Our Story
Established in 1999, we are an award-winning developer who has built super-prime properties for some of the most discerning purchasers from around the world.
With our head office in Northumberland, Countylife specialises in individual developments at high quality locations throughout the north east of England.
Our sites are carefully chosen for their desirable locations within easy access of areas of outstanding beauty, but close to the centres and amenities of village, town and country.
We specialise in small developments, often within conservation areas, and pride ourselves in being sensitive to local surroundings.
Great care is taken to ensure that the building materials we use reflect the heritage of local townscapes, with our architect designed properties carefully planned to blend with the character of the immediate area.
In consultation with planning authorities, local councils and residents, we have transformed derelict brownfield sites into exciting, meticulously detailed, award-winning new homes.
Our Awards
We hold some prestigious awards for our beautiful developments.
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The Wyndings, Beadnell
AONB Highly Commended
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Town Square, Rothbury
RIBA Award
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Christchurch, Newcastle upon Tyne
21 st Living Awards, Best Apartment
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Hotspur, Alnwick
The Landmark Trust Awards, Shortlisted
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Castle Garth, Bamburgh
Premier Guarantee, Regional Conversion Project of the Year
RICS NE Renaissance Awards. Residential Development
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Orchard Court, Corbridge
Premier Guarantee, Medium Development of the Year. Highly Commended
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Seafield, Seahouses
Premier Guarantee, Small Development of the Year. Highly Commended
Meet the team
Get to know a bit more about the faces behind the scenes.
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John Swanson
Director
John’s background is in building design. He has managed homebuilding and development companies throughout the UK, USA, France and Spain with Barratt Developments plc where he became Chairman and CEO.
In 1999 he formed Countylife Homes to develop small, high-quality developments in Northumberland and Durham.
John is a great supporter of local enterprise and charities. He was formerly chairman of Prince Bishops Homes a director of Karbon Homes, a district and parish councillor, a former Chairman and trustee of HospiceCare and is currently a trustee of local charities.
John enjoys architecture, old buildings, gardens and the countryside.
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Mike Pattison
Managing Director
Mike is a Chartered Surveyor and worked for a number of companies in the North East. Prior to joining Countylife in 2001, Mike was managing director of Keepmoat Homes.
He brings a wealth of commercial experience and expertise to the business and has served on the Development Committee of Karbon Homes.
Mike is a keen tennis player and car ‘nut’.
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Will Foot
Senior Site Manager
Will worked for a main contractor on a number of Countylife developments before joining the company in 2009.
He has vast experience in the building industry both at home and abroad and has a passion for ensuring that CountylIfe Homes are built to the highest standards.
Will is a keen sportsman and enjoys playing football, squash and tennis as well as being a regular visitor to the gym.
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Jamie Maughan
Site Manager
Jamie, a time served and skilled joiner, joined Countylife as a trainee site manager in 2013. Through study and application, he has progressed to now manage individual developments for the company.
He is responsible for all aspects of construction co-ordination, programming and supervision to ensure that Countylife’s aspiration to build to the highest standards is met.
Jamie is a keen supporter of Newcastle United and regularly fund raises for charity by competing in the Great North Run.
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Phil Martin
Site Technician
Phil has long experience in the building industry and worked for a number of contractors before joining Countylife in 2009.
He is responsible for assisting the construction manager in all aspects to ensure the smooth running of the company’s projects.
Phil is skilled in martial arts and is a keen VW camper.
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Linda Lazenby
Office Manager
Linda has been with the company since its formation.
Her accounting administrative skills (not to mention her enforcement of internal reporting procedures) ensure the smooth running of the company’s day-to-day business.
Linda takes a keen interest in her local community and enjoys spending time with her family.
