Aidan House

Aidan House | St Georges Terrace | Sunderland Coast COUNTRY HOMES │ COTTAGES │ UNIQUE PROPERTIES │ CONVERSIONS │ PERIOD PROPERTIES │ LUXURY APARTMENTS

Aidan House, St Georges Terrace The current owners have called Aidan House home for almost 9 years, drawn to the fantastic coast line of Roker and Seaburn and the opportunity to live in such a unique conversion.

“Conversion work began in 1999 to create a residential home from St Aidans Church which lies in the Parish of Monkwearmouth. A parish church until the mid 1990’s, St Aidans was built in 1909 and attractive buttresses added in 1911.

The building occupies a prominent corner site with conservation area status.”

“Having previously lived in a range of very interesting homes, all with their own unique features in one way or another, when we saw details of Aidan House, a converted church with large rooms and its incredible newly created layout, we simply had to view.”

“The space, quality and balanced architectural design of the conversion amazed us along with its locality by the sea, and we couldn’t resist the opportunity to add to the features and accommodation by completing the unfinished Church Tower attached to the main body of the house. The wonderful mix of spacious high rooms with beams, deep skirting and attractive windows within the hall, lounge and kitchen is most impressive, enhanced by a range of exceptionally well designed and interesting rooms at both ground and first floor levels. The large beamed dining kitchen with fantastic triple Church windows also has a four oven Aga.” “We bought the house knowing there was unfinished work – a project was needed to start and finish the Tower conversion. This gave us the opportunity to add a spiral staircase serving the three new floors of the Tower, and a separate bespoke wooden staircase to take us to the Observatory at the very top of the Tower, enjoying 360 degree views over the Sunderland skyline and stunning coast towards North

Yorkshire. It’s the ideal spot for taking in the New Years Eve firework display on the Seafront and of course the Air Show in July. We loved the fact that there was scope for improvement, adding mezzanine floors to the lounge and a new first floor wet room allowed us to make it our own.”

“The kitchen is a beautiful room for working and socialising, warm at all times from the Aga, with immediate access through double doors to a

small comfortable sitting area, the bottom room of the Tower Rooms, and then outside to a decked area, perfect for enjoying the summer sun. After work, relaxing over dinner in the kitchen then retiring to one of the two main sitting rooms is bliss. The main lounge is spacious with two mezzanine areas, fantastic high church windows and a wood burning stove set upon a paved hearth, and the secondary smaller lounge with shelved storage room is ideal for musical equipment and watching television.”

“Our housewarming party was attended by many friends and former colleagues, since then we have hosted many regular gatherings, the main reception areas are perfect for accommodating large numbers whilst other rooms provide a more intimate setting for a ‘select few’ to enjoy a quiet evening, with plenty of space for overnight guests.”

“Being located near the sea has made the commute to and from work a fantastically uplifting experience, driving along the coast with views of the sea, sands, and Roker Pier. We have many good memories of early morning walks along the sands, promenades, and the Pier. It will be a huge wrench to leave this beautiful building, a home like this is such a rare find and we feel very privileged to have lived here, in a quality, landmark building, and to have added to the

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“The kitchen is a beautiful room for working and socialising, warm at all times from the Aga, with wonderful beamed ceiling and fantastic triple Church windows allowing light.” excellence of the property. The space and the completeness of the accommodation in the house is something we will miss. As ever if we could match this in our planned destination then we would be delighted.”

which is carried off with a vibrant flare and delicate style, sure to surpass the expectations of discerning purchasers.

Walk Through Accommodation

Agents Description Aidan House occupies a prominent position on the approach to the sea front at Roker, an imposing building grounded in history which has undergone a remarkable conversion from church to commanding family home, undertaken with an admirable eye for detail, sympathetic appreciation of the property and a flourish which champions the unique character features. A distinctive and charming home, the generous layout affords considerable flexibility between both living and sleeping accommodation, whilst boasting an attached garage, twin gated driveway and private enclosed sun terrace garden.

