Observatory House, Potters Bank, Durham

£1,960,000

Guide price

We are delighted to offer for sale this outstanding period property which in our opinion is one of the most iconic buildings offered for sale in the heart of this historic city in the last decade.The former university building is steeped in history having been occupied in the past by David Bellamy as well as a number of other famous academics. Having been acquired in to private hands in 2011 the property has undergone a complete refurbishment and rebuild to produce an outstanding family home having now been lovingly restored to an uncompromising specification with exceptional attention to detail whilst preserving the original architectural qualities and seamless blending of a contemporary extension.Situated in the heart of the city in one of the most sought after residential locations at Potters Bank, Observatory House is one of, if not the most distinctive properties in Durham City, noted for its immense presence, elevated position, distinctive character and historical importance.Immaculately maintained grounds with lawned gardens and raised beds lead up to the property which is framed by mature trees providing privacy and seclusion seldom found in such a city centre location. The private driveway dissects the gardens and fields leading to a gravelled parking area with a detached garage. The mix of traditional and contemporary is evident from its glass balconies and glazed extension but seamless in its appearance. Internally an impressive Reception Hallway with original return staircase provides a delightful first impression and leads to the three Reception Rooms on the ground floor, one with a glazed floor with glimpses of the back lit cellar and central chimney breast. Also at ground floor is a cloakroom/WC separate cloakroom cupboard and access to the hugely impressive modern kitchen with full glazed return outlook over the front gardens and driveway as well as the detailed specification of a modern kitchen designed and fitted by Herrington Gate. The kitchen is mostly open plan having a breakfasting room and dining area with a central contemporary wood burning stove. Concealed doors provide access to the adjoining utility and to the rear. The mix of contemporary and traditional run through the entire house and not more so than the first floor where the traditional oak staircase makes way for a modern glass and steel staircase to the second floor designed and manufactured by the award winning Cliff Chapman. At first floor every on-suite and bathroom have been meticulously designed and purchased with luxury in mind having fixtures and fittings from Villeroy & Boch, Porcelanosa and Philippe StarckAt first floor level there are four bedrooms two with en-suite a family bathroom study area and dressing room as well as access to the glazed balcony. At second floor the entire roof space has been developed into a suite to include a fifth bedroom with superb on-suite facilities, centre stand alone bath and wet room shower area as well as an additional lounge area with access again to a concealed glazed balcony offering glimpses towards the city centre and castle and cathedral complex. Externally the grounds extend to approximately one acre and access via a private driveway with lawn gardens and rockery giving way to paved access points around the house as well as to the paved sun terrace to the rear and the delightful detached potting house which is suitable for a variety of uses and fitted with a full range of kitchen units for outside catering. The garage itself provides an abundance of parking as well as having been fitted at first floor level, which at present has been left as a blank canvas for use by the next successful purchaser.