I remember my first time in a village hall. I remember the contrast between the freezing winter evening and the warmth inside. The roaring fire and bonhomie of a small Suffolk village coming together to celebrate something called the harvest festival, which, as a recent arrival to the UK, was alien.
Ever since, these little halls dotted around our countryside have held a special place in my heart. There is an inherent beauty to how they bring the countryside — a place that is by its very definition quite large — closer together. I had not, until today, seen one converted into a home before.
The abode in question was the former village hall at Shotley Bridge in Co Durham. Now reimagined as a five-bedroom house rather aptly named The Village Hall, it has become a spacious and contemporary modern home in the north of England. It is for sale with Finest Properties for £1.2 million.
As is the case with lots of village-amenity conversions (churches, and so on), the existing layout of the building creates quite interesting floorplans. The Village Hall is no different. The ground floor is almost exclusively open plan, featuring a large double-height sitting room, that flows into a dining room and down some stairs to the vast kitchen. You’ll also find an office space, a pantry, a bedroom and shower room.
On the first floor, four further bedrooms, the highlight of which is the principal bedroom suite, which features an en-suite bathroom, vanity room, and walk-in wardrobe. A mezzanine space is perfect for relaxing in with a good book.
The interiors are all finished to an exceptionally high standard, with the property’s traditional stone features complemented perfectly with contemporary design and fittings. The bathrooms, for example, look amazing. As does the kitchen.
There is also a large terrace with a canopy roof for entertaining, if that’s your thing.
The village of Shotley Bridge adjoins the town of Consett, meaning that there are plenty of amenities well within walking distance of the Village Hall.
Durham and Newcastle are about 15 miles to the east, while the glorious North Pennines National Landscape lies directly to the west.
-
The Talented Monsieur Mille: The haute horologist who stopped time is celebrated in a new bookA new coffee table book by Assouline celebrates one of today’s most daring and innovative watch brands.
-
Name that castle, and Robin Hood's day job: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 18, 2025From manatee flatulence to the first ATM, Wednesday's quiz asks the important questions.
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good tasteAt Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
-
How to stand out from the crowd in the most British of outfits — morning dressMorning dress has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, but breaking with convention can be chic.
-
White sand beaches, smuggler's coves, teeming wildlife and a ruined castle in a Scottish island that's on the market for the first time in almost a centuryJust off the west coast of Scotland lies Shuna Island, a true playground of open spaces, natural beauty, wildlife, beaches and — yes — a castle. And it's looking for a new owner.
-
'One of the 10 most perfect houses in Britain' has come to the market at £9.5 millionPenny Churchill looks at the magical Maperton House.
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country LifeSomething for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mouldA new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham EstateWith 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
