Previously, when driving through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside on the A697 north of Longframlington, you will have passed an old scar from our industrial past.
Located near Thrunton, Swarland Brickworks, as it was called, was built in the 1930’s. It closed in 2008 and remained derelict and unused following a fire 12 years ago.
The site is now being redeveloped into a new community of rural homes called ‘The Kilns‘ close to Alnwick and Rothbury. The developer behind the project – Countylife Homes – is holding an event on Saturday 25th October to highlight the interesting history of the location and to allow people the chance to see the transformation that is taking place.
“The site has a fascinating history but had obviously seen better days.” says Mike Pattison, Managing Director of Countylife. “Although a great opportunity for regeneration – being a brownfield site surrounded by stunning Northumbrian countryside – it also posed a number of challenges for redevelopment and was what perhaps could have been called a blot on our beautiful landscape. That certainly isn’t the case now, as we move forward with creating these homes and a new future for the site. A nod to the past will remain with the old chimney as a focal point in the centre of the scheme.
“We hope people will join us between 10am – 4pm on Saturday, 25th October, at The Kilns, NE66 4SE, to take a tour of the site, find out a bit more about its rich history, and take a look at how we are changing an industrial throwback into a new, stylish and rural oasis that people can call home.”
In the 1930’s, Commander Clare Vyner RN of Studley Royal, Ripon, purchased land at Swarland for the development of a land settlement for unemployed tradesmen and shipyard workers, along with their families from Tyneside. A total of 77 homes were built, together with shops, sports facilities and a village hall, and work was provided, amongst other locations, in the Swarland Brickworks at Thrunton.
However, his hope to improve the fortunes of North East families by offering employment at a time of limited opportunity following the depression, was impacted by the outbreak of World War II, when many young men of working age joined the fight overseas, reigniting the need for workers on Tyneside. So, in 1942, with the workforce leaving to return to their old homes and jobs, the brickworks were sold to the Blythe family – who were involved in brick manufacture in Birtley and Washington.
Following the war, high quality bricks were manufactured by the company at Thrunton for many years. However, changing trends in production at the turn of the century led the Blythe family to decide to close the brickworks.
The old clay pits were transformed into landscaped fishing lakes and the factory buildings used for storage. Despite the lakes bedding in beautifully and proving popular with local anglers and walkers, the 2013 fire, which due to fears of water contamination were it to be doused meaning it was allowed to burn out over a period of three to five months, left the buildings in disrepair.
When planning was granted for the redevelopment proposal back in 2021, Councilor Steven Bridgett said the derelict brickworks was “an absolute eyesore” but went on to comment: “I don’t often say this, but the scheme is one of the best designed schemes I’ve seen in a very long time… I think they’ve done it very sympathetically; I like the idea of the chimney remaining and the open space within it and I would ask for more applications like this.”
Moving forward to 2025, the site has now been cleared and work on the 14 new homes and three lakeside holiday cottages that Countylife is developing is progressing well.
“Over half have already sold” adds Mike. “The Kilns enjoys a superb rural location but is within easier reach of the shops and services of market town centres than people might think. Alnwick is just a 15-minute drive away and Rothbury slightly closer.
“Buyers have commented on the layout and design of the scheme and how the homes have been designed to fit the natural surroundings. We look forward to welcoming guests to site on the 25th October, to show how we have transformed a derelict eyesore into a wonderful place to live.”
The Kilns can be accessed from the A697 on the road signed for Thrunton and the Long Crag Trout Fishery.
Northumberland based Countylife Homes is a reputable housebuilder known for crafting high quality properties in desirable locations. With over 25 years specialising in creating smaller, distinctive developments that integrate seamlessly into existing communities, its design philosophy blends attractive, traditional architectural styles with contemporary, high specification interiors. With a strong emphasis on attention to detail, premium materials and sustainable practices, Countylife Homes appeal to discerning buyers seeking well designed, energy efficient homes that deliver both timeless character and modern comfort.