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Guide Price£1,500,000

Demesne Hall, Rectory Lane, Wolsingham, County Durham

Land size
1.62 acres
Bedrooms
11
Bathrooms
8

Key Features

  • Splendid Period Property
  • Original Character
  • Expansive Single Storey Annexe
  • Hugely Versatile Accommodation
  • Stunning Gardens & Grounds
  • Peaceful & Private Yet Accessible
  • Beautiful Countryside Surroundings

Description

Accommodation in Brief
Main House
Entrance Vestibule | Central Hall | Drawing Room | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Kitchen & Breakfast Room | Garden Room | Office | Study | Ground Floor WC | Principal Bedroom with En-suite Bathroom | Four Bedrooms with En-suite Facilities | Two Further Bedrooms | Bathroom | Cellar | Loft

Annexe
Private Entrance | Sitting Room | Dining Room | Kitchen/Breakfast Room | Utility Room | WC | Bedroom with En-suite Shower Room | Three Further Bedrooms | Bathroom | Loft

Externally
Landscaped Gardens & Grounds | Outdoor Seating Areas | Raised Sun Terrace | Extensive Garaging | Driveway & Parking

The Property
Demesne Hall is a magnificent Grade II Listed period property resting in extensive landscaped gardens and grounds with a wealth of historical interest. The property has been extended and developed over the years and today includes a beautiful and substantial annexe offering hugely flexible accommodation; interested parties may wish to retain the configuration of two separate and private properties, or could create a single expansive home.

The property dates back to 1848 when it was originally built as a rectory. The elegant construction of hammer-dressed sandstone ashlar beneath a Welsh slate roof remains as beautiful today as ever. A host of character features have been retained and the property features soaring high ceilings, decorative coving and cornicing and striking fireplaces that all reflect the history of Demesne Hall.

The main house has a wide and welcoming central hall flowing to the principal accommodation. The splendid reception rooms ranged across the front elevation. The drawing room, sitting room and dining room all have wonderful bay windows that frame views over the gardens and illuminate the vast open spaces. The rooms offer a versatile mix of entertaining and relaxing areas. In addition, the garden room is a delightful room to spend time with guests and family, or simply to take in the gardens. The kitchen has a huge range of fitted cabinetry with an abundance of storage and work space. The adjoining breakfast room has plenty of space for casual dining. The ground floor also has a study and an office, providing the opportunity to keep home life and work entirely separate.

The grand staircase rises via a half landing to the first floor, where there are seven bedrooms with varying outlooks. A separate second staircase also leads to the upper hall. The principal bedroom has a fantastic dual aspect and is served by a well-appointed en-suite bathroom with bath, separate shower, wash hand basin and WC. Four further bedrooms also have en-suite facilities, whilst the remaining two bedrooms are served by the elegant family bathroom. A freestanding bath sits centrally, with a separate shower, wash hand basin, WC and heated towel rail all surrounded by tasteful tiling.

The annexe accommodation is all arranged across a single floor, offering excellent accessible living. The annexe can be fully closed off from the main house as it includes private entrances, but internal doors allow flexible use in tandem with the original hall.

The impressive and spacious accommodation within the annexe includes an expansive sitting room, dining room and the kitchen/breakfast room. A utility room offers further practical storage and work space, and is cleverly positioned to serve both the annexe and main house as needed. There are four bedrooms, including the principal with en-suite shower room. A bathroom serves the remaining three bedrooms.

Externally
The gardens and grounds surrounding the property are the perfect match for the grand hall, extending in all to around 1.62 acres. The pillared and gated entrance offers a suitably striking arrival, with the driveway curving gently to the property. There are four garages within the garaging block and parking for any number of vehicles when hosting visitors.

Manicured lawns stretch to the south and west sides of the grounds, with gravelled pathways to stroll amongst the varied species of mature trees, colourful shrubs and plantings and beautifully maintained hedging. A pretty terraced area of the garden sits under sheltering trees, whilst a greenhouse and shed will appeal to the keen horticulturalist.

Tucked behind the annexe is an easily-maintained courtyard with gravelled and flagged areas offering plenty of space for al fresco dining, entertaining and playing. A raised sun terrace overlooks the courtyard.

