WHEN most homeowners add the finishing touches to their property, it usually amounts to a nice lampshade or scatter cushion.
Maggie and Ian Johnson, however, decided to take home improvement to a whole new level and added their very own lake. The couple bought Broomhill, a traditional Northumberland farmhouse and steading near Whalton village, 20 years ago. Maggie said: “When we bought the property, it had already been converted and was a two-up two-down former farmhouse, with milking parlour and gin-gan. We extended the house to create a much larger family home. “A few months after we moved in, we were sitting on the patio and I said the only thing we don’t have here is water. We had a half-acre field, so we decided to add a lake. It has fish and reeds in it, as well as a rowing boat. It added the perfect finishing touch.” With panoramic views over the surrounding countryside, the couple fell for the property because of its stunning location. “It’s wonderful. It’s so secluded and tranquil, yet just six miles from Morpeth and eight miles from Ponteland. The house is south-facing and you can see for miles over to Stanhope Moor,” said Maggie. Set in seven acres, the property is accessed via a sweeping quarter-mile driveway which passes the lake and finishes at a large gravelled courtyard. Accommodation includes a large family room which also incorporates the kitchen, dining room and sitting room which reaches the full height of the house. The kitchen has exposed solid timber roof trusses and beams. There is also a walk-in pantry, utility room, and undeveloped barn which could be used for a variety of purposes. The garden room has lovely views over the garden, while the drawing room is located within the reclaimed gin-gan and looks out over the lake. The original two-storey farmhouse features the bedroom accomm-odation including three double bedrooms, one with en suite, and family bathroom. On the first floor there is a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, dressing room and study. The lake is a particular feature of the property and attracts all manner of wildlife including water fowl and deer. There are jetties around the lake, as well as a summer house and patio areas. “Broomhill isn’t just a home, it offers a real lifestyle,” said Maggie. “We’ve had lots of animals here over the years including horses, ducks, hens, and dogs. “It would be ideal for a range of buyers, but especially families. There are some excellent schools in Whalton, and we are so near to both Newcastle and Morpeth. “We are sad to leave the house, but life moves on to different stages. We are looking to downsize and if we found a smaller property just like Broomhill, it would be perfect.” Broomhill is for sale through Strutt & Parker at a guide price £1,250,000, tel: (01670) 516123. | 
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