CHURCH HOUSE

About this property

This lovingly restored farmhouse is in a quiet part of the Lake District in the less frequented Eskdale Valley on the western fringes of the national park.

Traditional features combine with modern day luxuries to make a home from home family cottage with an additional Bothy to sleep a further 3 people. The farmhouse sits in two acres of gardens with a meadow and stream and is surrounded by stunning scenery, with a wood burning stove and open fire, the cottage is an ideal luxurious retreat at any time of year.

Close to the Cumbrian coastline on the western fringes of the Lake District the Eskdale Valley has stunning scenery in a most peaceful, almost hidden part of the Lakes.

Eskdale was described by Sir Alfred Wainwright as ‘the loveliest of all Lakeland valley’.

The valley offers many attractions for visitors with the sandy beaches to the west and Langdale and Grasmere are easily reached with a trip over Wrynose and Hard Knott Pass to the east.

Taking a journey on the famous Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway is a must, chugging through spectacular vistas where you can stop off at various stations before reaching the sea where the River Esk finishes its journey in the ancient fishing village of Ravenglass.

For those who enjoy a round of golf, Eskdale Golf Course has some of the most challenging holes against a most stunning backdrop.

Muncaster Castle and Gardens with their huge collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, is a pleasurable visit with plenty for all to enjoy at any time of year.

Church House is a beautifully refurbished farmhouse, approached down a single track lane in an area of peace and tranquillity, adjacent to St Catherine’s Church and the River Esk.

The farmhouse is set within its own two acres of walled gardens, which also has a meadow and stream (very shallow), and is encircled by views of the high fells.

Located across a cobbled courtyard is a Bothy.

The owners have used their wealth of experience in interiors and property renovation to painstakingly restore the farmhouse to provide a warm, luxurious retreat while still managing to retain original features giving the property its own character with a ‘boutique hotel’ feel.

The owners have utilised the finest and ‘greenest’ of materials during the three-year renovation programme.

All beams and much original stonework has been left exposed; Cumbrian sheep’s wool insulation and conservation grade double glazing has been used.

18 tonnes of lime was used, both inside and out, for lime mortar and render.

Breathable Earthborn paint and historic colours compliment a very sensitive and tasteful refurbishment.

Accommodation

The farmhouse has beautiful Burlington slate floors over under floor heating generated by a ground source heat pump and radiators to the first floor and comprises:
A period Cumberland slate porch leads through to a large sitting room.
An original oak Westmorland cupboard, dated 1734, takes pride of place.
There is an open fire and a large window with a window seat.
A large flat-screen TV, with a DVD player and an i-Pod station.
There are two La-Z-Boy reclining chairs and a comfortable, vintage, three-seat sofa.
Antiques and fine art adorn.
Off the sitting room is a small study, with OS wall map, plenty of books (fiction and reference), jigsaws and board games line the shelves.
The kitchen has an Esse wood burning ‘Iron Heart’ range, with twin hob and oven, that can be used for cooking – or there is a modern Smeg electric cooker. A huge Rangemaster fridge/freezer even has a filtered water dispenser and ice cube maker.
There is lovely Denby and Le Creuset pottery and crystal glassware. A dining table and seating is arranged in a south facing, triple-glazed sun room.
Sliding doors and large glazing panes provide the perfect area to admire the majestic view or watch the bird life in the mature cherry tree close by in the front garden.
A large utility room adjoins the kitchen with an AEG washing machine, sink and plenty of drying rails.
Also off the kitchen is a cosy snug, with an enormous 7ft sofa and large wall mounted flat-screen TV, ideal for entertaining children!
From here an original oak staircase leads to the first floor:
All bedrooms have exposed original beams, polished wooden floors and hand-made shutters at the windows.
The master double bedroom has a Victorian brass and enamelled king size bed with an open-plan feature polished slate shower, hand basin and concealed WC.
The double bedroom has a Victorian brass and iron bed.
A family bedroom has a double bed and a single bunk over.
The family bathroom boasts a Santitan cast iron bath, hand basin and WC with local Broughton Moor slate.
A stone Bothy is located across the courtyard and has a sofa bed and an open fire within a Victorian black iron grate.
A sleeping platform with mattress is accessed via a ladder.
A cloakroom with a hand basin and WC is located under the platform.
For the brave there is a hot outdoor shower!
Please note the Bothy is best suited to teenage children and you need to bring your own bedding.
All electric, bed linen, towels and fuel for the fires included.
Welcome hamper of essentials and some treats for guest to enjoy and complimentary toiletries.
Cot and highchair available.
Ample private parking.
Two acres of grounds with enclosed, lawned gardens, a sheltered south facing courtyard with garden furniture perfect for alfresco dining.
To the rear is a small and safe stream and a lovely wildlife meadow for children to explore and play in.
The Bothy is only available with the cottage at a supplement of £50 per night.