Howlea Lane, Hamsterley, DL13
- Land size
- 1.68 acres
- Bedrooms
- 5
- Bathrooms
- 4
Key Features
- Substantial Five-Bedroom Detached Country Residence
- Three En-Suite Bedrooms & Principal Suite with Dressing Room
- Set Within Approximately 1.68 Acres of Private Grounds in Black Banks Plantation
- Electric Gated Access via Approximately One Mile of Private Forest Track
- Four Double Garages, Tool Store & Previous Planning Permission for an Agricultural Building
- Energy Performance Certificate: TBC
Description
Northgate Estate Agents are delighted to offer for sale this substantial five-bedroom detached country residence, occupying 1.68 acres of its own private grounds within the scenic woodland setting of Black Banks Plantation, near Wolsingham in Weardale, County Durham. Approached via approximately one mile of private forest track, with electric gated access to the property, this impressive home enjoys an exceptional degree of privacy and seclusion, surrounded by established woodland and beautiful countryside.
Constructed in limestone beneath a traditional slate roof, the property has an attractive exterior that sits naturally within its rural surroundings. Internally, the quality and character continue with solid mahogany windows throughout, a striking solid mahogany staircase and solid hardwood flooring to a number of rooms.
A grand entrance hallway creates an impressive first impression and leads to the generously proportioned ground-floor accommodation. The reception and living spaces offer considerable flexibility for everyday family life and entertaining, while the conservatory provides a wonderful place from which to enjoy views across the grounds. A downstairs WC completes the ground-floor facilities.
At the heart of the home is the spacious kitchen, featuring a traditional solid-fuel Rayburn, together with an electric range cooker, built-in dishwasher, under-counter fridge and American-style fridge freezer. The property benefits from oil-fired central heating, along with a central vacuum system throughout.
The first floor offers five generously proportioned double bedrooms, three of which benefit from their own en-suite facilities. The principal bedroom is further complemented by a dedicated dressing room, providing extensive storage, while a family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms.
The property's 1.68 acres of private grounds provide an impressive outdoor setting, with expansive lawns, mature borders and established planting creating a wonderful sense of seclusion. Secluded seating areas are positioned throughout the gardens, while a large paved terrace adjoining the house provides an excellent space for outdoor dining and entertaining.
A substantial gravel driveway and parking area provides ample off-road parking for multiple vehicles. Of particular note are the four double garages and separate tool store, offering an exceptional amount of additional space for vehicles, storage, hobbies or workshop use.
Well equipped for its rural setting, the property benefits from its own private water borehole and a standby generator which automatically activates in the event of a power cut. For internet connectivity, the current owner has utilised Starlink satellite broadband, providing a practical solution for modern living and home working in this secluded location.
Adding further potential, planning permission was previously granted for an agricultural building within the grounds. The permission has since lapsed and a new application would be required should a purchaser wish to pursue a similar development, subject to the necessary planning approval.
Extending to approximately 5,372 sq ft (499 sq m) overall, this is a particularly distinctive country residence combining substantial accommodation, quality materials, extensive garaging and beautiful private grounds with a wonderfully secluded position within Black Banks Plantation, a scenic woodland setting near Wolsingham in Weardale.
Viewing is highly recommended to fully appreciate the scale, craftsmanship, privacy and remarkable setting of this impressive home.
Please note: Some photographs have been digitally enhanced for marketing purposes and may not be an exact representation of the property.
Reception
14'6" x 10'10" (4.45m x 3.30m)
9'11" x 8'4" (3.04m x 2.53m)
Lounge
22'8" x 19'9" (6.90m x 5.98m)
Sitting Room
14'11" x 14'4" (4.53m x 4.35m)
Kitchen / diner
24'3" x 14'1" (7.39m x 4.29m)
Dining room
13'9" x 14'6" (4.18m x 4.43m)
Study
14'0" x 12'7" (4.27m x 3.84m)
Utility Room
9'11" x 5'10" (3.03m x 1.76m)
Conservatory
15'1" x 12'4" (4.61m x 3.76m)
WC
2'11" x 5'9" (0.90m x 1.72m)
Landing
6'2" x 18'2" (1.88m x 5.54m)
Bedroom 1
13'9" x 13'7" (4.19m x 4.15m
Dressing Room
10'1" x 11'2" (3.09m x 3.40m)
En-Suite
10'10" x 6'2" (3.31m x 1.90m)
Bedroom 2
17'9" x 14'0" (5.41m x 4.28m)
En-Suite
7'9" x 5'7" (2.35m x 1.72m)
Bedroom 3
15'7" x 13'7" (4.75m x 4.15m)
En-Suite
8'9" x 8'2" (2.68m x 2.50m)
Bedroom 4
15'0" x 13'11" (4.56m x 4.22m)
Bedroom 5
14'11" x 14'6" (4.55m x 4.40m)
Garage x 4
1 - 18'8 x 19'7 (5.70 x 5.99m)
2 - 18'8 x 19'5 (5.71 x 5.94m)
3 - 18'11 x 19'10 (5.78 x 6.06m)
4 - 27'8 x 19'5 (8.46 x 5.93m)
Workshop Area - 19'2 x 18'9 (5.85 x 5.73m)
NOTE
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
In accordance with the Estate Agents Act 1979, prospective purchasers are advised that the Executor of the estate selling this property, Sharon Jacques, is a member of staff of Northgate Signature Ltd, trading as Northgate Estate Agents.
