beild at Hartburn – a four-bedroom barn conversion. It sold within three weeks. “Morpeth’s schools are frequently cited as reasons to live in the NE61 postcode catchment area. Whalton village has always been prime as far as the executive buyer is concerned, with Belsay primary school nearby, and of course, the Beresford Arms.” | 
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