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TO LIVE AND TO WORKIt's own working life began in 1804. By the 1970's it was redundant. By 1981 it was boarded up. Two years later it went from forgotten pile to a remarkable rebirth. Today, it is a profitable business and home, looking for a new owner.
Gossipgate Gallery sits in the heart of Alston in the North Pennines, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a handsome former Congregational Church. Its conversion has been inspired; not surprising if you consider its the man responsible for the project is the present owner and a successful architect in his own right.
Peter and Sonia Kempsey bought Gossipgate in 1981 and in two years transformed it into a ground-breaking arts centre and their own home.
Peter describes how they went from living in the area and working further afield, to combining life and work in the same space.
"It started through architecture. I found it such a pleasure working on existing buildings, and this combined with an idea of bringing professional skills to a rural population so people wouldn't have to travel to places like the Quayside in Newcastle.
"We wondered for a while how possible it would be to do such a thing in a small town, but it wasn't long before we realised that Alston is not really a town at all; it's a widespread community of more than 2,000 people."
They bought the building, and whilst Peter's architectural agency was growing strong, he also found he was being asked to design workshops and studios for artists and craftspeople who had few outlets in which to exhibit and sell their work.
Thus the idea for the gallery was conceived and Gossipgate would become the only Regional Gallery for the area at that time, culminating today in about 20,000 visitors a year and a turnover of £45,000 - £50,000, as well as having a stellar reputation for quality.
But before it could thrive, a reawakening had to transpire. At least Sonia and Peter had the right skills.
"It actually wasn't a bad building to take on and convert", Peter explains. "Gossipgate didn't have the usual problems associated with church conversions, like full length stained glass windows making it awkward to split the building into floors. Rather there are smaller stained glass windows on different levels."
The shell of the building was perfectly in tact, but the couple found there was a lot of work to do inside, including replacing existing floors with steel framed versions, adding to the existing windows, and eventually having to re-roof.
From this structure, Sonia and Peter were able to develop an ethos to make quality artwork accessible to all. Work then and now is displayed from artists throughout the region and the surrounding counties, and each year sees a programme of changing exhibitions from both well-established artists and aspiring young creators.
The gallery also permanently houses a wide range of paintings and prints, eye catching sculpture, both functional and decorative ceramics, exquisite studio glass, handcrafted jewellery and locally made textiles, as well as selling cards, books of local interest, delicious local mustard, honey and preserves, and even CDs of traditional Northumbrian pipe music. Something for everyone indeed.
Visitors who come from all over the world to see both the gallery and the historic market town of Alston, are quick to comment on the relaxed atmosphere created by Sonia and Peter, as they take advantage of the small coffee-shop and unwind in the attractive gardens.
The town itself revels in its own history. A conservation area, Alston's famous features are its cobbled streets, interesting back-lanes, old market cross, exquisite church, and honey-coloured historic houses.
At first it may seem remote, yet this is a thriving community which caters for modern needs in a rural environment. A primary and secondary school with small-class sizes are so sought after these days and are both located in the town. There are two banks, a library and post office for everyday needs, whilst a small supermarket, traditional chemists, butchers and greengrocers make a welcome change from sprawling hypermarkets.
All this is surrounded by mile upon mile of rolling fell-land on the cusp of the Lake District, yet with all the road connections you could need. The towns of Hexham and Penrith are about half an hour away by car, whilst the cities of Newcastle and Carlisle are around one hour distant.
Gossipgate appreciates views you could never tire of, over both the Pennine's and the South Tyne Valley, from an unrivalled position, close to the centre of town yet in a quiet backlane close to the river and the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
The accommodation is arranged over two main floors plus a converted attic, all accessed by an open staircase. The entrance at the front of the imposing building leads directly into the 20'8" by 39'10" gallery area, with wooden flooring, windows on three sides, a service counter with small kitchenette and cloakroom. An office is located just off the gallery and this in turn leads to an extensive ground floor hall, lit by two large stained glass windows.
A private entrance to the building is found to the side and this leads into the ground floor. An open staircase leads to an interesting landing in the form of a bridge over the hall below, then to an open plan living and dining room with multi fuel stove and large circular window framing some stunning views.
On this first floor is a well-fitted galley kitchen, a double bedroom with stained glass window and a further window facing south-west towards the Parish Church; a dressing room, and a bathroom. These three rooms are interconnected and can be enjoyed as an owner's suite.
Furthermore, there is a second double bedroom, single bedroom with galleried bed, and utility room on this level, before the staircase continues to the second floor.
Here you will find a fourth large bedroom with exposed beams and trusses, lit by Velux rooflights allowing extensive views over the valley; a further bathroom and a store room.
The gardens are a very appealing feature of Gossip-gate. To the southwest is an paved terrace with pergola, small pond and unique water sculpture, all among a permanent collection of native wild flowers. Lawns lie to both the front and rear, with gravelled access and carport parking next to the owners entrance, and a private area of garden sits at the rear.
Peter and Sonia have done a commendable job of combining home life with a thriving business, creating a place you really want to visit, yet with the space and privacy all self-employed professionals need.
"Although we may earn less here then my city counterparts, we have such a high quality of life, and we are able to appreciate a very high calibre of client. It's a lifestyle many people are envious of."
And after 21 years of running the Gallery, it's time for a change.
"This has been a pleasure and a privilege, but you have to move on" says Peter. "We brought up our children here and we've been very fortunate, but you can't allow yourself to get too sentimental".
The Kempsey's will now concentrate on creating residential studios for artists in Alston, something that would tie in perfectly with the successful gallery.
Of course, there is no stipulation to say that the business aspect of this property has to be exploited by the next owners, indeed, the ground floor gallery could provide a most spectacular private ground floor living area; but the ideals of countryside live/work are non more obtainable than through Gossipgate Gallery.
Gossipgate Gallery, Alston, Cumbria is for sale at £325,000. Contact joint agents: Pennine Ways on 01434 381808, and Cluttons on 01228 674792 for more information.