From dales solitude to celebrity restaurant

Apr 12 2008 by Hannah Davies, The Journal

JOHN BLACKETT-ORD, 54, read English literature at Oxford University before going into publishing. He edited and then ran a small publishing company in London, creating books about countries and cultures, specialising in the Middle East.

In 1989, he moved back to the North East to run the family estate at Whitfield, near Hexham in Northumberland.

John’s wife is Sarah, 51, and they have children Rose, 19, Flora, 18, and Harry, 14.

Where do you live?

At Whitfield in the West Allen Valley.

How long have you lived there?

My family have been here for 250 years but my parents only moved here after my grandfather died when I was a teenager.

What’s your dream home?

The house I live in, but with more heating. The setting is magical in all seasons and all weathers and I never tire of looking at it. The house is big and draughty, though, and I’m notoriously mean about the central heating.

How do you get around (walk, car, public transport, private jet)?

Living in the depths of the country, a car is the only option. I drive a very elderly Golf estate because I am notoriously mean about cars too.

What is your favourite part of the North East?

The West Allen Valley. The road through it was chosen by the AA magazine as one of the 10 most scenic drives in Europe a few years ago, and you can see why. It is a wonderful combination of wild moorland country, Pennine dales and magnificent trees.

What is your favourite building in the region?

This sounds a bit eccentric, but there is an old shepherd’s shelter on the very top of the fell on the estate. The views from it are spectacular and the peace and solitude are wonderful.

What is the best holiday you’ve had?

Probably the next – I love travelling. Looking back, perhaps a safari we did in Botswana with our children a few years ago. Hearing hippos and hyenas inside the camp at night was not to be forgotten.

What’s the favourite thing in your home?

My bath. I love reading in it. And it’s warm …

If you could have one luxury, what would it be?

More free time. Everyone imagines that landowners do nothing, but nowadays that is far from the case and weekends are rarely free either.

What are you working on at the moment?

We are opening a new lodge park, Parmontley Hall Country Lodges, here on the estate.

Who or what is the love of your life?

My family, of course. And then my garden.

Where is your favourite place in the North East?

The estate here for all the reasons I have already given and especially the riverside.

What is your favourite shop?

I very rarely get to them, but it would have to be a bookshop. I love Cogito Books in Hexham.

What is your favourite restaurant?

Again, I very rarely get to them, but currently the Wolseley on Piccadilly in London gets my vote. It is always packed and very buzzy, usually with a celebrity or two, and that’s an ideal antidote to the peaceful country life we usually enjoy.

Favourite pub?

The Elk’s Head in Whitfield. Our next project, it’s going to have a lovely riverside beer garden and more accommodation.

Favourite meal?

I like food too much to have one favourite, but cold roast grouse is high on the list.

Are you any good at cooking and do you spend much time in your kitchen?

If I say I’m good at cooking, my family will send in letters of protest. I am good at spending time in the kitchen.

What’s the last play or film you saw?

The last play (if musicals count) was Spamalot, which I saw with my son in London. The last film was Sweeney Todd.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I used to just read novels, but as I have got older I have started turning to history as well. The current book I am reading is a social history of London in 1700. Eye opening and not as dry as it sounds.

What are you listening to on your music player at the moment?

Probably The Marriage of Figaro, Flanders and Swann or a Razorlight CD one of my daughters has given me.

What is your favourite TV programme?

David Attenborough – I love animals – or any good comedy watched with my family.

What are you proudest of?

Job-wise I am proudest of keeping the estate here in good shape in the last decade, which has not been easy going for the countryside, without I hope compromising its natural beauty or magical atmosphere. Like every parent, I am incredibly proud of my children.

When and where were you happiest?

It comes and goes, but (touch wood) I am basically happy all the time. I’m always happy in my garden, and in my cellar I’m hardly ever sad.