The accommodation comprises; entrance lobby opening to the reception hallway, sitting room with twin staircase mezzanine rising to a snug and reading deck, second lounge, superb dining kitchen with vaulted ceiling, master bedroom, family bathroom, study/home office, guest cloakroom and utility room. A staircase from the reception hallway leads to the first floor landing opening to four further bedrooms and guest shower room, whilst twin doors from the kitchen open to the former belfry, a turning staircase reaches four stories of informal themed spaces to the observatory, which cannot fail to impress with panoramic views of the beautiful coastline, North Sea and Sunderland City. The conversion embraces the practicalities of modern living with the quirk and charm of this individual building, all of

Entrance Lobby The main and original entrance to Aidan House is presented with twin painted timber doors opening to an internal lobby with glazed panel style door leading to the reception hallway.

Reception Hallway 27’11” x 20’ (8.5m x 6.1m) The striking hallway is an absolute delight, as to be expected the hallway floods with natural light from a series of arched side elevation windows and secondary light from French doors to the sitting room. The polished wood effect floor leads to a beautiful turned spindle staircase with circular flourish banisters which rise to the first floor accommodation, whilst the body of the hallway continues through the home to the second lounge, master bedroom, family bathroom, guest cloakroom/wc and dining kitchen.

Further to which the hallway benefits from a striking vaulted ceiling framed by exposed timber beams, ceiling coving, signature wallpaper and central heating radiators.

Sitting Room 22’8” x 20’8” (6.9m x 6.3m) A superb centre piece room to this unique home, the lounge rests to the front facing aspect of Aidan House with twin French doors opening from 3

the reception hallway. Decorated in soft neutral tones, the present owners have created a room which combines the command of a vaulted ceiling with the intimacy of an inviting family lounge. Natural light is welcomed into the room from a series of arched windows at both low and high level, with a focal point solid fuel cast iron stove settled within an inglenook fireplace with masonry hearth and distinctive solid slate mantel. Further to which the sitting room features telephone and television points, traditional style radiators, exposed timber cross beams and a subtle curved recess, formerly the Apse of the church which displays an ornate stained glass depiction window. Two individual bespoke staircases provide access to the upper mezzanine floor arranged as two informal reception spaces.

Sitting Room: Mezzanine 14’1” x 8’2” (4.3m x 2.5m) The first mezzanine is accessed by a turning varnished timber staircase with polished chrome effect spindles leading to an informal reading room with exposed ceiling beams and wood effect flooring. A second varnished timber staircase provides access to the second slightly larger mezzanine room overlooking the living space, arranged by the owner as an informal sitting area with wood effect flooring and contemporary banister with glass detailing.

Informal Lounge 13’5” x 13’5” (4.1m x 4.1m) With access from the central hallway the informal lounge is placed to the side aspect of the property, presented by the owner as an informal television lounge, however purchasers may choose to create a formal dining room, children’s playroom or guest bedroom. Features include a glazed panel style door, two arched windows, central heating radiator, wood effect flooring, recessed alcove with fitted shelving and a built in storage cupboard.

Master Bedroom 11’6” x 11’2” (3.5m x 3.4m) 4

The master bedroom occupies a position to the side elevation of the ground floor with access from the central hallway, shown to accommodate a king size bed plus a range of fitted wardrobes with storage and hanging space. Further to which the master bedroom benefits from a glazed panel style door, central heating radiator, soft neutral toned decoration and two arched windows, plus an internal door to the adjacent family bathroom.

Family Bathroom 11’6” x 7’10” (3.5m x 2.4m) The family bathroom is located to the ground floor of the home, presented with an attractive white four piece suite comprising of centre piece twin end roll top bath with ball and claw feet and shower attachment, ceramic pedestal wash hand basin, double glass door shower enclosure with mains powered shower and a low level wc. In addition to which the bathroom offers ceramic tiled splash backs with border detailing, glazed panel door, tiled flooring, arched window, traditional style central heating radiator with attached towel rail, extractor fan and a further central heating radiator.

