Watling seeks buyer for Howlish Hall

LPA receivers have instructed the agent to find a taker for the 19,000 sq ft former care home in the County Durham countryside.

Howlish Hall on Howlish Lane, Bishop Auckland, is a two-storey building extending to 18,987 sq ft which has its origins back in the early 1700s.

The freehold property is being sold by sole agent Watling Real Estate on the instructions of joint Law of Property Act receivers Andrew Foster and Chris Walker.

The property was owned by Williams & Spenceley, which was wound up in April. The care home shut down in August last year.

Max Foster, a surveyor in Watling’s Leeds office, said: “The property offers a unique blend of historic character and modern accommodation, comprising two distinct elements.

“The original grade two-listed hall dates back to approximately 1700, with extensive additions made during the late 18th century. Complementing the historic accommodation is a substantial modern extension, completed in 2004 and opened in 2005.”

The building sits within a 2.37-acre site with woodland surroundings, and has 25 car parking spaces.

Foster said that along with care, other potential uses are on the table: “In addition to the property’s setting, Howlish Hall enjoys exceptional panoramic views across the surrounding countryside.

“Having most recently operated as a care home, the property offers a flexible configuration that could support a variety of future uses.

“This includes residential, care and specialist accommodation along with the potential to meet other occupier requirements. There is significant scope for redevelopment or variation of the existing building subject to planning and listed building considerations.”

The property as it stands provides 38 bedrooms, including 25 en-suite rooms, alongside a range of communal facilities, currently comprising two resident lounges, a dining room, commercial kitchen, communal bathroom and WC facilities, together with office accommodation and attic storage space. The property features two passenger lifts.

No guide price is advertised.