More than 1000 years ago, when Vikings raided our shores and warring kingdoms battled for control of the English throne, a group of monks left the holy island of Lindisfarne, carrying the body of St Cuthbert.
For nine years they travelled through the North East in search of a place of sanctuary for the saint’s remains – and eventually they found it and called it Durham.
And no sooner had William I conquered England in 1066, finally bringing the country under one rule, than he too fell under Durham’s spell, and work began on the Cathedral which towers over the city to this day.
Fast forward, in fact, to this day and Durham – on the banks of the meandering Wear and steeped in history, while also firmly fixed in the 21st century – still casts a spell.
Its superb road and rail links, its excellent leisure and social facilities and its status as UNESCO World Heritage site make it one of the most desirable places in the North East for home buyers.
And while homes close to the city are sought after, those with views of the Cathedral are rarer than gold.
But, now, leading house builder Miller Homes North East has begun work at its new Bishops Walk development at Bent House Lane on the edge of Durham.
Not only will the project create 235 homes ranging from bungalows to five bed properties, but the site is just a short walk from the historic city – and it overlooks the Cathedral.
Designed to provide a mix of homes, the Bishops Walk scheme will comprise homes ranging from single to two and half storey.
Properties will also offer two to five bedrooms with bungalows and multi-generational homes creating a vibrant community and 59 of the properties will be a combination of affordable rent and discounted market sale.
Landscaping has also been integral to the design process with plenty of natural planting and the use of a mix of materials, including render and stone, to reflect the surrounding area.
It is expected the first buyers will be able to move onto the site in spring 2024 and Patrick Arkle, managing director at Miller Homes North East, said the development “offers an unrivalled opportunity” in terms of location.
“It’s a fantastic site which will appeal to so many people on so many levels,” he said.
“Whether you are moving to Bishops Walk to bring up your family, for work reasons, to retire, or simply because you love Durham, you could not choose a better spot.
“Not only is the city – with its fascinating buildings, superb shops, theatres, cinema and restaurants – on your doorstep, but if you jump on a train you could be in London in just over two hours or Edinburgh in about 90 minutes.”
The development will also create new investment in the area and increased activity resulting in tangible economic benefits and Patrick said: “As a company we are fully aware of Durham’s appeal and its potential which is why we are so committed to investing in the county.
“It has been at the heart of the North East for more than a millennium and really is the jewel in its crown.”
www.millerhomes.co.uk
