Lancaster, Lancashire

HIGH BARN

Offering immense privacy, surrounded by fields and commanding panoramic views, this converted former hay barn has what can only be described as a cracking position. Set in gardens of around 0.75 acre and built in the 1800s, it was converted in 1975 and since then has only had three owners. Purchased by the present owners in 2015 it has been a much loved retirement home offering privacy, peace and tranquility with a garden to nurture, enough space to host family and friends with great ease and an ever changing and very impressive view. Time has come to reluctantly downsize as they have dearly loved their time at High Barn.

What really sets High Barn apart from other barn conversions are the large and plentiful provision of windows – this is a really light property. Being a traditional ‘bank barn’ it is built into the gentle slope of the land and as such offers split level ground floor accommodation which provides a reception hall, study, cloakroom and integral double garage with a short flight of curved steps down to the dining kitchen, dining room and utility room.

Providing super family friendly space, the first floor offers a principal ensuite bedroom, three double bedrooms, a fifth single bedroom and house bath and shower rooms. The first floor is also home to the wonderful and light filled sitting room. Positioned to take full advantage of the views, this is a super space.

Outside the well stocked gardens have been lovingly created and offer planted beds and borders, lawns, seating areas and raised vegetable beds. There’s also good parking.

Enjoying a seclusion and stillness that is rare in today’s busy world, High Barn is good for the soul.

In all honesty the house was probably too big for us, but as it’s turned out we’ve relished the space and it’s been invaluable as it’s very much the hub for family gatherings and celebrations as we have the space to accommodate us all being together. With five bedrooms there’s room for everyone to stay and the layout of the reception rooms means we can all spread out and do our own thing when needed.

Being surrounded by fields, nature, wildlife and farming, we’re very aware of the changing seasons. The barn is almost south facing so we see the most beautiful, colourful sunrises and sunsets.

We’ll really miss the Aughton community, it’s very welcoming, there are lots of events held at the village hall which is within walking distance for us here. There’s a village WhatsApp group which is friendly, helpful and informative.”

Location

Aughton is a destination, not a thoroughfare and that’s where the magic lies. High Barn itself is situated just out of the main centre of the village, surrounded by fields and thanks to the elevated positioning has fabulous views across the highly scenic Lune Valley. The scattered village is nestled onto the gently sloping westerly side of the valley. There’s an idyllic rural charm about life here, there are no street lights and so nights are dark – it would be a great place to own a telescope for some star gazing.

There’s an active and very welcoming local community with the Village Hall Recreation Room and St Saviour’s Church providing the hub for local events, including the Pudding Festival (the recipe of which is a closely guarded secret) which is held every 21 years, the next time scheduled for 2034 ; good things come to those who wait!

As Lancaster is just over 7 miles to the south Aughton has always been popular with those looking to commute. It’s also convenient for access onto the M6 at either J34 or J35 depending on which way you’re headed. Lancaster offers a vibrant mix of shopping, culture (two theatres, two cinemas and a medieval castle amongst others) and a wide choice of bars, cafes and restaurants bringing cuisines from around the world. The city is home to two hospitals and two universities (Lancaster and Cumbria), nationally acclaimed grammar schools and a railway station on the main West Coast line.

Often regarded as the jewel in the Lune Valley’s crown, the popular Cumbrian market town of Kirkby Lonsdale is easily accessible from Aughton for schools, a wide choice of bars and restaurants and a high street of independent shops. Carnforth is also convenient and offers a choice of supermarkets; Booths, Aldi and Tesco.

Aughton is the ideal location if you are seeking a quiet and peaceful rural life but still value accessibility to amenities and the road and rail network.

We were returning to our roots when we moved to Aughton, we hail from Lancashire and Yorkshire and were seeking a retirement home nearer family in this neck of the woods.

When we first came to the view it was the setting that was instantly appealing – that’s what cinched it. We knew we’d struggle to find a house with views that came anywhere close to being so panoramic. To have this degree of privacy and seclusion without the isolation is also rare”

Step inside

Stone built under a slated roof, the exterior woodwork is painted a soft sage green which echoes the surrounding countryside.

