Country homes for sale in the Lake District

The landscape is sublime and the houses are affordable, here’s why the county of Cumbria is a fantastic country location for buying a home

If you’re the outdoorsy type, then living in the middle of The Lakes is a dream come true. From mountaineering, sailing and ghyll scrambling to caving and climbing, there are more activities than you can shake a walking stick at, making Cumbria a really fun place to live and play. The selection of top schools and close-knit communities make the area ideal for families, as does the particularly low crime rate.

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Foodies will love the regular farmers’ markets and Michelin-starred restaurants at your fingertips, while others might prefer looking around some of the cool independent shops, museums and galleries. But the real draw of this area is, of course, its outstanding natural beauty. With the Lake District National Park on your doorstep and access to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, you couldn’t pick a prettier spot to call home.

So which area is right for you?

Look to Carlisle, the capital, for a bustling town with lots going on and beautiful period townhouses. Penrith still has a medieval feel with quaint, winding roads and little cobbled lanes, while to the south is Kendal, which offers easy access to the M6 and has the cutest stone cottages in its historic centre.

With the average property going for £191,241, it’s a very affordable part of the UK to purchase a home. However, if you have a little more budget to play with, there are some truly spectacular options out there…

Dolton Holme, Edenhall, Penrith

Just how adorable is this Victorian barn conversion in the rural hamlet of Edenhall? Originally built in the 1800s it still offers charming accommodation with two reception rooms, a handmade oak kitchen, three bedrooms and a bathroom. We especially love the handsome ceiling beams in the dining room.

An attached barn offers excellent development potential, and elsewhere is a stone potting shed, a lovely cottage garden to the front and a walled garden at the rear, complete with summer house. You won’t be short of country walks from this location either!

On the market for £355,000, Rightmove.

Woodleigh, Haverthwaite

There’s no shortage of space at the striking Woodleigh residence in Haverthwaite. With four bedrooms on the top floor, as well as a family bathroom and a master ensuite, there’s room for everyone. Downstairs a kitchen/diner forms the perfect backdrop for a quick breakfast on those busy school run mornings, while an elegant dining room is the ideal setting for meals you can take your time over.

Over in the conservatory you can just imagine reclining with a good book and watching the sunset over the gorgeous landscaped gardens. We’d snap up this one up in an instant…

On the market for £480,000, with Ashdown Jones.

The Raise, Branthwaite, Near Cockermouth

See what we mean about not having to spend a fortune to buy something incredible here? This four-bed farmhouse could easily go for millions in other parts of the country. A Grade-II listed building, the home occupies a particularly picturesque position in the village of Ullock, five miles south west of the market town of Cockermouth.

Of note is the gorgeous open-plan kitchen and breakfast room, with granite worktops, central island and a four-oven, oil-fired AGA. From here, stairs lead to the upper floor, where you’ll find the first-floor landing and spacious open-plan sitting room and dining room.

This room is ideally placed to enjoy fabulous views of the open countryside beyond. Externally are large gardens, two garages, outbuildings, a studio and stores, a greenhouse and some paddocks; not too shabby.

On the market for £695,000 with Rightmove.

White Stones, Underskiddaw, Keswick

If the views from this property don’t have you reaching for your suitcase and moving to the Lake District, we don’t know what will. An exceptionally elevated property, White Stones offers panoramic valley and fell outlooks and is a prime Lake District National Park location in the idyllic Bassenthwaite Valley, within easy reach of Bassenthwaite Lake and less than three miles from the popular town of Keswick and Derwentwater. 

The real highlight is a magnificent oak frame gabled wing, with views from the glazed entrance hall and first-floor lounge, but pretty much every room here will take your breath away. The luxurious master bedroom suite is a delight, while three other bedrooms are available in the house and a fifth possible over the integral garage. 

Sitting on an acre of immaculate garden (which includes an entertaining area complete with hot tub), the home enjoys jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful privacy.

On the market for £1,600,000 with Fine and Country.

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