The founder and managing director of CSD Sealing Systems, which supplies seals to both naval, oil and gas industries has recently formed a new bond. Dave Ripley, 31, had tired of living by the Quayside in Newcastle and wanted to stretch his legs and lungs in the fresh air of Northumberland, so that he could enjoy his active lifestyle to the full.

He has purchased the Victorian Gate Lodge at Hartford Hall, near Morpeth and already has plans to cycle five miles to work each day when the weather improves. With his nautical connections, it is unsurprising that Dave also has a sports cruiser moored at Royal Quays Marina in North Shields and his plans for 2004 also include learning to fly.

Dave had seen the project progressing at Hartford Hall and was impressed by the concept and scale of the enterprise as well as the quality of the overall design. He explained: "The Lodge is wonderful with lots of space internally, but I confess I will have to hone my gardening skills externally. It will be a bit of a juggling act in the Spring as I also want to rejoin the local golf course where my membership has lapsed."

For the owners of Hartford Hall, Ho Sanderson and Edward Aitchison, the restoration of the Gate Lodge was an ambitious plan, but the location of the building itself was very much enhanced by its proximity to the original, impressive, wrought-iron entrance gates to the Hall. While this spectacular feature will be restored, the gates will not provide the main access to Hartford Hall. They will be a strong visual statement, demonstrating the boldness of the work going on behind. A double fronted property, the original Lodge had a number of stone outbuildings, which have been incorporated into its recent re-development. The garden room, dining room and new kitchen have been added to this listed building, linked to the existing building by a hallway, which incorporates a glass roof. The bedrooms and lounge have been re-arranged within the original building, making use of the privacy afforded by the mature woodland on the West side.

A seasoned traveller for both work and pleasure, Dave has spent the last six years living by the Quayside in Newcastle, and was actively looking for a property with plenty of character, which lent itself to his particularly full lifestyle. He said: "When I first started my business eleven years ago, there was little time for leisure pursuits, but now, with more staff employed, I try to combine my business trips with opportunities to visit new places. Europe has been an important destination, but I have been to Asia, North America and Canada. I now try to keep a sensible balance between work and recreation." Dave Ripley is full of praise for the work being undertaken at Hartford. "The conservation and restoration of Hartford is a hugely ambitious project, but the enthusiasm with which it is being undertaken plus the care and thoughtful way in which it is implemented is admirable. It's a pleasure to be living here."

"What I like best about working at Hartford Hall," said David Stoker, "is the way I can make a difference. I love looking at old stone and thinking about how I can make it look wonderful again, and with an estate overflowing with original stone full of colour, grain and character, the opportunities are infinite."

The 'place' in question is Hartford Hall, the imposing Victorian mansion overlooking the River Blyth valley near Morpeth, which is being lovingly restored to its former glory, providing bespoke family homes in a private country estate.

Eshott Homes, the award-winning creators of Eshott Village, also near Morpeth has retained David to search out old stone at Hartford for re-dressing. His long career working in this exacting material has given him an eye for creating a perfect match between old and new.

He has already contributed to the recreation of both Dairy Cottage and the Stable Block, where seven apartments- all sold - surround its galleried winter garden. Most significant is his work on the Grade II* listed Hall itself, being rescued from its recent 'at risk' status. He is currently working on the Hall's extensive vaulted basements.

David, 74, from Ouston, in Northumberland, earned the princely sum of 7/6d per week (37.5p), when he started work at 14, working for monumental masons Norman Alexander, at Heworth. Returning to his native North East, posts as quarry manager at Springwell, near Gateshead, and St Bees in Cumbria kept David employed for almost 20 years.

A mix of career followed, which included working for himself on stone commissions at Dunhouse Quarry at Barnard Castle, Durham School and Classic Masonry at North Shields.

Some of his fondest memories are working on the Roman Fort at Shields, Lloyds Bank in Grey Street and the restoration of Lord Grey's hands on Grey's Monument. He believes that Grey Street in Newcastle, with its impressive architectural stonework, is one of the most magnificent street vistas in the world.

The preparation of correct templates for stonework is critical to this craftsman's success and is the foundation of the demand for his services. He said: "I can spend more than an hour getting the details for a commissioned piece correct - and like any job, the preparation is everything. With beautiful stone, there is no second chance to correct a mistake."

Ho Sanderson, director of Hartford Hall Estate, said: "David was a real find and as an exceptionally gifted stonemason, he is incredibly knowledgeable about his craft. He has made, and continues to make, a huge contribution to the fine reconstruction work at Hartford Hall, where stone is the major material."

Properties at Hartford Hall reflect the individual character of their owners. Each one is unique and those who buy at Hartford will enjoy the special quality of life offered on the Estate. There are few projects of this calibre in the UK, privately developed by people whose aim it is to protect the environment yet marry it with luxury living, and similarly marry the latest high tech home technology with the peace and romance of a Victorian estate.

Please click on the following link to read a feature published in the Telegraph.
The launch of Ha'penny fields was marked by a new composition by renowned Northumbrian piper, Kathryn Tickell as noted in the Newcastle Journal.
In 2002 Ho Sanderson gave a presentation to the Gardens Trust annual conference describing his experiences developing both the Hartford and Eshott projects.
21st Century Living Awards - Eshott Homes was outright winner for the Best Luxury Apartment and runner up for the Best Renovation - both projects within the Hartford Hall development