Hexham well-placed to weather financial storm

Out of the respondents 17% said that proximity to work was the most important, 15% said that proximity to transport links mattered the most and 13% chose proximity to shops restaurants and coffee bars.

Proximity to a good school came in fifth, with 9%.

Timothy Hawe, valuation surveyor at property agents Strutt and Parker, which specialise in country homes, said: "It's that old cliche - location, location, location. It is the absolute key.

"I find people are still very much after attractive surroundings, great views and proximity to good schools. And if you have got all that in the countryside as well as being close to work, then that's the dream. And they will pay to achieve it. Properties that tick all of the boxes are undoubtedly worth a premium."

Mr Hawe said the Tyne Valley can offer many home buyers everything they look for in a property.

He said: "The Tyne Valley in many people's eyes - rightly or wrongly - is often seen as bulletproof in terms of the current property crisis.

"Hexham, for example, is set in the glorious Northumberland countryside, has good schools and good commuter links as well as being close to the Newcastle International Airport.

"A little further up is Alnwick, which has good rail and road links to the rest of the region, ideal for commuters and is set in wonderful countryside and close to the heritage coast, providing spectacular views."

Andrew Young, associate partner at George F White, said: "I think that is always the case that, like most things, alternative and unusual properties always attract a premium and interest.

"Certainly properties benefit from spectacular countryside views and are very desirable, even in the current economic climate."