With the recent increases in bills (energy, water, just about everything else), the temptation to pack it all in and go off-grid has never been higher. Not only does it tick all the right boxes in terms of sustainability, but more often than not it will end up far cheaper than the absurd prices currently being charged by various energy companies. Plus, if you do it really well, then there's every chance that Kevin McCloud will come and visit, wistfully staring into the distance and whispering 'fabulous' as you point at some solar panels.
On the sustainability front, what is even better than building off-grid from the ground up is to take an existing structure and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st century. To that end, in his native Northumberland, Sam Gibson of Galbraith offers a unique opportunity to create a dream home around the shell of a former gamekeeper’s lodge. It sits in a far corner of the historic 3,000-acre Chipchase sporting estate in the magnificent North Tyne Valley, an untouched area of winding rivers and burns, rich and varied wildlife, tranquil woodlands and majestic hills.
For sale at a guide price of ‘offers over £375,000’, Threpwood Hill is located in a wonderfully isolated and peaceful setting just south of the ancient rural village of Birtley and a brisk walk from Wark on the banks of the River North Tyne, some 10 miles north of Hexham. The property, which comes with a south-facing walled garden and extra land for parking, has full planning consent to create a charming, four-bedroom family house, incorporating the existing stone buildings.
Per the planning document, the proposed house would be largely single storey, in which you would find three bedrooms, all en-suite, a sitting room, a kitchen and a garden/dining room with double width sliding doors to take full advantage of the sublime surrounding scenery. The top floor of the existing cottage would be turned into the master suite.
Approached along an estate track, Threpwood Hill is currently off grid with no mains water, although a connection to electricity and mains water is possible (if you are cowardly), thanks to its position within the Chipchase estate. The new owner will also need to replace the septic tank with a new sewage treatment plant, as stipulated in the approved planning application. Mr Gibson estimates the total cost of the redevelopment at about £400,000, after which Threpwood would be valued at some £850,000.
Additional reporting by James Fisher
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Seven outstanding rural homes for sale, as seen in Country Life
Our look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in recent days includes a sprawling
Property with potential: Renovation projects for sale, starting from just £125,000
From a period drama-worthy stately home to a delightful cottage to a 17-bedroom mansion for sale at just £400,000, these
The Country Life Podcast
Listen to all the episodes of the Country Life Podcast.
This 321-acre estate on the southern tip of Wales is a sporting fantasy that needs some love
The Trewern Estate in Pembrokeshire offers shooting, fishing and a decent income from grazing — not to mention an 11,000sq
-
Robin Hood's seaside getaway, and who appears on the £20 note?Our daily quiz features one of the most beautiful spots in Britain... but where is it?
-
A glorious 17th century home in one of the most exclusive waterside villages in BritainOrchard House was lucky not to have been sunk beneath the surface of Rutland Water when it was created in the 1970s — but it did, and today this wonderful spot is looking better than ever.
-
A glorious 17th century home in one of the most exclusive waterside villages in BritainOrchard House was lucky not to have been sunk beneath the surface of Rutland Water when it was created in the 1970s — but it did, and today this wonderful spot is looking better than ever.
-
A honey-coloured, 300-year-old rectory where every period-house headache has already been solved for youThe Old Rectory is a charming family home that's just undergone an extensive renovation.
-
The sleepy village hall that's been transformed into a breathtaking homeThe Village Hall in Shotley Bridge is a masterful conversion of a much-loved village amenity.
-
Six wonderful rural homes for sale, as seen in Country LifeOur pick of the best homes to feature in Country Life over the past week includes a grand Sussex estate and a delightful riverside home.
-
A five-bedroom former farmhouse brought to life with one of the finest living rooms we've seenGlebe Farm in Nottinghamshire has undergone an astounding restoration to create a very special home.
-
A five-acre estate at the heart of the 'prettiest village in Leicestershire'Horninghold Hall is the jewel in the crown of Horninghold.
-
A wetsuit room, fingerprint entry and coastal views from all the principal rooms: Is this the ultimate Cornish holiday home?Sitting pretty overlooking Polzeath Beach in North Cornwall, Megizzy’s spectacular views, contemporary design and well thought out features are hard to beat.
-
Inside Audrey Hepburn's exquisite Alpine retreatViews of the mountains, 40 acres of gardens and grounds and 10,000 sq ft La Paisible is a subtle yet spacious country home.
