Carrfoot Lodge, Rigmaden, LA6

Set in magnificent private gardens, c 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares) and with stunning views either across the gardens, neighbouring parkland or to The Howgills, Carrfoot Lodge is an impressive country house.

Formerly two cottages and built in c. 1847 serving as accommodation for managers of the neighbouring Rigmaden Park Estate, the two were later combined in the mid 1930's to create one spacious property. After a thorough refurbishment, in 2023, including redressing and relaying the roof with Westmorland slate, the chimneys being rebuilt, windows replaced and fully upgraded internally, the exceptional standard of finish gives much to be admired.

Immaculately and beautifully presented and instantly welcoming for comfortable family living, the house provides spacious, well proportioned accommodation with an approximate gross internal area of 3993 sq ft (371 sq m excluding the garage and cellars). Many of the rooms have tall
windows which allow natural light to flood in and frame the magnificent views.

Many of the original features remain (externals doors, four panel internal doors, panelled reveals, ceiling roses, cornicing, feature arches, substantial fireplaces and inset display cupboards), and some have been recreated by the current owners.

Let us walk you round...

Come on in to the hall with decorative tiled floor and useful understairs storage.

Off here are two of the reception rooms - the triple aspect drawing room overlooking the gardens has an open fire and a bay window. The dining room also has an open fire and bay window.

An inner hall with cloaks cupboard and cloakroom leads into the sitting room, currently used as an office with wood burning stove and bespoke book shelving.

The kitchen is comprehensively fitted with handmade Thwaite Holme units and island with breakfast bar. Integral appliances comprise a dishwasher and a two oven pewter Aga with adjacent electric module set in a tiled recess. The Belfast sink is strategically positioned to take in the long distance countryside views towards the Howgills.

Keeping the laundry out of the kitchen there is a practical utility room with handmade units, broom cupboard, Belfast sink and plumbing for a washing machine. Also off the kitchen is a hall/boot room with a built-in cupboard and arched double doors to outside.

An attractive oak staircase with twisted balustrades and half landing leads to the main landing with library - with views of the gardens it's a lovely spot to sit and read.

Off the landing are five double bedrooms with bedroom 6 currently being used as a study.

The principal suite has a dressing area with built-in wardrobes and large bedroom with further built-in wardrobes. From the stairs leading down to the three piece en suite shower room, the view of the Howgills is splendid.

Bedrooms 2 and 5 (currently a gym) are both dual aspect with built-in wardrobes and garden views. Bedroom 3 has a bay window with parkland views and bedrooms 4 and 6 have the glorious open vista to the fells.

The four piece house bathroom has an elliptical shaped bath and walk-in shower. The undereaves cupboard houses the hot water cylinder and ample storage.

Accessed externally, the cellars (625 sq ft [58.1 sq m]) have been tanked, rendered, painted and fitted with double glazed windows to provide space for a number of uses, perhaps a gym, teenager's den or simply excellent storage.

Outside space

The gated entrance leads over a cattlegrid and into a large gravel parking and turning area. A garden and wood store are situated to the north of the property.

The double garage (307 sq ft [28.5 sq m]) has an electric roller door, power, light and electric vehicle charger.

The gardens are a true delight and a haven for local wildlife - divided into several outdoor 'rooms', they offer privacy and seclusion.

A wrought iron gate and railings lead through to a south facing gravel and lawn terrace, planted with herbaceous borders and low stone wall with central stone steps leading to a lower level manicured lawn, shrubs, trees and a wildlife pond.

To the east is a flagged terrace, sloping lawn and a wooded area, planted with early spring bulbs including snowdrops, crocus, daffodils and clouds of blue scilla and late spring, bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas. There is a small timber summerhouse and paths weaving through the specimen trees, opening up to a secluded area, perfect for a bench or a table and chairs from which to enjoy the fabulous vista.

To the north and west, a newly laid flagged path with wrought iron arches and recently planted borders either side; from here the splendid views are of the parkland opposite and up the valley to the Howgills.