Guest Cloakroom/wc 7’3” x 5’11” (2.2m x 1.8m) Situated to the ground floor, the guest cloakroom offers access from the central hallway, presented with a ceramic wash hand basin and low level wc. In addition the cloakroom benefits from ceramic tiled splash backs, spotlighting, fitted storage cabinets with counter top, central heating radiator, tiled flooring and an extractor fan.

Dining Kitchen 21’11” x 20’4” (6.7m x 6.2m) Originally the Chancel of the building this exceptional room has been carefully converted to create a striking dining kitchen, framed by an impressive vaulted ceiling with exposed timber ceiling beams, three tall arched windows and a velux style roof window. The kitchen is presented with a selection of bespoke storage cabinets finished with polished granite counters and ceramic mosaic splash backs. In addition to which the kitchen

offers low voltage recessed halogen spotlighting, fitted storage drawers, attractive slate tiled flooring, wine rack, Belfast sink with mixer tap, ceiling coving, integrated dishwasher and freezer, waste disposal system to the double sink, television point and a centre piece exposed brick chimney breast housing the black enamel finish four oven gas fired Aga stove with twin hotplates and electric hob, plus hot water provision. The room is shown to provide ample accommodation for a dining table plus eight chairs, whilst providing access to the tower rooms, hallway, utility room/lobby and study/home office.

Utility Room 7’10” x 4’11” (2.4m x 1.5m) A small lobby leads from the dining kitchen with through access to the garage, sun room and utility room. The utility room benefits from fitted counters, plumbing for an automatic washing machine, central heating radiator and a built in storage cupboard.

Sun Room 20’8” x 6’11” (6.3m x 2.1m) Resting to the side aspect of the property with wall lighting, twin upvc double glazed external doors, paved flooring and skylight ceiling.

Study/Home Office 10’10” x 6’3” (3.3m x 1.9m) With access from the dining kitchen, the study is presented with a fitted desk and a range of storage cabinets, shelving and drawers, with wood effect flooring, side aspect windows, telephone point and a central heating radiator.

Belfry Tower Twin glazed doors open from the dining kitchen to the ground floor of the belfry tower which provides an external door to the private enclosed patio sun terrace and a stylish spiral staircase to the upper levels of the tower.

The present owners have created an attractive space, utilising the room as an informal sitting area with a central heating radiator and a continuation of the slate tiled flooring from the kitchen.

Tower First Floor The spiral staircase leads to the first floor of the tower within which the present owners have created a quiet space ideal as a library, with exposed wood flooring, internal windows overlooking the kitchen and a continuation of the staircase to the second floor level.

Tower Second Floor Within the second floor of the tower is an informal study, enjoying impressive views from arched upvc double glazed windows, exposed wood flooring and a further varnished timber staircase to the third floor observatory.

Tower Third Floor The third floor of the tower takes in outstanding panoramic views over the rooftops reaching towards the Roker coastline and North Sea, whilst also stretching to Sunderland City centre. It is extremely rare to own a home with an observatory and one with such a constantly changing landscape to consume must be said to be truly unique.

First Floor Landing The attractive turned staircase from the reception hallway leads to the first floor landing which provides access to four bedrooms and the guest shower room with ceiling mounted loft hatch complete with ladder opening to a generous loft storage space with power, storage space and work bench.

Bedroom Two 12’6” x 11’6” (3.8m x 3.5m) The second bedroom is placed to the side aspect of the home, shown to accommodate a double size bed plus ample space to accommodate a selection of bedroom furniture, with a velux style roof window, central heating radiator, exposed timber beams and a vaulted ceiling.

