Bellister Castle

BELLISTER CASTLE​

OFFERS IN EXCESS £2,500,000​

A MAGNIFICENT GRADE I LISTED MEDIEVAL CASTLE WITH PELE TOWER, LODGE AND OUTBUILDINGS SET IN APPROXIMATELY 4.51 ACRES OF PRIVATE PARKLAND

KEY FEATURES​

• Stunning fully renovated Grade I Listed castle dating back to the 12th Century, extending to 4,778 sq ft
• Eight bedrooms arranged over three floors with impressive period features throughout
• Beautiful reception rooms including drawing room with decorative ceiling and French doors to garden
• Breakfast kitchen with limited edition Everhot range
• Principal bedroom suite with three bay windows overlooking parkland gardens
• Sizeable ensuite bathroom with renovated 19th century fountain bath
• Fully updated oil fired central heating and water system (2024)
• Picturesque two bedroom Lodge (1,159 sq ft) fully refitted in 2020
• Substantial range of Grade II Listed outbuildings (6,507 sq ft) offering tremendous potential
• Formal lawns, established orchard and outstanding specimen trees
• Private tree-lined drive with no public rights of way
• Walking distance to South River Tyne with 1 rod licence
• Accessible location between Newcastle and Carlisle (Newcastle International Airport 35 miles)
• In all about 4.51 acres (1.83 hectares)

SITUATION​

Bellister Castle occupies a superb elevated position within 1,200 acres of National Trust protected parkland, screened by outstanding mature woodlands. The property is ideally situated close to the Northumberland National Park and moments from the South Tyne River, surrounded by typically rural countryside peppered with ancient woodlands, natural landmarks, traditional livestock farms and undulating grassland.


The area is steeped in history, with Hadrian's Wall and other Roman landmarks nearby, forming a fitting backdrop to this Medieval Castle, believed to be built with stone from Hadrian's Wall itself.


Transport connections are excellent, with the A69 providing easy access to both Newcastle (35 miles east) and Carlisle, offering routes south via the A1 or M6. Rail networks connect to London within 2hrs 35mins, while Newcastle International Airport is conveniently located 35 miles to the east.

DESCRIPTION​

Bellister Castle represents a rare opportunity to acquire a superbly renovated historic residence that successfully blends luxurious modern living with extraordinary period features. The property has been meticulously restored by the current owners working alongside The National Trust, with attention to detail evident throughout.


The Castle's origins trace back to medieval times, with the adjoining pele tower dating from the 12th Century. Through the centuries, various notable owners have undertaken preservation and remodelling, with the latest extension and partial rebuild carried out by John Dobson, enhancing its unique features and character.


In addition to the Castle, the property includes a beautifully refurbished two-bedroom Lodge, courtyard outbuildings, and a range of Grade II Listed buildings currently providing storage and garaging, all set within approximately 4.51 acres of private grounds framed by mature specimen trees and woodland.

ACCOMMODATION​

BELLISTER CASTLE​

Ground Floor:

• Impressive entrance hall
• Sitting room with large wood burning stove
• Breakfast kitchen with limited edition Everhot range
• Dining room with decorative fireplace and silk walls
• Drawing room with beautiful decorative ceiling, window seats and French doors to garden
• Laundry room
• Boot room
• Cloakroom
• Recently reappointed boiler room

First Floor:

• Substantial principal bedroom with three bay windows overlooking parkland gardens
• Sizeable ensuite bathroom with fully renovated 19th century fountain bath and ornate period chiffonier
• Two further double bedrooms
• Family bathroom

Second Floor:

• Large bedroom suite
• Up to three further double bedrooms
• Newly appointed bathroom with shower

BELLISTER LODGE​

Ground Floor:

• Kitchen
• Sitting room with stone fireplace
• Separate office
• Utility room

First Floor:

• Two double bedrooms
• Family bathroom with bath, overhead shower, WC and wash basin
• Private courtyard garden with terrace and mature shrubs
• Adjacent gravelled parking area

GARDENS & GROUNDS​

The property is approached via a private tree-lined drive leading to the Castle and outbuildings. The grounds extend to approximately 4.51 acres and comprise:

• Extensive south-facing lawned gardens
• Established orchard
• Mature specimen trees and woodland
• Traditional walled garden to the north, immaculately maintained
• Ha-Ha forming the southern boundary

OUTBUILDINGS​

Immediately northwest of the Castle stands a substantial range of Grade II Listed buildings dating from the late 1700s onwards. Constructed of sandstone beneath slate flags and concrete roof tiles, these single and double-height buildings form a horseshoe shape comprising:

• Original farmyard
• Threshing barn
• Former coach house
• Farmhouse

Complete with original archways and mullioned windows, these buildings currently provide 6,507 sq ft of storage space with potential for alternative uses (subject to necessary consents).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION​

Tenure: Leasehold with 120 years remaining. The Freehold owner, The National Trust, will be consulted when transferring the leasehold.


Services: Mains electricity, mains water, fibre internet, and private drainage.


Heating: Fully updated oil fired central heating and water system (2024).


Council Tax: Bellister Castle - Band H, Bellister Lodge - Band C


EPC: Bellister Castle - Exempt, Bellister Lodge - Band E


Designations:

• Bellister Castle is Grade I Listed (List Entry Number: 1045292)
• Range of farm buildings are Grade II Listed (List Entry Number: 1370286)
• The remains of the Tower are listed as a Scheduled Monument (List Entry Number: 1002910) - Retained and fully maintained by the National Trust

Rights of Way: No public rights of way over the property. The freehold owner has limited external access rights.


Fixtures and Fittings: All items normally designated as fixtures and fittings including curtains, carpets, blinds, light fittings and garden statuary are specifically excluded from the sale, but may be available by separate negotiation. Private internet and vehicle number plate relevant to Bellister are available for purchase.


Postcode: NE49 0HZ (nearest)


What3Words: ///kings.braved.committed

VIEWING​

Strictly by appointment through the joint selling agents.


Bellister Castle represents a truly exceptional opportunity to acquire not only a magnificent historic residence but a piece of England's rich architectural heritage.