This connection is disclosed in the interests of transparency. Prospective purchasers may wish to seek independent legal or professional advice in relation to the purchase and any offer they intend to make.
Please note that Grant of Probate is required and has not yet been obtained. The sale will therefore be subject to Grant of Probate being issued before the transaction can complete.
Parking - Garage
Parking - Driveway
Map Location
Property details
- Tenure
- Freehold
- Council Tax Band
- G
- Date Posted
- 2026-09-24
Market Value Analysis
Compared with 207 Homes with Land listings in North East England (1+ acres).
Utilities & Restrictions
Utilities
- Electricity
- Ask Agent
- Water
- Private Supply
- Heating
- Oil Heating
- Broadband
- Ask Agent
- Sewerage
- Septic Tank / Private
Rights & Restrictions
- Public Rights of Way
- Ask Agent
- Private Rights of Way
- Ask Agent
- Listed Property
- Ask Agent
- Restrictions
- Ask Agent
Listed status, conservation areas and planning constraints for this location are in the full report.
Property Features
- Accessibility
- Ask Agent
- Parking
- Garage, Driveway
- Garden
- Front Garden, Enclosed Garden, Rear 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
1 Mbps
Under 10 Mbps here
Suitable for
- Basic browsing & email
Mobile signal
Predicted 4G and 5G signal; 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 School1.8 milesNo Ofsted rating
- Ages
- 3 to 11
- Pupils
- 163
- Type
- Community school
- Tow Law Millennium Primary School2.2 milesNo Ofsted rating
- Ages
- 3 to 11
- Pupils
- 77
- Type
- Community school
- Blessed John Duckett Catholic Primary School, Tow Law2.7 milesOfsted: Good *
- Ages
- 3 to 11
- Pupils
- 83
- Type
- Academy converter
- Faith
- Roman Catholic
- Hamsterley Primary School3 milesOfsted: Requires improvement *
- Ages
- 4 to 11
- Pupils
- 36
- Type
- Community school
- Hartside Primary Academy3.7 milesNo Ofsted rating
- Ages
- 2 to 11
- Pupils
- 241
- Type
- Academy converter
Secondary
- Wolsingham School2.2 milesNo Ofsted rating
- Ages
- 11 to 16
- Pupils
- 774
- Type
- Academy converter
- Parkside Academy6.3 milesOfsted: Good
- Ages
- 11 to 16
- Pupils
- 833
- Type
- Academy converter
- Bishop Barrington Academy7.6 milesOfsted: Good
- Ages
- 11 to 16
- Pupils
- 599
- Type
- Academy converter
- St John's Catholic School & Sixth Form College7.7 milesNo Ofsted rating
- Ages
- 11 to 18
- Pupils
- 1,229
- Type
- Academy converter
- Faith
- Roman Catholic
- King James I Academy Bishop Auckland8 milesOfsted report card · Mar 2026
- Ages
- 11 to 18
- Pupils
- 936
- 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
GP surgery
Pharmacy
Hospital
Green space
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
Nearest bus stop
Typical drive times
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
Environment Agency open data, checked around the advertised map pin for the listed acreage. Long-term risk counts flood defences; the planning map's flood zones do not. Provided by LandSale, not the listing agent, and not part of the agent's particulars. Risk varies across a holding, so verify before committing.
Rivers and the sea
Planning map: Flood Zone 1.
Surface water
These bandings are the summary. Where this location sits on the flood maps, plus planning activity, heritage and ground risks, is in the full report.
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.
LandSale full disclaimer
Marketing information only - not formal particulars. The details on this website are provided for general guidance and do not constitute an offer or contract. Neither LandSale nor the advertising estate/land agent accepts responsibility for any inaccuracy.
1. Source of information
- Listing content: Core description, asking price, tenure, measurements, photographs and planning history originate from the marketing materials of the advertising estate or land agent. LandSale does not author this content and cannot guarantee its accuracy.
- Automated tags & categorisation: Property type, land-use class, acreage bands and similar labels may be applied by machine-learning models. They are intended as a helpful guide only and may not reflect the property's legal status or permitted use.
- Third-party & enriched data layers: Maps, boundary outlines, planning designations, soil reports, broadband coverage and other environmental or location-based insights are licensed from external suppliers. Such data are supplied “as is", may be incomplete or out of date and are subject to change without notice.
2. Verification required
Prospective purchasers must verify critical matters, including but not limited to planning permission, title boundaries, public rights of way, environmental constraints, acreage, services, access and VAT status, through their own inspections, specialist surveys, legal advisers and the selling agent before relying on the information or entering into any contract.
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© LandSale | Version 1.3 - August 2026
Listing agent
Northgate Estate Agents & Property Management, Newton Aycliffe
Avenue House, Suite 3, Greenwell, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4DH
Contact Northgate Estate Agents & Property Management, Newton Aycliffe
Avenue House, Suite 3, Greenwell, Newton Aycliffe DL5 4DH
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