A real look of luxury.

Byline: By Francesca Craggs

FOR Joanne and Bill Graham, The Woodlands is something really special. The couple bought the stunning modern property four years ago and fell in love with its idyllic location within the Whalton Park Country Estate near Morpeth.

Tucked away down a private road near to Bolam Lake, The Woodlands occupies an imposing position and is set in about 1.3 acres.

Joanne said: "There is something really special about the whole feel of this house, internally and externally. We fell in love with the location, but it took us eight viewings to convince us to buy! We moved from the Warkworth area in 2004 to be closer to Newcastle Airport."

The Woodlands is built to a high standard with quality fixtures and fittings throughout. The couple wanted to put their own stamp on the property and embarked on a major refurbishment programme including adding a new kitchen, fireplaces and bathrooms.

Existing floors were replaced with marble, oak and walnut, and a large marble fireplace and multi-fuel stove added to the drawing room.

Joanne and Bill also transformed the outside of the property, creating a walled courtyard with water feature, herb garden, patio area with built-in barbecue and sweeping lawns.

"Having lived in the States for a year, we had fallen in love with the American approach to open-plan living space and room sizes. The Woodlands gives us the best of both worlds," said Joanne.

The property offers a tasteful mix of classical and contemporary and is accessed via an impressive reception hall with marble flooring and magnificent oak staircase. There are two interlinked garden rooms, and a drawing room with inglenook fireplace.

Upstairs there is a galleried landing providing access to the master bedroom with en suite and whirlpool bath, dressing room and balcony terrace.

There are five further double bedrooms, four of which have en suite facilities, and a sixth bedroom which is used as an office. There is also a family bathroom.

Joanne said: "The bedroom sizes are very generous. Our enormous reception hall, with grand piano, is ideal for those who love to entertain.

"It is very light and easy house to live in with fabulous views from many rooms. We enjoy curling up in front of a roaring fire in the family room as well having breakfast on bright mornings. We love to sit and watch the wildlife from the garden room. It's so tranquil and calming.

"Another fabulous feature are the balconies overlooking the garden and open countryside. Bill often enjoys reading on the master bedroom balcony during the summer months."

The mature grounds are also a real selling point.

"There's more than enough space for our dogs Macy and Lilly, and our four cats to roam. We also have the added benefit of the use of the communal areas of the 38-acre Whalton Park estate, which is great for walking the dogs. We also built a triple garage which houses a gym," said Joanne.

The couple are reluctant to sell The Woodlands, but are looking for a new property with more land to accommodate Joanne's horses. She said: "I do feel a little nervous about giving up this fabulous home, but we're looking for a new project to embark upon."

The Woodlands is for sale with offers of pounds 1,375,000 invited. Contact joint selling agents Strutt & Parker, tel: [phone] or Dobsons, tel: [phone].

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Sad to leave: The Woodlands near Morpeth is an impressive property with delightful views. Owner Joanne Graham, above, loves the feeling of space and luxury she and husband Bill have created.; Pictures: Emily Barber