When it comes to buying a house, discovering the unexpected can be refreshing – particularly when you’ve tirelessly scoured the market for your dream home.
Well, a surprise could certainly be in store for anyone who takes a look at Mortham Tower, which is close to the town of Barnard Castle, County Durham.
This impressive property is a Grade I listed fortified manor house, situated in the rural countryside.
Amongst its array of rooms, the main house boasts a Great Hall, a wine cellar, and six bedrooms – including a master bedroom suite and a guest bedroom suite.
In the east wing annexe of the manor, there are a further three bedrooms.
There are also two kitchens and a number of bathrooms – as well as reception rooms, a dining room and a drawing room across the accommodation buildings.
If that’s not impressive enough, there’s also a library – named the Great Chamber – in the main section of the house.
However, this picturesque medieval fortified property won’t come cheap – as it’s currently got a guide price of £3,200,000.
So, what is the secret that prospective buyers may be yet to discover?
In the grounds of the manor, there’s a Grade II listed farmyard and stables, which are attributed to the late politician, architect and collector, Sir Thomas Robinson.
The house has been listed on Rightmove, which provides more information on the interesting feature.
Part of the description details the “beautiful range of ‘model farm’ buildings” – as well as several ponds.
The property, which is on the market with estate agents GSC Grays, is located in the rural countryside, but is still just 11 miles from Scotch Corner and the A1.
For those looking for a regular train service to London, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the town of Darlington too – which is approximately 18 miles away.
Outdoors, as well as the farm, the property has no shortage of things to offer – including a courtyard garden and a tennis court.
What’s more, the property’s extensive gardens, woodland and 70 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Tees, bring the total of land to around 80 acres.
All of these aspects are certainly strong selling points – meaning it’s no surprise that the owners are hoping for offers in the millions.
However, there’s another part of this property which makes it even more impressive.
Another property which has an interesting feature inside was spotted on Twitter recently.
In the snaps, a kitchen dining room can be seen – with a large table occupying much of the space.
However, in a second photo, a secret has been unveiled – as the table top has been flipped over in order to become a billiards table.