HIGH-flyers who need to be within easy reach of the airport are sure to be impressed by this beautiful five-bedroom barn conversion. One of six properties converted three years ago at Prestwick Whins Farm, Eshcol comes with a double garage, off-street parking for several cars, a large private back garden and secluded south-west-facing shared courtyard.
Owners Margaret and Terry Nichol came across the development as they were driving past and decided to buy after seeing the showhome. Margaret said: “We had lived in Low Fell for 20 years and felt it was time for a change. It was a shell when we bought it, but the developers finished it off and we just added our own personal touches such as the kitchen and en suite to the master bedroom. “It’s decorated quite neutrally in a contemporary style.” As Terry is UK regional manager for an insurance company and often worked abroad, the close proximity of Newcastle International Airport was a major draw. “It feels very secluded,” added Margaret. It’s also very handy for Newcastle, only a 15-minute drive away, the MetroCentre 10 minutes away and nearby Ponteland with its excellent range of shops, pubs, restaurants and good schools. Inside, the sheer amount of space is quite unexpected. For instance, the main reception room is almost 30ft x 14ft 8in – and further reception rooms include a snug/TV room, large dining room and additional lounge with inglenook fireplace. A utility and cloakroom complete the ground-floor layout. This means there’s enough room for Margaret, Terry and their daughter Vanessa, 21, to have their own space. And although their sons Steven, 28, and Mark, 29, have left home, there’s plenty of room for them and other guests with three spare bedrooms, two of which share a Jack and Jill-style en suite. Many of the rooms retain the exposed brick arched windows and have French doors bringing the outdoors in, while quirky features such as sloping ceilings, beams and flagged flooring add to the property’s charm. One of Margaret’s favourite rooms is the stunning breakfasting kitchen, which measures over 21ft x 15ft with solid oak units and integral appliances. “The kitchen is definitely the hub of the house,” says Margaret. “It’s great for when family and friends come round. They all seem to congregate in there. “I also love the south-facing courtyard. It gets the sun all day – it’s like being in the Med.” Despite only living in the house for three years, Margaret, Terry and Vanessa are now planning to move back to Low Fell and downsize. Margaret said: “Terry doesn’t work abroad any more. He’s based in Newcastle so doesn’t need to travel so much. “Although we love this peaceful location and the neighbours are lovely, we do miss Low Fell as my sister and friends are there as well as my church, so I end up driving over there most days. “Wherever we end up moving to, we’ll want a house with a big kitchen or scope to knock through and create one.” Eshcol, Prestwick Whins Farm, Prestwick, is for sale through Sarah Mains at £675,000, tel: (0191) 487-8855. | 
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