This former hay barn used to have wain doors (the big doors in which the hay carts would go in and out) opposite each other on the two main elevations. These have been converted to windows and doors, in the hall a porch has been built out slightly to provide a wider view and also allow extra light into the wide reception hall which has a long view through to the study’s wain door opposite, now fitted with French windows to the garden. Central to the layout, the spacious hall is a room in itself and creates a great first impression with an oak floor which continues as double partially glazed doors open to the study which enjoys excellent (and possibly distracting!) views out to the valley and beyond. The cloakroom has a Bowland Bone porcelain tiled floor, loo and wash basin.

The integral garage is accessed from the hall which is always handy when you have sleeping little ones to get from the car into bed without hopefully waking them or shopping to unload. The garage has two up and over doors, power, light and water. It also houses the Easyfire biomass boiler and two hot water storage tanks. An unusual and rather attractive feature is the gently curved short flight of stairs which leads down to the lower ground floor where the dining kitchen, dining room and utility room are positioned. The stairs have teak treads and bannister rail.

The main lower ground floor rooms face out across the valley; both the dining kitchen and the dining room have dual aspects so they really maximize the views and light. With high ceilings, there’s a real sense of space. The dining kitchen has a lovely airy feel with cream painted joiner made cabinets under black and tan granite worktops. With a Bowland Bone porcelain tiled floor and space for a table and chairs the kitchen has an informal country look with a pale blue 30 amp electric three oven Aga, Belfast sink, plate rack and glazed display cupboards. Appliances comprise a John Lewis washing machine and Hotpoint dishwasher. The kitchen is open to the utility room with the tiled floor continuing, lots of storage space and room for appliances; John Lewis fridge freezer and tumble drier and a Bosch freezer. A door provides convenient access out to the garden, to the seating deck and outside dining area. The formal dining room is also on this level, the high ceiling giving a real wow factor which makes for a very atmospheric setting for gatherings. There’s an oak floor, exposed pine ceiling beams, French windows to the garden, fabulous views and the curved wall that encases the staircase; without doubt it’s a great entertaining space.

Rising to the first floor and there’s a tall arched window on the half landing, again, unusual to have this many windows of such decent proportions bringing the light inside.

The landing is half panelled and has exposed beams which then follow through as a feature into most of the upstairs rooms. Boarded doors are painted white with black ironmongery for a traditional country look.

The views from the bedrooms are very special indeed, no need for curtains here you’re not at all overlooked and the sunrises are something to behold. The views are incredibly special, each aspect subtly different, either a patchwork of fields across or down the valley or north towards Ingleborough and Pen y Ghent.

The principal bedroom has fitted wardrobes and views over the valley to Claughton Moor and the distant wind turbines. There’s a fully tiled ensuite shower room which also has a cracking view, a shower, vanity unit and loo.

There are three further double bedrooms and a single bedroom. These bedrooms are served by a house bathroom and shower room. The bathroom has a heritage feel with a restful colour scheme. The focal point is a characterful free standing slipper bath over which is a rainfall shower head and second hand held head, there’s a square cut wash basin, loo with high level flush and painted tongue and groove boarding.

The family shower room has a connecting door to one of the bedrooms so can be used as an ensuite for guests. A lovely feature is the arched ceiling in bedroom 5 which is echoed in the bedroom opposite. Saving the best until last, the landing opens up to a wider inner landing with double opening part glazed doors open to the sitting room. A short flight of three steps lead down, but just pause for a moment, this room packs a punch in terms of space, light and views; it’s a very impressive room. Fabulous panoramic views unfold before your eyes taking in the undulating valley, two of the Three Peaks as well as Claughton Moor, there are window seats so you can sit, linger and soak it all up. Turning your back on the view for a moment and there’s a stone chimney breast with an oak mantle under which sits a Dunsley Highlander 7 wood burning stove.

It’s been the most wonderful house for entertaining; both inside and in the garden. Kitchen suppers, more formal dinner parties, barb ecues on the terrace, we’ve enjoyed it all.” Our favourite room would have to be the sitting room, it’s where we put the Christmas tree as there’s plenty of space without having t o rearrange everything.”

Step outside

From the gated entrance brick paved twin tracks create a drive along the length of the garden as they approach the house. Herbaceous and shrub borders as well as trees line the drive and make a delightful entrance.

