Holywell Hall, Brancepeth

An exceptional Grade II* listed country house in a secluded rural setting with annex accommodation, gardens, paddocks, woodland and a lake.

In all approximately 28.59 acres (11.57 hectares).

For sale as a whole.

Description - Holywell Hall extends to 28.59 acres in total and presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and historically significant country house in an attractive rural setting.

The property combines considerable Georgian period character with extensive accommodation, an internally linked annex, gardens, woodland, parkland pasture and a lake.

Situation - Situated within a wonderfully quiet rural position, Holywell Hall is surrounded by arable land, grassland and woodland, just west of the River Wear. The property lies 2.7 miles south-east of the desirable village of Brancepeth, which is steeped in local heritage, and approximately 5 miles south-west of Durham City, offering convenient access to shops, restaurants and amenities. Durham Railway Station is approximately 3.3 miles away, providing regular rail services on the East Coast Main Line, while Junction 61 of the A1(M) is just under 10 miles away.

The property benefits from a choice of well-regarded primary and secondary schools in nearby New Brancepeth, Brandon and Durham.

Holywell Hall - Forming the principal part of the country house, which is now divided between the Hall and the separately owned West Wing, the Hall is understood to date principally from the early to mid-18th century incorporating the original Hall (the now dining room) and is documented as standing in 1402 as the Constable’s house for Brancepeth Castle. The Hall has considerable character and historic interest. It is reputed that the land at Holywell served as a resting place for the body of St Cuthbert, the patron saint of Northumbria, during its journey across the region following his death, when it was moved to protect it from Viking attacks. Later, in around 1402, the Hall was used to accommodate the Constables of Brancepeth Castle.

It is approached through a wrought iron gate between traditional Grade II listed piers creating a charming sense of arrival. Its refined façade, with elegant sash windows and centrally positioned pedimented entrance, is a highlight of its period history. Formal lawns extend from the front and side of the property and have been planted with mature herbaceous borders and a rose covered archway.

The setting is a key feature, with private drive access and a gravel sweep leading to garage parking. It neighbours the partly walled garden which separates the driveway from the parkland style main paddock. To enhance the uninterrupted view from the Hall, a ha-ha wall divides the front lawn from the paddock.

The Hall offers substantial family accommodation arranged over three floors, extending to over 5,000 sq ft.

Former Coach House - In addition to the main Hall, the property includes a separately, Grade II listed former Coach House, now converted to a flat with garage below, which is accessed internally from the Hall or via its own external entrance. The flat, now in need of modernisation, comprises:

Former Coach House Annex: kitchen, sitting room, two bedrooms and a Jack and Jill shower room, with double garage below.

It provides the perfect ancillary accommodation for additional guests, staff or multi-generational living.

The Land - The land extends in total to about 28.44 acres (11.51 hectares). The permanent pasture features parkland trees and is currently used for horse grazing. It offers scope for further management and improvement to maximise productivity should this be required.

The amenity woodland, with the Holywell Beck flowing through, is predominately situated to the east of the holding, providing quiet enjoyment and a safe haven for wildlife.

The diverse garden spaces, ranging from the historic part-walled kitchen garden, once used for growing herbs, vegetables and flowers, to formal lawns framed by mature specimen trees and yew hedging, are connected via attractive stone terraces and pathways. The gardens gradually give way to the old orchard woodland with a sunken garden at the far end and culminating at the picturesque lake and creating a wonderful sense of exploration throughout the grounds. The lake attracts a variety of wildlife and flora. The property boundary straddles the lake and is shown on the Land Registry plan.

The land is currently subject to an informal horse grazing licence and will be vacant before the completion of the sale.

Outbuildings - The ancillary buildings include a semi-detached double garage, a semi-derelict folly and purpose-built aviaries beyond the orchard garden. The pigeon lofts and stables are not included in the sale and will be removed before completion.

Designations - Holywell Hall is Grade II* listed, whilst the former Coach House annex, gate piers and garden wall (east of Holywell Hall) are Grade II listed. Interested parties should make their own enquiries of the local planning authority in respect of any works, alterations or consents required.

Sporting And Mineral Rights - Sporting Rights are included in the sale in so far as they are owned. Most of the Mineral Rights are excepted from the sale as they are owned by a third party. The Mineral Rights surrounding the Hall and gardens are included in the sale in so far as they are owned.

Viewings - Viewings will be strictly by appointment through the Selling Agent, GSC Grays.

All appointments will be accompanied and every effort will be made to accommodate preferred viewing times.

All parties attending are asked to remain vigilant, particularly around buildings, machinery and livestock.

Directions - From Brancepeth, proceed south-east on Scripton Road towards Holywell Hall. The property is situated at the end of a no-through road.

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