Bedroom Three 11’6” x 11’6” (3.5m x 3.5m) 5

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CUPBOARD

MEZZANINE LEVEL 14'1 x 8'2 4.3m x 2.5m

SITTING ROOM 22'8 x 20'8 6.9m x 6.3m

RECEPTION HALL 27'11 x 20' 8.5m x 6.1m

WARDROBE BEDROOM THREE 11'6 x 11'6 3.5m x 3.5m

CUPBOARD

SUN ROOM 20'8 x 6'11 6.3m x 2.1m

LANDING

MASTER BEDROOM 11'6 x 11'2 3.5m x 3.4m

BEDROOM FIVE 10'2 x 8'6 3.1m x 2.6m INFORMAL LOUNGE 13'5 x 13'5 4.1m x 4.1m

FAMILY BATHROOM 11'6 x 7'10 3.5m x 2.4m

GUEST CLOAKROOM 7'3 x 5'11 2.2m x 1.8m

BEDROOM TWO 12'6 x 11'6 3.8m x 3.5m

GUEST SHOWER ROOM 7'7 x 3'11 2.3mx 1.2m

BEDROOM FOUR 11'6 x 10'2 3.5m x 3.1m

STUDY 10'10 x 6'3 3.3m x 1.9m

LOBBY

UTILITY ROOM 7'10 x 4'11 2.4m x 1.5m

TOWER FIRST FLOOR

DINING KITCHEN 21'11 x 20'4 6.7m x 6.2m

BELFRY TOWER

1ST FLOOR APPROX. FLOOR AREA 862 SQ.FT. (80.1 SQ.M.)

INTEGRAL GARAGE 19'8 x 11'10 6.0m x 3.6m

TOWER SECOND FLOOR

TOWER THIRD FLOOR

GROUND FLOOR APPROX. FLOOR AREA 2305 SQ.FT. (214.1 SQ.M.) 2ND FLOOR APPROX. FLOOR AREA 59 SQ.FT. (5.5 SQ.M.)

3RD FLOOR APPROX. FLOOR AREA 59 SQ.FT. (5.5 SQ.M.)

TOTAL APPROX. FLOOR AREA 3285 SQ.FT. (305.2 SQ.M.) Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the floor plan contained here, measurements of doors, windows, rooms and any other items are approximate and no responsibility is taken for any error, omission, or mis-statement. This plan is for illustrative purposes only and should be used as such by any prospective purchaser. The services, systems and appliances shown have not been tested and no guarantee as to their operability or efficiency can be given Made with Metropix ©2012

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With access from the first floor landing the third bedroom is also shown to accommodate a double size bed. Features of the room to note include the attractive signature wallpaper, exposed timber ceiling beam with vaulted ceiling, central heating radiator and velux style roof window.

Bedroom Four 11’6” x 10’2” (3.5m x 3.1m) Bedroom four is situated to the side view of the property with exposed timber beams, velux style roof window, panel style door and a central heating radiator.

Bedroom Five 10’2” x 8’6” (3.1m x 2.6m) The final bedroom is located to the side view of the property with exposed timber beams, velux style roof window, panel style door and a central heating radiator. An ideal dressing room or nursery.

Guest Shower Room 7’7” x 3’11” (2.3m x 1.2m)

The guest shower room is presented with a contemporary three piece suite comprising of walk-in wet room style shower enclosure with mains powered shower, low level button flush wc and wall mounted glass bowl wash hand basin. In addition the shower room offers ceramic tiled splash backs with tiled flooring, polished chrome effect heated towel rail, low voltage ceiling recessed halogen spotlighting and an extractor fan.

External Aidan House benefits from walled gardens to the front and sides, whilst to the rear is a private enclosed patio sun terrace. Twin wrought iron gates open to a double length driveway, whilst to the rear there is a slim garage suitable for a small car and with boarded loft space, ideal for storage.

Additional Information Local Authority Sunderland Council Council Tax Band Currently Band E Agent’s Note As agents for the property we would like to point out that we have not tested any of the appliances and purchasers should make their own enquiries to the relevant authorities regarding the connection of any services.

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