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Clara Vale came into existence as a purpose built colliery community in the late C19th. Built by the Stella Coal Company, it thrived next to the nearby pit of Claravale. However, by the 1960s, the mine closed down. So too had many other nearby pits such as Emma, Greenside and Stargate.
The village was one of those listed as Category D (no development, property to be acquired and demolished and the population relocated to new housing) by Durham Council in the 1960s but the community remained and have retained a vibrant and active spirit although with employment elsewhere. Clara Vale became incorporated into the new metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear in 1974 and later became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Gateshead.
The village is now one of 22 Conservation Areas ("areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance") designated by Gateshead Borough Council.
The essence of the model colliery village has been retained from the lack of new development in the immediate area, unlike neighbouring Ryton and Crawcrook, and from the few remaining colliery and community buildings.
There are few local amenities in the village, no shop or pub, but there are three golf courses nearby, and a wide range of community-led social events and clubs.

Clara Vale in Wikipedia: Link
The 'model' colliery village of Clara Vale is described here Tyne and Wear HER(5156): Clara Vale, Colliery Village Link
Clara Vale Colliery on Durham Mining Museum's site Link
Category D villages in County Durham Link
Ryton & District Local History Society: Archive Link
Old photos on Gateshead Local Studies: Link