The man was alone in his house in Beamish when three men carrying a variety of weapons, including a baseball bat, burst through the door.
A brief struggle ensued before he was bound, threatened and asked where any money was located. The men escaped with more than £2,000.
The victim managed to struggle out of his bonds and raise the alarm. He suffered minor injuries.
The raiders, who all wore balaclavas and dark clothing, spoke with local accents.
Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Beamish area on Tuesday evening and saw anything suspicious to get in touch.
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