Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

SWINSTON HOUSE

This spectacular period family home has been painstakingly & lovingly restored by the current owners sits in an idyllic rural setting with 11 acres of land, 7 stables, a menage, stone barns and a recently constructed steel building. It is a rare equestrian gem within easy reach of the lake District.

ACCOMMODATION

Swinston House is a rare opportunity to acquire an impressively and comprehensively restored period property. All the improvements have been painstakingly completed in the last seven years by the current owners which brings the fabric of this outstanding property up to modern day standards, including insulation, plumbing and wiring, roof, underfloor heating and double-glazed windows to name but a few, whilst tastefully reinstating the many original timbers and stone, most dating back to the 17th century. In addition, this exceptional farmhouse boasts over 11 acres of land and traditional stone barns with up to seven stables and a newly constructed sizable steel framed building.

Inside;

Downstairs the property benefits from a delightful stone floor with underfloor heating and beamed ceilings, there is a delightful hallway with exposed stonework and storage. The dining kitchen with access to the rear courtyard has a multi fuel Rayburn in stone surround, Belfast sink, a range of traditional units with wooden worksurface, a pantry cupboard and charming windows to both the front and rear of the property. A spacious and practically positioned utility/wc off the hallway holds the Worcester boiler, traditional sink and wc with ample storage for white goods and drying. The main living room has an inglenook fire with multi fuel stove, windows on three sides and delightful oak floor using reclaimed boards from the original house. Upstairs, the floors and staircase are all original and have been sympathetically restored along with the re plastered walls having been recently extensively insulated and brought back to life with gentle curves, beams and deep windowsills. There are four bedrooms with three bathrooms, on this floor, all having been lovingly restored with a plethora of original features. The bathrooms all benefit from heated towel rails and traditional ceramic sanitary wear with tongue and groove panelling. The family bathroom has a charming slipper bath with chrome mixer tap and fixed shower head. The master bedroom converted recently from the original hayloft has the benefit of a walk-in wardrobe, two original large barn doors now repurposed as delightful picture windows and an ensuite with mains shower wc and sink. Rear access to the courtyard from a charming door and staircase off the first-floor hallway.

OUTSIDE

The approach is along a sweeping drive taking you past the menage and to the chocolate box front elevation of this enchanting home. The property is surrounded my mature gardens, an orchard with a plethora of mixed broadleaf and evergreen trees. Attached to the rear of the house are four large stables and a tack room with loft, overlooking the mature planting below. To the rear of the house are delightful views over the property’s paddocks and the Pennines beyond. There is a considerable courtyard with large parking area. A traditional stone barn, currently purposed as two stables and storage, recently re roofed with potential for conversion to a holiday let subject to planning permission. A timber outbuilding and a second stone barn currently used as a stable. The property also benefits from a newly constructed large steel framed building, with a polished concrete floor, a segmented insulated up and over door, power and skylights. An excellent & practical addition offering flexible agricultural space for additional stabling, storage, garage or a workshop. The entire site extends to 11.5 acres with grassland extending to 7.6 acres which lies predominantly to the Northwest, including the delightful Mousegill Beck and Peasah Wood. As such Swinston House offers a unique opportunity to acquire a property, perfectly placed to establish an equestrian business for riding holidays, schooling or training and but also as a private residence with the benefit of land.

HISTORY

Swinston House is believed to date back to the 17th Century there have been legends of it being a safe house for valuables during invasions and even a prison. In more recent times the house and land have been owned by locally renowned couple, Daphne & Donald Lane, who established it as an equestrian property, Daphne highly acclaimed and respected in the equine world schooled many horses including some owned by royalty, she taught many how to ride, and care for their horses and trained countless groomsmen. The arena held many dressage events and competitions, and she was a pioneer in offering laser therapy and rehabilitation to injured horses utilising the many hacking and bridal paths from the property. During this time Donald landscaped and manicured the gardens, working with the Forestry he planted 100’s of trees leading to the enchanting depths of Peasah Woods.

INFORMATION

Directions:

Swinston House is situated in Barras in the Eden valley, within easy reach of Kirkby Stephen and is accessed by a country lane. For those wishing to commute the A66, M6 and A1 can easily be accessed, Kirkby Stephen has a railway station on the scenic Settle to Carlisle line, with Penrith and Darlington stations provide excellent main line links to the west and east respectively. From Kirkby Stephen take the A685 towards Brough. Turn right into the village of Kaber, continuing on the road through the village for approx. three miles until reaching Barras. Opposite the Mouthlock Centre turn left over the cattlegrid follow the road and the property is on the left after the stone bridge.

Services;

Mains electricity and water, septic tank, oil fired central heating underfloor heating to the ground floor, radiators to the second floor. Double glazing installed throughout. Broadband provider currently Plusnet we are informed fibre broadband is due to arrive via B4RN imminently. Orchard includes some family and pet burial sites. Located close to both primary and secondary school bus routes from Mouthlock.

Tenure: Freehold.

EPC rating: E

Council Tax: Band D

Local Authority: Eden District Council.

Viewings:

Strictly by appointment with the sole selling agents, Fine & Country North Cumbria. T: 01228 583109

Offers:

All offers should be made to the offices of the sole selling agents, Fine & Country North Cumbria by e-mail at cumbria@fineandcountry.com.

Company No: 09714713

Registered Office Address:

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 27.02.2024

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 over 300 locations, spanning Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia, we combine 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 presentation – leading 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.

The production of these particulars has generated a £10 donation to the Fine & Country Foundation, charity no. 1160989, striving to relieve homelessness.

Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/foundation