With charm and character in abundance, and an unrivalled wealth of history. Aranda Garrard discovers why Washington is a great place to live. FOR buyers looking for a home in an area which offers the best of both worlds, Washington could hold the key.
The township has rolling countryside and a nature reserve, as well as plenty to see and do in terms of shopping, places to visit and excellent road links. Washington’s main industries include textiles, electronics, car assembly, chemicals and electrical goods. The Nissan automotive plant is a major employer in the area. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust nature reserve caters for those looking for a family day out. Other places to visit include Washington Arts Centre, and the North East Aircraft Museum, part of the old RAF Usworth base. For those looking for retail therapy, there is The Galleries shopping centre, which has plenty of big store names. There are a wealth of pubs and restaurants within Washington, these include The Biddick Inn, Duke of Albany, in Albany village centre, and a JD Weatherspoons pub in Victoria Road, Washington. The Blacksmiths Table restaurant is a popular choice, and is reputably haunted by a highwayman among other spirits, and its owners host wine-tasting dinners, live music and cater for private functions such as weddings and christenings. Some of the areas which make up Washington include Sulgrave, Concord, Usworth, Albany, Glebe, Barmston and Oxclose. At the centre of it all is Washington Village which is steeped in history, and is where the old hall can be found. The hall was the ancestral home of the Washington family. Five generations of George Washington’s ancestors lived here, before the family moved south, and then emigrated in 1657 to Northern Neck in the new colony of Virginia. The present hall is a typical example of a 17th Century manor house. Sue Davison, branch manager of Pattinson in Washington, said: “Lying between Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham, Washington has excellent local amenities and leisure facilities, including The Galleries and a new retail park. It therefore caters for all homebuyers seeking good value properties close to major cities. “Road links to key areas of the North East are unparalleled and are well-served by public transport, as well as being ideal for commuting. In addition to that, these connections are fantastic for industry, so Washington has attracted global businesses such as Nissan, offering local people excellent employment opportunities. “In addition to being within touching distance of key towns and cities, Washington has beautiful countryside and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust nature reserve is a good example. “In the current market, we’re seeing greater numbers of people who have equity tied up in their homes and are therefore looking to downsize. With a mix of good quality homes, Washington, tends to be slightly cheaper than nearby towns such as Chester-le-Street. Road and transport links and varied and sustainable employment means Washington is as popular as ever.” | 
Find a Home | New Home Bargains | Property Pricecheck | New Homes Search | Classified Property Search | Commercial Property
Article
