Windermere, The Lake District

9 BEECHWOOD CLOSE

Welcome to 9 Beechwood Close, Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3AB

In an elevated and edge of village west facing setting nestling against a backdrop of trees on the lower reaches of Brantfell this detached house has great views over neighbouring roof tops to Lake Windermere and Claife Heights beyond. Built in the 1970s and a much loved family home for the last 22 years, this light filled house is well maintained, attractively presented and neatly kept. With accommodation on three floors there is scope to add value by the creation of further living space on the lower ground floor as either part of the main residence or by the formation of a self contained apartment for a dependent family member, guest suite for visitors or as a letting unit. Regardless of future development opportunities, as it now stands it’s certainly ready for new owners to move in and start enjoying straight away.

It’s a choice residential location that many visitors to this bustling honeypot resort will not even know exists. Tucked away in an end of cul-de-sac position all that Bowness has to offer is within easy reach and for adventures further afield, it makes a great base for exploring the wider National Park.

The house offers sociable living space of dining kitchen and sitting room, three double bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room and a large multipurpose room on the lower ground floor adjacent to the double garage. Outside is excellent parking for around five cars and large private gardens which encompass formal planting and lawns as well as seating terraces and a delightful balcony to take advantage of the great views and sun as it moves around the house. A unique selling point is the informal lightly wooded area with stream which is a haven for wildlife and an absolute delight.

This has been a wonderful family house for us as the children have grown. It’s also been a super house for entertaining; we’ve celebrated many landmark birthdays and memorable occasions here with a house full of family and friends. The children and now, our grandchildren, have loved making dens in the garden and playing in the stream.”

Location

Whilst Bowness on Windermere may be one of the tourist hotspots of the Lake District, Beechwood Close rises way above the hustle and bustle and offers a quiet location and a peaceful life on the edge of Brantfell woodland with easy access to a network of footpaths for getting out and stretching your legs or walking the dog. A stroll down into the village for meals out or a trip the cinema or theatre and then a taxi back, it’s a good village in which to be a local as well as a visitor. Locally there is a Post Office, doctors’ and dentists’ surgeries, opticians and vets.

The location offers all of the attractions and amenities of a Bowness and Lake District lifestyle but with the advantage of a peaceful and quiet setting. Many neighbours are full time residents and there’s a good sense of community. As a family and also with friends we’ve really enjoyed having such easy access onto the footpath for a walk up Brantfell and also onto The Dalesway.”

Step inside

Externally this house is an attractive mix of local Lakeland stone and cream roughcast elevations enhanced by the double glazing (a mix of PVC and wooden framed). Set on three floors, your everyday entrance is probably on the lower ground floor as you’ll park either in the garage or right outside. Chances are guests will use the ground floor door approached by Lakeland stone steps with a contemporary glass balustrade. It’s a smart and inviting entrance with a generous terrace in front.

Starting on the lower ground floor there’s a hallway off which has a shower room and integral access into the double garage. The large room at the back runs the full width of the house and has windows and also door to outside – it’s a utility room and store at present (the boiler, washing machine, tumble drier and freezer are down here and there’s a sink unit) but it also provides a useful indoor play area in wet weather and has been a workshop and a gym over the years. Given the proximity of the shower room and the external access it would lend itself to remodeling and the creation (subject to the necessary consents) of a self contained apartment which could possibly even incorporate the space currently used as garage if that wasn’t needed for cars. It offers great potential to add living space and also value.

From the lower hall, stairs rise to the ground floor and main entrance with a vestibule off the front door and an inner staircase hall. The two main living spaces on this floor are the dining kitchen which stretches along the rear elevation and enjoys the morning sun and the sitting room on the front elevation which basks in afternoon and evening sun. The views from the dining kitchen are of the garden and neighbouring woodland and from the sitting room the aspect is out over roof tops to Claife Heights with Lake Windermere nestling in between.

The dining kitchen is a lovely sociable space and beautifully appointed. Great attention to the finer details has gone into the fittings with pale grey classically styled units with rounded corners and soft close drawers, granite worktops and upstands. There’s a peninsular unit with breakfast bar and pendant lighting that divides the kitchen area from the dining space which then in turn opens to the balcony and flows round through double opening glass doors to the sitting room.

Well appointed, integral appliances comprise four plate hob with extractor and light, double oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher and waste disposal unit.

