Tudhoe House, a beautiful Georgian manor house in the village of Tudhoe, County Durham, is looking for a new owner. Ruth Addicott finds out what it has to offer.

PERCHED right on the edge of the village green, Tudhoe House is one of the most sought-after Georgian manor houses in the area. The Grade II-listed property, currently on the market at £1.3m, presides over one-and-a-half acres of designated countryside, making it an ideal setting for a large family.

Owners Peter and Dawn Wright have lived there for13 years and it was the character of the house that attracted them in the first place.

“It’s an absolutely gorgeous Georgian property.

It occupies a fantastic position in the centre of the village and has a wonderful play area for children,” says Dawn.

Built in about 1825, the house retains a lot of its original character with exposed beams, traditional fireplaces and beautiful Georgian windows.

It also has the advantage of being close to the city of Durham, surrounded by lovely countryside.

Since moving in, Dawn and Peter have done a lot of work to the house, changing the layout and decor, but retaining many of the original features.

The kitchen underwent a complete refit with the introduction of new flooring and handmade framed Mowlem & Co Maple units. Complete with a limited edition Aga, the kitchen/dining room is now the main living area with windows looking out over the village green.

One of Dawn’s favourite rooms is the drawing room with its marble fireplace, open fire and huge bay window. “There are two rooms in the house which have got a really wonderful feel to them, one is the drawing room, the other is the bedroom on the top floor,” she says.

“They both have a really peaceful, restful feel.”

The main hall features an original Georgian staircase leading up to the first floor, where there are five double bedrooms, a family bathroom and shower room. The landing has panoramic views over the back garden and countryside.

The second floor has a large games room – the Edwardian full-sized snooker table and blackjack table are negotiable – along with a large en-suite bedroom suitable as an alternative master bedroom or for a teenager or member of staff.

A utility room downstairs offers further space with integrated fridge/freezer and plumbing for a washing machine and tumble dryer. There are also two interconnecting cellars underneath the house, holding a gas boiler, space for wine storage and an accessible natural water spring.

It is believed there is a further hidden tunnel running from the cellar to Tudhoe Hall across the road. “Lots of local people say they’ve seen it, some have actually been in it when they were children, but we’ve never found it,” says Dawn.

Tudhoe House currently has an adjoining wing known as Laburnum House, which is let to tenants. This also contains four double bedrooms, a bathroom, two reception rooms and dining kitchen. The building was used as a school during the Second World War and is believed to have been split about 50 years ago.

“It’s very much a family house and because Laburnum House is separate, it’s perfect for a granny flat or family member who is reliant on the family, but doesn’t want to live in the same property,” says Dawn.

There are plans to merge the two buildings back into one, incorporating an indoor swimming pool, further garage space, a courtyard entrance and an orangery.

Outside, at the front of the house, there’s a walled garden with paved areas and flower beds, providing a grand access to the front door and decorative wrought iron double gates to the courtyard. A walled courtyard lies alongside, flagged with Yorkshire stone.

Complete with trees, herbaceous beds, rose gardens, small orchard and vegetable garden, the grounds are just as impressive, along with a summerhouse featuring a large built-in barbecue.

“It’s a lovely house,” says Dawn. “We’ve really enjoyed living here.”

■ Tudhoe House is on the market for £1.3m with Fine & Country. Tel: 0191-384-2277.

fineandcountry.com.