2 Bedroom Property for Sale in Washington

The accommodation itself briefly comprises: - spacious communal entrance hall with returning staircase rising to the first floor landing and to apartment’s front door. It leads through to a reception hallway, a principle reception room with feature curved wall separating the kitchen area which itself incorporates a range of stylish dark oak effect units with granite work surfaces. There are two bedrooms, the elegant master bedroom with raised sleeping area and sash windows and which in turn leads to a modern en suite shower room. There is also a bathroom/wc with contemporary white sanitary ware. Externally, the apartment benefits from allocated parking within a car port whilst maintained communal gardens surround the development. A secure lock up storage facility is available within the basement of the building.

Overall, this is a very unique and extremely spacious apartment with an excellent mix of period features and contemporary fixtures and fittings. An internal inspection is therefore absolutely essential.

If you were offered you the chance to view a 1950s former council office where those with fines went to make their payments, it might be an opportunity you would choose to turn down.

But that would mean you’d miss the rare chance to view the Grade II listed Liberty Green in Old Washington Village.

Darrell Butler was the first person to move into the conversion two and a half years ago. He says "Originally I came to the Bowey Sales Office intending to look at one of the detached houses. After looking tirelessly for a new property for over a year throughout the North East, and never finding anywhere or anything which came close to my expectations, I thought Washington Village may be a good start. A quiet and pretty village, and steeped in history with Washington Old Hall (The ancestral home of George Washington) facing the site, I was not disappointed – A beautiful location".

Being sold on the location, Darrell then explored the properties at Liberty Green. Previously being a site for Washington Council, the development hinged around the council offices, a stone building, which among many other functions housed the Magistrates Court.

"The site was terrific – A development around this grand listed building which housed 8 apartments, and then 20 detached houses around the remainder of the site inter-twined with mature trees and beautifully landscaped grounds" says Darrell.

The specification of the properties was excellent, and Darrell was sold on Liberty Green. It was only a passing remark by the Sales Advisor that made Darrell look at the apartments – "Have a look, they’re very grand!" she said. A house is what he came for, and a house is what he wanted. So, out of politeness and a little bit of curiosity he did, and was not disappointed. "They were truly unique – Brand new apartments, but with all the grandeur of an old building" says Darrell. "The communal hallway was impressive with marble tiled floors, and a sweeping staircase taking you to the first floor – Beautifully decorated and furnished, with a huge window with sweeping curtains. Quite an entrance!"

Next came the apartments. All of them were cleverly designed making the best use of space, but it was the largest which caught Darrell’s eye. "It was huge. An amazing layout, high ceilings, and room sizes the likes of which you simply do not see in new or old properties".

But it was the main reception room that did it for Darrell and provided the ‘wow factor’ he had craved. Actually being the former courtroom, the lounge, dining area and kitchen were in this space, and the vaulted ceiling particularly impressed Darrell. "What a space! A huge room with the most amazing ceiling, and so cleverly designed". Darrell says. The kitchen is at one end and is separated from the main living space by an eight feet high curved wall so it is not visible from the main living room, ensuring the best use of the space, but also ensuring that you do not lose the concept of space with the ceiling visible from both sides.

"The reaction of people’s faces when they come to visit is what I enjoy. I always start with the other rooms to see what they think, and before we even get into the lounge, they love it! And then into the courtroom, pause, and you see their jaws drop – fantastic! And what a party house" says Darrell. "I’ve had 70 people in here before, with plenty of space for more!"

As well as the actual space, the finish is exceptional, Bowey Homes ensuring that they introduced top of the range fixtures and fittings in the apartment. Special lighting was also incorporated into the design, and at night the place comes alive. The lighting effects are so clever with dimmer switches everywhere - Just pick your mood. Darrell has further enhanced the scheme by employing the services of an Interior Designer who has stamped her distinctive mark on the apartment and given it a truly unique edge.

So what’s Old Washington Village like to live in? "It’s actually wonderfully tranquil and quiet" Darrell says. "You have the benefits of being part of city life as you are so close to Newcastle, Sunderland & Durham, but at the same time you are in a pretty, little country village – The best of both worlds". Washington Old Village has some lovely pubs, an excellent restaurant, village shops, and is also in the catchment area for excellent primary and secondary schools. "The neighbours are lovely, and there is a real sense of community spirit in the village" says Darrell. "There is a committee which meets on a regular basis to discuss village life, with the aim of continually improving the environment. Each year we are entered into the Village in Bloom competition – This is how proud the locals are of their village!"

“The village and apartment is a stunning place to live" admits Darrell. "Waking up each Sunday morning over the last two and a half years in such a unique apartment, and in such an idyllic setting surrounded by trees, with the sound of church bells in the background, is quite an experience. It’s just such a shame that I have to relocate through work, otherwise I’d be settled here for many years to come".