Sliding doors open to the balcony which was added and has proved a great hit – it’s the best place for a cup of tea first thing or for breakfasting outside at the weekends. The vendors tell us the birdsong provides the perfect soundtrack to set them up for the day; recently they’ve also heard a woodpecker making himself heard in the trees. The sitting room is lovely, light and has an oak floor and granite fireplace with living flame gas fire. Together with the dining kitchen it provides a great family and also entertaining space.

There are three double bedrooms on the first floor, one with a woodland view, the other two enjoying as aspect over the village to the lake and beyond. The house bathroom is a good size and has a spa bath and large shower cubicle as well as vanity unit and loo.

Step outside

Reaching the head of the cul-de-sac and there is pull in parking for several cars and further space around the side of the house where the large balcony off the dining kitchen forms a car port. There’s space for a camper van, motorhome or boat or simply room to easily accommodate the extra cars of family and friends. There’s probably room for five cars in total.

The generous west facing terrace in front of the ground floor front door is a favoured spot for afternoon and evening seating with glorious sunsets to be enjoyed over Claife Heights. With gardens on four sides, this seating area then wraps round to the side elevation and the door into the kitchen. Steps then lead down and along the rear elevation with a lawned garden with shrubs bordered by a Lakeland stone wall. This garden backs onto the woods of Brantfell which provide great privacy and also visiting wildlife. Continuing round to the southern elevation and there’s further a seating area. A balcony extends over this area in part and provides a car port, a shady spot on a hot day or forms a useful cover in the event that the weather turns during a bbq meaning that the fun can continue. Steps lead from here down to the informal garden with two apple trees (one is a cooker and the other an eater) and a damson tree. Forming its own little valley with a small stream at the bottom this area has a stone wall bordering neighbouring woodland and has a few trees itself making it a joy for children and also dogs. Left more natural there is a succession of spring bulbs and wild flowers, the vendors tell us that watching the changing seasons in this garden has been a particular pleasure for them as has observing the wildlife which includes the regular visits of a family of four deer who call most mornings just before 8am. Accessed externally, there’s a useful garden store and outside lighting, some of which are on sensors.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 01.06.2023

FURTHER INFORMATION

On the road

M6 J36 17.1 miles

Kendal 10.1miles

Manchester 84.2 miles

Manchester airport 91.3 miles

Liverpool airport 96.9miles

The above journey distances are for approximate guidance only and have been sourced from the fastest route on the AA website from the property postcode.

Rail Journeys

Based on approximate direct train journey durations from Oxenholme train station. Train service durations vary, please check nationalrail.co.uk for further details.

Please note

The vendors have obtained planning permission and also Listed Building Consent for a series of alterations to the house; these are unobtrusive and restrained designed to add a few more modern day comforts and practicalities. The approvals may be viewed online at https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/ using reference 7/2021/5714 and 7/2021/5714 (both dated 21st January 2021). These cover the “demolition of a later extension to restore building to its original form, upgrading windows, new windows. Internal alterations including lifting floors to provide insulation underneath, insulating the reveals, general repairs. Addition of shower rooms and en-suite.”

Schools

Primary

Goodly Dale Community Primary School

St Martin’s and St Mary’s COE

St Cuthbert’s Catholic

Windermere School (Independent)

Secondary Lakes School (Troutbeck Bridge)

Windermere School (Independent)

Manchester (Picadilly) London (Euston)

Directions

Use Sat Nav LA23 3AB with reference to the directions below:

From Crag Brow in the centre of Bowness village turn onto Helm Road and proceed as the road climbs. Turn right onto Beechwood Close and at the junction, bear left and follow the road round until reaching No. 9.

Glasgow (Central)

Local Authority

South Lakeland District Council

Things to do in the area

Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage

Local leisure activities

Golf courses at Windermere, Crook and Kendal Spa and gym facilities at several local hotels

Wild swimming in the lakes and tarns

Places to eat

Cuisines from around the world are represented in the village

Fine dining at Gilpin Hotel, Linthwaite House, The Samling

Great walks nearby

Brantfell and The Dalesway right from the doorstep

The Lake District Wainwrights – 214 fells to conquer

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 4270819 Registered Office: Ellerthwaite Square, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1DU

copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

Gas fired central heating Security alarm

Included in the sale

Fitted carpets

Curtains, curtain poles, blinds

Light fittings

Integral kitchen appliances as described.

Guide price £800,000

Council tax band - F

Tenure - Freehold

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