Property Spotlight: Southern Lake District

Thwaite and Thwaite Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere

We’ve spent a fair amount of time – Justin especially – in the Southern Lake District. While growing up, Justin and his family stayed in Chapel Stile every summer. In the 1990s, he introduced me to the Langdale area; as well as Chapel Stile, we’ve holidayed in Elterwater and with friends in Windermere.

It’s always been a dream to live in the Lake District – a dream, because property prices in the National Park are steep. We did manage, however, to find a cute, compact, little one-bedder just outside Kendal town centre.

If Justin’s National Lottery numbers finally come up at the weekend, we’ll be phoning the estate agents responsible for the historic Thwaite and Thwaite Barn in Troutbeck first thing Monday morning!

Low Fellside, Kendal

Low Fellside, Kendal

£110,000 – Low Fellside, Kendal

• 1-bedroom charming cottage
• Fantastic central location
• Cash buyers only, due to size

Corner Cottage, Crook, Kendal

Corner Cottage, Crook, Kendal

£600,000 – Corner Cottage, Crook, Kendal, Cumbria LA8 8LA

• 3/4 bedroomed cottage
• Open plan living room/kitchen
• Quiet location
• Garden
• Views of the surrounding fields
• Close to a local pub
• Off road parking

Delightfully situated in the pretty village of Crook enjoying a rural location surrounded by open fields yet only a few miles away from the attractions of Bowness village, the amenities of Kendal and the main road network and the nearby growing market town of Staveley. This sunny location is made even more attractive by the charming country pub The Sun Inn serving excellent food only a few yards walk away and many local walks right on the doorstep.

Thwaite and Thwaite Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere

Thwaite and Thwaite Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere

£1.85 million – Thwaite and Thwaite Barn, Troutbeck, Windermere LA23 1PF

• Historic detached property in Troutbeck
• Spacious 3 bedroomed accommodation
• 3 reception rooms and 2 bathrooms
• Garden, orchard and detached barn
• Lovely views of the surrounding fells
• A short drive to Windermere or Ambleside

Having been in the family since 1956 this remarkable property was lovingly restored back to life in the 1980s retaining many original features and one of the most authentic 16th Century farmhouses in the Lake District. A Grade II listed building, 3 bedroomed, detached Lakeland home in a superb location with fantastic views, adjoining orchard and a large detached two-storey undeveloped barn.

Tuesday Huesday: National Parks Week

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Loughrigg Tarn looking towards the Langdale Pikes, Lake District National Park, Cumbria

This week is National Parks Week so we thought we’d go with that theme for today’s Tuesday Huesday post.

One of our favourite places to visit in the UK is the Lake District National Park in Cumbria. It’s only about an hour and a half’s drive from where we live and the scenery is spectacular. We try to go at least 3 or 4 times a year – it’s lovely seeing the way the landscape changes throughout the different seasons.

This photo is of Loughrigg Tarn (Tarn is derived from an Old Norse word for lake). This lake is very accessible, there’s a car park and path suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs. The two rounded peaks in the background of the photo are known as the Langdale Pikes which, from experience,  are a fair bit harder to ascend!

Out & about… January

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Snowy Pennine scene with blue sky, bare tree branches in the foreground & trees & farm outbuildings in the background

December started with a cold snap… and January began in the same way.

Higgeldy piggeldy fence posts in a snowy landscape | H is for Home

Lots of snow, frost & ice about again.

Canal lock with barge in iced over water | H is for Home

Here, a barge has to break through icy water in Rochdale Canal.

Old bath in a field being used for animal feeding | H is for Home

We often come across these old baths while wandering around the local fields. How about this for al fresco living? It was about -3ºC on the day we saw these – tempted to take a dip anyone?

Old baths in a field being used for feeding farm animals | H is for Home

And what about this twin-tub arrangement?

We spent a week away in the Lake District in the middle of the month. Unfortunately, we got 7 solid days of mist & rain.

Loughrig Tarn with the Langdale Pikes in the background | H is for Home

The area still manages to be beautiful even in the worst of weathers though.

Langdale Pikes from Elterwater, Lake District, Cumbria | H is for Home Bridge Gate in Elterwater, Lake District, Cumbria | H is for Home

We stayed in Elterwater and spent our time walking in the surrounding hills… and then drying off in front of fires in our cottage … or the Britannia, the local village pub.

Britannia Inn, Elterwater, Lake District, Cumbria | H is for Home

Fudge was always waiting for his next walk… of which there were many!

Fudge looking out the window of Rose Cottage in Elterwater | H is for Home

We did break it up with a day’s shopping, spending a couple of hours in Windermere. We picked up a few things including these immaculate 1970s headphones and some Holmegaard glass candle holders.

Vintage 1970s stereo headphones | H is for Home Vintage Holmegaard glass candle holders | H is for Home

We also stocked up on nice things to eat and drink at Booths. It’s a small chain of food stores in the North of England – and a firm favourite of ours.

Inside the cafeteria of Booths Supermarket, Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria

Last week we spent a day taking photos in Manchester – we’ll be doing a blog in the near future about vintage shopping in the city – we’ll keep you posted!