The Old Vicarage

Space, glorious space! That’s what abounds at this Victorian vicarage on the fringes of Beadnell, one of Northumberland’s most charming seaside villages. These days it’s an impressive four-bedroom home — one where groups of families or friends will never feel on top of one another.

It helps that the elegant stone property is flanked by its very own mini-woodland and garden: an enclosed, wonderfully private garden space where youngsters might safely tear around before everyone gathers for a barbecue in the sheltered, walled courtyard.

Inside, there’s something of classic English country manors in the chandeliers, the high ceilings and the grand fireplaces. It has the pedigree to match too – The Old Vicarage is in the ownership of the descendants of the 18^th century landowner and High Sheriff of Northumberland John Wood (who expanded Beadnell Harbour), whose family has been associated with this area of Northumberland for over 900 years. You’ll also spot the Wood family crest above the entrance of The Craster Arms, if you drop into the local pub for a pint.

The drawing room with double-aspect windows overlooking the garden is perhaps the most impressive with its open fireplace, chandelier and family portraits lining the walls. There’s plenty of space for relaxed socialising here, while the dining room with its large mahogany dining table is perfect for family gatherings or formal entertaining.

There's also a separate cosy, blue-panelled snug featuring a leather sofa and chair, piano, and equine paintings; a boot room bigger than some London flats; and a beautiful, Scandi-white kitchen whose breakfast island and bar stools allow relaxed chat as the cook in the party concocts wonders on the impressive induction range cooker.

Upstairs are four comfortable, pastel-hued bedrooms on the first floor — a large master suite with a king-size bed and dressing table; two airy doubles, one of them en-suite, and a twin — plus two family bathrooms.

But where are the teens? Probably up in the second-floor games room, battling on its ping-pong and American-style pool tables.

Atop the home’s gated gravel drive, pretty Beadnell begins. That includes its 200-year-old harbour, a church with stained-glass windows and good pubs, while Beadnell Bay is just a quarter of a mile away. These extensive golden sands work equally well for family bucket-and-spade days, for watersports such as kite and windsurfing, for hearty walks or for birdwatching.

Very close are Seahouses, from whose ancient harbour boat tours depart to the Farne Islands to admire seabirds and seals, iconic Bamburgh, Lindisfarne (aka Holy Island) and ruined Dunstanburgh Castle — during a short walk along the coastal path, and where dolphins are sometimes spotted.

*Please note that some cosmetic changes are being made to the formal drawing room - new images available late March.