Fantasy Homes By The Sea 2
Buying in Northumberland
Northumberland's 100-mile stretch of rugged coastline has been designated an Area of Outstanding National Beauty, with more castles here than in any other county in the UK, as well as some of the country's best beaches and countryside.
In the last six years house prices in the North East have shot up by a healthy 145% - but bargains are still there to be had.
The buyer
Mick Jones made the big move up North from Basingstoke last year, and has come to love Northumberland for its countryside and more relaxed way of living. He lives in Gateshead, but is hoping to find somewhere more rural and near the coast, where he can settle down.
Because of his busy work schedule, working as an electronics engineer, he hasn't had the chance to look around for the ideal property. His budget is £250K and he is looking for a two to three bedroom property by the coast.
His mate Steve is coming along to give him some expert advice, and help him find his fantasy home.
Why Northumberland?
Northumberland is one of Europe's most popular cycling destinations, and the "Coast & Castles Cycle Route", running from Newcastle to Edinburgh, provides some spectacular scenery along the way. The route covers 200 miles, 39 miles of which are completely traffic-free, and goes past several historic sites. For more information on the best routes, there are maps in all the local tourist offices.
If you are looking for a more relaxed way to pass your time, you could do a lot worse than spend your day at some of the UK's best beaches. The five mile long stretch of sweeping sands called Druridge Bay has been a popular holiday destination for years - or you could try out the award-winning Bamburgh Beach, with views out to Bamburgh Castle, thought to be the most likely site of Lancelot's castle.
After all that fresh air and golden sand, you could stop for a bite to eat in the small fishing village of Craster - renowned for its smoked kippers. The Robson Family have been producing kippers here since 1856, and are using their old methods to this day.
Read on for Catherine's tips on buying in Northumberland and our essential contact list...
Mick Jones made the big move up North from Basingstoke last year, and has come to love Northumberland for its countryside and more relaxed way of living. He lives in Gateshead, but is hoping to find somewhere more rural and near the coast, where he can settle down.
Because of his busy work schedule, working as an electronics engineer, he hasn't had the chance to look around for the ideal property. His budget is £250K and he is looking for a two to three bedroom property by the coast.
His mate Steve is coming along to give him some expert advice, and help him find his fantasy home.
Why Northumberland?
Northumberland is one of Europe's most popular cycling destinations, and the "Coast & Castles Cycle Route", running from Newcastle to Edinburgh, provides some spectacular scenery along the way. The route covers 200 miles, 39 miles of which are completely traffic-free, and goes past several historic sites. For more information on the best routes, there are maps in all the local tourist offices.
If you are looking for a more relaxed way to pass your time, you could do a lot worse than spend your day at some of the UK's best beaches. The five mile long stretch of sweeping sands called Druridge Bay has been a popular holiday destination for years - or you could try out the award-winning Bamburgh Beach, with views out to Bamburgh Castle, thought to be the most likely site of Lancelot's castle.
After all that fresh air and golden sand, you could stop for a bite to eat in the small fishing village of Craster - renowned for its smoked kippers. The Robson Family have been producing kippers here since 1856, and are using their old methods to this day.
Read on for Catherine's tips on buying in Northumberland and our essential contact list...
