The East Wing, The Old Vicarage

Just a short drive from the North East’s heritage coastline and within easy reach of the city of Newcastle, this refined wing of a former Vicarage nonetheless sits in a world of its own. Surrounded by the magnificent parkland of the National Trust’s Seaton Delaval Hall, it at once offers a window into lavish Georgian history and the spectacular natural beauty of this corner of the world. Thoughtfully designed for a relaxed escape from everyday life, it’s an excellent spot from which to take in the stately home, explore the local harbours and beaches at Seaton Sluice and Whitley Bay, or enjoy day trips to the wild landscapes and ruined castles in the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The front door leads into a vestibule, complete with seats for kicking off wellies and hooks to hang coats, which flows through to an impressive octagonal entrance hall. An inner hallway then leads into a spacious open-plan living and dining room which features two log burners – one to warm you when seated around the large wooden table, and the other to create a cosy space to relax on the feather-filled Andrew Martin sofas. Decorated in a warm palette of sand and sage with touches of muted crimson and 17th-century Old Master paintings hanging on the walls, it’s a restful room which makes the most of the natural light that spills through the tall sash windows, as well as its far-reaching views out to the garden and the fields beyond.

Along the hall, the large kitchen enjoys more of those stunning views. An island with four stools is a lovely place to sit with breakfast or a morning coffee, while extensive quartz countertops, a double range oven, large American-style fridge freezer, and double Belfast sink make it an exceptionally well-appointed place to prepare meals. Doors lead from the kitchen into a large boiler room – an ideal space to dry off wet clothes and store outdoor kit – as well as a utility room and a spacious cloakroom with a sink and WC.

Both bedrooms are situated upstairs and are decorated in soothing neutral tones, with beds handmade in Britain using the finest wool, cotton, and cashmere which are positioned to best enjoy the sweeping parkland scenery. The first features a fixed super king size bed, subtly patterned textiles, and bedside sconces which are perfect for unhurried evenings spent with a good book. The second bedroom is home to a super king size bed that can be configured to two singles as required, in addition to a decorative fireplace and pretty botanical artworks. An elegant family bathroom with a separate bath and shower lies off the landing, as does a shower room and a separate WC.

Outside, an extensive lawned garden can be found at the rear of the house, with mature conifers planted along the garden wall. The garden enjoys uninterrupted views over the fields and across to Seaton Delaval Hall, although guests must be careful of the ha-ha at the end of the garden with a steep drop, keeping little ones closely supervised at all times. The fields beyond the garden are grazed by horses and it’s an idyllic setting to relax with a picnic and listen to the birdsong. Look forward to making the short stroll to visit the grand Hall, heading out on day trips to the Tyne and Wear coastline and the many sights in the neighbouring county of Northumberland, or simply indulging in a slower pace of life in your own peaceful wing of the Old Vicarage.