Wisteria adorns the house and extends over a pergola, when in flower there’s a heady aroma that’s nothing short of divine. Scents have been a major consideration in the planting scheme with fragrant roses under the kitchen window and beds of lavender around the deck.

A paved seating area provides an alternative seating area and a slightly different view, there are raised beds for vegetables and herbs, located close to the kitchen they are handy for harvesting.

A paved path extends round from the front to the rear garden with a gently sloping lawn. Informal steps lead up to a raised area which has a fabulous view back towards the barn and also out across the valley.

Benches are strategically dotted around the garden to take in a particular valley vista.

On the practical side of things, there’s a greenhouse, a number of wood stores, compost areas and storage shed with rainwater butts for harvesting and using as a convenient supply at the far end of the garden. There is external lighting and water supply. A generous plot, in all, around 0.75 acre.

The decking has been great when we have guests over and want to sit or eat outside. Around the deck lavender has been planted so the smell drifts over on the breeze.

The bench and swing on the top lawn is a lovely relaxing place to sit with the papers, a book and a coffee. The views from here are beautiful – a full 180 degrees.”

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 22.06.2023

FURTHER INFORMATION

On the road

Rail Journeys

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

Services

Mains electricity and water.

Private drainage to a recently upgraded septic tank located in the garden.

Renewable energy from the biomass central heating boiler.

Directions

what3words: ///tangling.pure.community

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.

Internet Speed

Full fibre broadband provided by B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) www.B4RN. org.uk. All B4RN customers receive gigabit (1,000Mbps) speed. based on ofcom.org.uk results

Local Authority

Use Sat Nav LA2 8LU with reference to the directions below:

The ease and convenience of this location is that High Barn may be approached from a number of directions, our instructions bring you in from the M6, J34. Leaving the motorway, head north on the A683 signposted Kirkby Lonsdale. Upon reaching the Caton/30 mph signs, turn immediately left onto Low Road and cross over the River Lune at the Crook O’Lune. Follow the road and take either the first (through Halton Park estate) or second (up Green Lane) turning on the right. They both end in a T junction with Kirkby Lonsdale Road. Turn right at these respective road ends and as the road takes a wide corner to the left, turn right onto Aughton Road (unmarked). Take the third turn on the right onto Aughton Brow (if you reach St Saviour’s Church you’ve only just missed it) and then High Barn is the first drive on the right.

Local leisure activities

For little ones there is a playground at the village hall

Swimming pools at Capernwray Hall and Hornby School

Open water swimming and diving centre at Jackdaw Quarry, Capernwray

Sizergh Castle (National Trust), Levens Hall and Leighton Hall

RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Reserve

Gym and swimming at Whoop Hall (Kirkby Lonsdale) and 3-1-5 Health Club (Lancaster)

Local eateries

The Royal Hotel, Avanti, Sun Inn and No.9 all in Kirkby Lonsdale

The Redwell Country Inn, Arkholme

The Fenwick Arms, Claughton

The Plough, Lupton

Hipping Hall, Cowan Bridge

Great walks nearby

Right from the door – the owners recommend a 7 mile loop taking the footpath that crosses the field in front of the house, down to the Crook O’ Lune (stop for a coffee at Woodies) and then back along the river where it comes out at the bottom of the lane.

Down low - The Lune Valley Ramble – 16.5 miles tracing the course of the River Lune’s lower reaches through some beautiful lowland countryside.

Up high - Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen-y-ghent) and Wainwright’s 214 Lakeland fells to explore.

Registered in England and Wales. Company Reg No. 4270819 Registered Office: Ellerthwaite Square, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1DU copyright © 2023 Fine & Country Ltd.

Schools

Primary

Over Kellet, Nether Kellet, Kirkby Lonsdale and Carnforth

Secondary

Carnforth High School, Queen Elizabeth School and QEStudio in Kirkby Lonsdale as well as the Boys’ and Girls’ Royal Grammar Schools and Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy all of which are in Lancaster.

Included in the sale

Fitted carpets

Curtains

Curtain poles

Blinds

Light fittings and kitchen appliances as listed.

Guide price £975,000

Council tax band - G

Tenure - Freehold

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentationleading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.