A unique show home has opened within an elegant collection of Edwardian Grade II-listed cottages in Ponteland, Northumberland.
Housebuilder Bellway is carefully restoring and converting a range of 22 Arts and Crafts-style properties at The Listed at Ottermead, which sits within the wider Jameson Manor development on the former Northumbria Police headquarters site, approximately 10 miles north of Newcastle city centre.
Originally known as Ponteland Cottage Homes, the buildings were built in 1903 to provide accommodation for 300 orphans and children of very poor families. The cottage homes complex closed in 1959 and was later used by Northumbria Police.
Set in a crescent around an attractive area of green open space, The Listed at Ottermead includes four- and five-bedroom houses as well as five two-bedroom apartments located within the converted Superintendent’s Home, while the original water tower is also being converted into a house.
The four-bedroom ‘Elsdon’ show home, a refurbished semi-detached cottage, was opened to the public in October, when the first homes at The Listed at Ottermead were released for sale.
Emma Chesterton, head of sales for Bellway North East, said: “The converted homes which make up The Listed at Ottermead include original features preserved from the early 20th century, so we wanted to reflect that wealth of history in our new show home.
“Our small collection of homes here enables buyers to own a historic period property which is complete with all the comfort and convenience of a new -build home.
“We have already received a lot of compliments for our show home. Visitors are particularly impressed with how we have managed to combine aspects of modern living such as integrated appliances and large, open spaces, with elements that are both historic and aesthetically pleasing.”
Living room
“The living room makes use of the high ceilings and tall windows to let natural light flood in. As you will see throughout the home, we have combined browns, golds and creams to make the rooms warm and inviting. The twin chandeliers, leather sofas and relaxing futon create a classy, opulent space befitting a historic Grade II-listed building, while the elegant black digital fireplace and large 4k TV effortlessly lifts the property into the 2020s.
“Also, by layering the warm browns and elegant golds throughout the room, we have let the white accents from the skirting boards, ceiling and window frames really pop. There’s a lot to catch the eye in this room but my particular favourite is the white, marble-esque portrait encased in a vintage gold frame – it really makes the room complete.”
Kitchen
“Creating a kitchen which is both practical and effortlessly stylish is a challenge, however it’s one I feel we rose to here by prioritising the crisp contrast between black and white. White is great at reflecting natural light and making the kitchen feel both airy and relaxing, while the contemporary black floor-to-ceiling cupboards are sleek and on-trend. This timeless monochrome combination looks clean and spacious while additional warmth is provided by the three low-hanging chandeliers.
“The focal point of the room – the gorgeous marble kitchen island – doesn’t just look amazing, it also serves as additional preparation space housing the integrated hob and doubling up as a snazzy breakfast bar.”
Dining room
“Our dining room takes pride of place in this immaculate home, replicating the elegance of the living room but also adding a hint of romance through the rose-pink velvet dining chairs. Our table is adorned with three striking black vases and lit from above by twin chandeliers. Greens and yellows are muted and don’t overpower the room but still add a lot to the visual mix.
“Chimney breasts add a timeless style to a home and ours stands between two reflective walls that just ooze class. The symmetry of this feature wall is particularly pleasing on the eye. In the middle we have deep-grey wallpaper complementing a golden picture frame, while the high-gloss surfaces either side enable the warm golden glow from the lights to reflect around the room.”
Master bedroom
“When designing the master bedroom, we wanted our residents to feel pampered within a comfortable environment. A mix of classic and modern aesthetics are in use here. Velvet textures from the curtains to the footstool at the end of the bed add to the luxurious feel of the room, while dark walls act as a rich neutral which is very on trend.
“The careful use of colour accentuates the room’s period features including the sloped ceilings and large bay window, with its sophisticated arched window frame. The window frames have been painted white to emphasise the original architecture and, as is the case in the living room, pop against the darker surrounding colours.”
Guest bedroom
“This charming bedroom makes for a graceful space for guests to rest their weary heads. The eye is drawn to the geometric two-shade silver wallpaper, which embraces the glamorous era of the 1920s. The silver provides a lovely backdrop for the darker velvet headboard which continues the theme from the master bedroom. Muted gold and silver textiles sit on top of crisp linen while the black throw provides a strong contrast. Facing the bed, three tall mirrors, complete with sleek black thin frame, make the bedroom feel more spacious.”
Children’s bedroom
“Traditionally we like to have some fun with our children’s bedrooms and, as you can see here, we have opted for a police-themed bedroom with splashes of colour scattered throughout. The yellow ‘police tape’ duvet really stands out against the black and white wallpaper and our storage space is in the form of police lockers.
“The cute accessories including the adorable teddy bear constable and child-sized police uniform complete this fun room.”
Bathroom
“Sleek and stylish, this family bathroom is well-equipped for modern living whilst still having a timeless quality. White marble tiles provide an elegant backdrop to sleek white sanitaryware and make the perfect companion to soothing pebble grey walls. Chrome fittings add an element of shine to this luxurious, yet understated, bathroom.”
The Listed at Ottermead forms part of a wider collection of 275 new homes within Jameson Manor, off North Road, which is being built by both Bellway and Ashberry Homes.
Prices for homes within The Listed at Ottermead collection start from £749,995 and the show home is only available to view via appointment.
Find out more about current Bellway developments.
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