Local Information
Wolsingham is a charming Dales market town situated by the River Wear on the edge of the unspoiled North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding rural area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and the stunning surrounding scenery is linked by a network of public footpaths, ideal for walking and cycling. The small market town remains much as it did hundreds of years ago and the annual Wolsingham Agricultural Show on the first weekend in September, which was established in 1763, is one of the oldest shows in the country.

Wolsingham provides a good range of everyday facilities including doctors and dentist surgeries, chemist, independent grocers and other local businesses. For schooling the village offers Wolsingham Primary School and Wolsingham School & Community College. Further private schools are available in nearby Barnard Castle, Durham and Newcastle. The local senior school has an excellent range of sports and fitness facilities available for the local community. Nearby Consett and Bishop Auckland provide further professional, retail and recreational services. While Durham and Newcastle city centres, which are also within easy reach, provide comprehensive cultural, educational and shopping facilities.

For the commuter Wolsingham is conveniently located for access to the major regional centres of Durham and Newcastle, and from here links to all areas of the UK can be found by rail. Newcastle International Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport are both within easy reach.

Approximate Mileages
Wolsingham Village Centre 0.1 miles | Bishop Auckland 10.4 miles | Durham City Centre 15 miles | Newcastle City Centre 23.7 miles | Newcastle International Airport 27.1 miles

Services
Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas-fired central heating throughout house and annexe.

Wayleaves, Easements & Rights of Way
The property is being sold subject to all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether or not specified within the sales particulars.

Agents Note to Purchasers
We strive to ensure all property details are accurate, however, they are not to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact and do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract. All measurements and floor plans have been prepared as a guide only. All services, systems and appliances listed in the details have not been tested by us and no guarantee is given to their operating ability or efficiency. Please be advised that some information may be awaiting vendor approval.

Submitting an Offer
Please note that all offers will require financial verification including mortgage agreement in principle, proof of deposit funds, proof of available cash and full chain details including selling agents and solicitors down the chain. To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, we require proof of identification from all buyers before acceptance letters are sent and solicitors can be instructed.

Disclaimer
The information displayed about this property comprises a property advertisement. Finest Properties strives to ensure all details are accurate; however, they do not constitute property particulars and should not be relied upon as statements of fact or representation. All information is provided and maintained by Finest Properties.


EPC Rating: E

Map Location

Property details

Tenure
Freehold
Council Tax Band
G
Date Posted
2026-03-18

Market Value Analysis

Compared with 210 Homes with Land listings in North East England (1+ acres).

This Property£925,926 / acre
Homes with Land Average (1+ acres) £66,282 / acre
View full market data

Energy Performance Certificate

Energy Efficiency Rating

Very energy efficient - lower running costs
CurrentPotential
(92+)A
(81-91)B
(69-80)C
(55-68)D
(39-54)E
(21-38)F
(1-20)G
51 E
69 C

Based on UK Energy Performance Certificate standards (EU Directive 2002/91/EC)

Running costs are one side. Planning activity, flood history and ground risks for this location are in the full report.

Utilities & Restrictions

Utilities

Electricity
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Water
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Heating
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Broadband
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Sewerage
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Rights & Restrictions

Public Rights of Way
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Private Rights of Way
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Listed Property
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Restrictions
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Listed status, conservation areas and planning constraints for this location are in the full report.

Property Features

Accessibility
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Parking
Parking Available
Garden
Private Garden

Beyond the particulars: planning activity, flood history, heritage and ground risks, checked for this exact spot.

Connectivity

Broadband

Fastest speed available at this postcode

80 Mbps

Superfast

Suitable for

  • HD streaming
  • Video calls
  • Web & social

Mobile signal

CallsDataEE Good GoodO2 Good GoodThree Good GoodVodafone Good Good

Outdoor predictions; indoor signal depends on building materials.

Ofcom Connected Nations postcode-level predictions. Speeds and signal are modelled, not measured, and vary between addresses and providers.

Signal is the easy part. Planning activity, flood history and protected designations here are in the full report.

