Last updated 10:04, Friday, 18 July 2008

PROPERTY sales may be flat but one section of the market is allegedly bucking the trend, at least here in Northumberland.

The demand for houses with attached paddocks is still riding high, according to Tynedale-based chartered surveyors, George F. White.

And they say the demand is strong at both ends of the market – for homes with space for just one pony, to farms big enough for many potential uses.

Lucinda Reed, at the firm’s Hexham office, said: “There continues to be strong demand from equestrian buyers seeking to purchase properties with land and facilities.

“This trend is across the spectrum from those homes which benefit from just a few acres, to larger farms and landholdings being purchased with equestrian uses in mind.”

George F. White specialises in equestrian property in the North-East. Its chairman and founding partner, George White, is a breeder of thoroughbred horses and is heavily involved in point-to-point and National Hunt racing.

The equestrian property team are all keen enthusiasts themselves and many own their own stable of horses, so are sensitive to their clients’ needs.

“We currently have around 30 equestrian properties on our books”, said Lucinda.

“Three properties which have attracted particular interest recently are Low Byrness Cottage near Otterburn, High Shaw at High Staward, and West Twice Brewed at Bardon Mill.”

Low Byrness Cottage is a family home and smallholding in the heart of the Northumberland National Park. It includes several outbuildings and around five acres of land, and is on offer for £345,000.

High Shaw is a Grade II listed house with many original period features and three acres of land. It is offered for £465,000.

West Twice Brewed is a three bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse with adjoining stone lofted barn, again inside the Northumberland National Park. The property has over eight acres of grounds and paddock land, and is priced at around £465,000.

“Far from seeing a decrease of equestrian properties coming to market, we are currently seeing an influx of available properties,” said Lucinda.

“Equestrian purchasers have very specific requirements which need to be understood and met by the property agent.”

*The George F. White Hexham team is on (01434) 674244, or visit www.georgefwhite.co.uk