Copt Howe Chapel Stile, Ambleside, LA22 9JR Guide Price 1,100,000 www.matthewsbenjamin.co.uk
Copt Howe Chapel Stile A unique and rare opportunity to acquire a substantial four bedroom detached traditional Lakeland property with three reception rooms, integral double garage and studio/study. Completely private in two acres of outstanding gardens, in the heart of the wild but accessible National Park, this home has what many regard as the best view in the valley. The property was traditionally constructed in the 1930s from naturally split rough Lakeland slate, believed to be from the local Elterwater quarry, and is tightly roofed with dressed green Westmorland slate. Copt Howe has been a viewpoint of special significance since prehistoric times, with Stone Age rock art on boulders beside the present road. The house takes best advantage of an enviable south-facing location on a small plateau beneath Thrang Crag, surrounded by National Trust land, with 360 degree vistas of the Langdale valley. The house is the centrepiece of two acres of exceptional mountain gardens, which can be maintained, or re-imagined, as desired. During the last 30 years, the owner has created a fabulous mountain garden, offering meditative peace and tranquillity amid birdsong. This unique setting is home to an abundance of plants and shrubs from around the world including numerous unusual acers, dwarf conifers, azaleas and specimen rhododendron, alongside exotic and rare alpine species. The forms of foliage, textures of stems and bark, and seasonal flowering sequences, create an abundance of natural shape and colour throughout the entire year. The gardens are crisscrossed by both natural and constructed flowing water features, and multiple slate paths enabling access to, and exploration of, secret hideaways. A gate offers residents access on foot directly onto the fellside. Maintenance is assisted by local gardeners who hold a deep reservoir of history, knowledge and expertise. The garden opened for many years as part of the National Garden Scheme and has featured in books and magazines including RHS Garden, Lancashire Life and The English Garden; Copt Howe has also been featured on BBC2 s Gardener s World. www.matthewsbenjamin.co.uk
From Ambleside, head west on the A593 signed Langdale/Coniston. At Skelwith Bridge, turn right just before the Skelwith Bridge Hotel and continue for approximately 3 miles into Chapel Stile, passing the Co-operative general store and cafe on the right, and continue for approximately 1 mile. The property is located up a private drive on the right hand side of the road shortly after exiting the village of Chapel Stile, and before passing Harry Place Farm. Internally, Copt Howe is conventionally laid out on two floors, with bright natural illumination rotating with the sun during the day. Original Art Deco features include the original solid wood four panel doors throughout and six panel and eight panel iron framed windows. The main public room, and master bedroom above, share an unrestricted westward outlook to Bowfell, the everchanging Langdale Pikes and valley floor fieldscape. The adjacent dining room benefits from patio doors to a covered south-facing porch, and an external terrace with inbuilt barbeque and large slate tables. Upstairs, the additional double bedrooms are all provided with sinks and fitted storage; a retractable ladder provides easy access from the landing to a substantial floored attic storage space. The dual-aspect fitted kitchen benefits from morning and afternoon sunlight, with views of the garden and across the valley to Lingmoor Fell. The adjoining laundry room, outer kitchen, and pantry provide access to a bright and quiet study/studio (or 5th bedroom). An inbuilt double garage with folding doors is fully wired. External Lakeland stone outbuildings function as fuel and tool stores. Two greenhouses (7mx3.5m and 3mx2m), a poly tunnel, and sites for multiple sheds are included. Offices in Ambleside, Windermere, Kendal & Lancaster
Vehicle access is by a gated private tarmac driveway, leading to a large turning space and parking for several cars. The water supply is privately drawn from the hillside above; drainage is to a septic tank; both plumbing and wiring are to modern standards. Structural integrity and roof conditions are excellent. External features and internal décor offer opportunities for modernisation. This is a rare (once in 30 years), purchase opportunity which offers supreme privacy, peace and tranquility in the heart of the Langdale Valley set at the centre of the Lake District National Park. The valley attracts walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts with its multiplicity of walks: from short rambles to more challenging full-day mountain expeditions. As the National Trust owns the majority of dwellings in this sought after area, freehold property in the valley is a scarce commodity. The house is suitable as a main residence in one of the UK s most stunning National Parks, as an ideal holiday bolt hole for the family, or equally as an investment property. Local amenities include a well stocked independent Co-op, café, an active primary school, a public house and a lovely church in the nearby village of Chapel Stile. In nearby Elterwater, there is another public house, an excellent café and a hotel with good dining facilities. Further up the valley, are two hotels with walkers bars and a National Trust owned pub. Additionally, between Chapel Stile and Elterwater is The Langdale Estate Hotel and Spa, which provides access to international quality health club facilities, a swimming pool and high quality dining. The bustling villages of Ambleside and Grasmere are both within easy reach by car, or public bus from below the house, with a diversity of shops including food and delicatessens, clothing, a cinema, and a health centre. In Windermere, there are well stocked supermarkets, secondary schools, and access to the train station connecting via Oxenholme to Edinburgh, Manchester or London.
Surrounded by dramatic, unspoilt scenery and with a wide variety of amenities close by, yet completely private within two acres of unique gardens - solid and spacious Copt Howe has a great deal to offer. For many, the detail and size of the garden tapestry is a magnificent opportunity. There are infinite possibilities to adapt shrubs and trees, or to create lawns and vistas, suiting individual management interests. Freehold. Vacant possession on completion. Mains electricity. Private shared spring water supply. Private septic tank. H
Loughrigg Villa, Kelsick Road, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0BZ 015394 32220 sales@matthewsbenjamin.co.uk www.matthewsbenjamin.co.uk Viewing is strictly by appointment with the sole agents The services, kitchen and sanitary ware, appliances and fittings have not been tested by the selling agents and purchasers should undertake their own investigations and survey. The agents endeavour to make their sales details are correct, however, purchasers and their conveyancers should make their own enquiries as to accuracy, especially where statements have not been verified. Please contact the agents before travelling any distance to view to check availability and confirm any point of particular importance.