Nearest Schools

Primary

  • Wolsingham Primary School437 metresNo Ofsted rating
    Ages
    3 to 11
    Pupils
    163
    Type
    Community school
  • Tow Law Millennium Primary School2.9 milesNo Ofsted rating
    Ages
    3 to 11
    Pupils
    77
    Type
    Community school
  • Blessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law3.2 milesOfsted: Good *
    Ages
    3 to 11
    Pupils
    83
    Type
    Academy converter
    Faith
    Roman Catholic
  • Frosterley Primary School3.3 milesOfsted: Good
    Ages
    3 to 11
    Pupils
    32
    Type
    Community school
  • Hamsterley Primary School4.6 milesOfsted: Requires improvement *
    Ages
    4 to 11
    Pupils
    36
    Type
    Community school

Secondary

  • Wolsingham School567 metresNo Ofsted rating
    Ages
    11 to 16
    Pupils
    774
    Type
    Academy converter
  • Parkside Academy8 milesOfsted: Good
    Ages
    11 to 16
    Pupils
    833
    Type
    Academy converter
  • St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Lanchester8.7 milesOfsted report card · Mar 2026
    Ages
    11 to 18
    Pupils
    1,240
    Type
    Academy converter
    Faith
    Roman Catholic
  • Consett Academy9.1 milesOfsted: Good
    Ages
    11 to 18
    Pupils
    1,493
    Type
    Academy sponsor led
  • Bishop Barrington Academy9.5 milesOfsted: Good
    Ages
    11 to 16
    Pupils
    599
    Type
    Academy converter

* Latest graded judgement covers quality of education only; no overall grade was issued under the 2024-25 inspection framework.

Distances are straight-line from the advertised location. Source: the national school registers (DfE, Welsh Government, Scottish Government) and Ofsted.

Schools are just the start: sold prices nearby, planning activity and any flood history are in the full report.

Amenities

Supermarket

Spar Wolsingham, Wolsingham943 metres
Co-op Tow Law, Tow Law3 miles
Co-op Frosterley, Frosterley3 miles

GP surgery

The Weardale Practice4.8 miles

Pharmacy

Wolsingham Pharmacy162 metres

Hospital

Weardale Hospital5.5 miles

Green space

Public Park Or Garden163 metres

Straight-line distances from the advertised location. Sources: NHS records, Geolytix supermarket locations, OS Open Greenspace and the national trails registers.

The area stacks up? Now check the location itself: planning nearby, protected designations and past flooding.

Getting Around

Nearest station

Wolsingham Rail Station519 metres

Nearest bus stop

Market Place109 metres

Typical drive times

Crook10 min · 6.1 miles
Tow Law6 min · 3.6 miles
Stanhope10 min · 5.8 miles
Wolsingham1 min · 0.1 miles
Durham (city)25 min · 15 miles

Straight-line distances from the advertised location; drive times are typical free-flow times over OpenStreetMap road data, so allow more at peak. Public transport locations from DfT NaPTAN.

Easy to reach matters. So do planning activity, flood history and ground risks: all in the full report.

Flood Risk

From Environment Agency flood map open data, checked around the advertised map pin and allowing for the listed acreage where known. This summary comes from LandSale, the advertising platform, not from the listing agent, and is not part of the agent's particulars. Risk can vary across a single holding, so verify anything critical through your own searches before committing.

Rivers and the sea

Flood Zone 1Lower risk

Surface water

Outside the mapped risk bandsVery low risk

The detail behind these bandings

The full report pinpoints where this location sits on the flood maps, and runs the deeper checks that usually only surface after an offer.

  • Exact flood zones & annual chances (included in the full report)
  • Any recorded past flooding (included in the full report)
  • Planning activity nearby (included in the full report)
  • Heritage & conservation (included in the full report)
  • Protected nature designations (included in the full report)
  • Ground risks (included in the full report)
  • Sold prices nearby (included in the full report)

£14.99 · one-off purchase

By LandSale, the platform. Not provided by the listing agent. Ready in about a minute.

Important notice: Information, maps and tags on this page are drawn from the advertising agent's marketing materials or generated automatically. LandSale has not verified them. Relying on these details is at your own risk, always carry out independent checks before committing to a purchase.

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Crossways, Market Place, Corbridge NE45 5AW

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