It seems silly when writing about a property like Calthwaite Hall to focus on something as simple as the stairs. The property presents such an overwhelming wealth of features, that it’s difficult to know where to start.
It’s listed Grade II. It offers 12 bedrooms, seven bathrooms and 7.5 acres of luxurious grounds. It sits between the UNESCO world heritage site of the Lake District and the North Pennines AONB. It is already run as a successful events company, with a portfolio of nine luxury holiday cottages, another cottage, equestrian facilities, swimming pool and a purpose-built orangery ‘ready to host guests for memorable events in fitting style’. According to agents Finest Properties — who have set a guide price of £3 million for the property — turnover as of March 31 generated a net figure of about £350,000.
But, just look at those stairs. Tell me the child in you doesn’t want to slide down those bannisters. Just as an art form, they are bewitching, like the shell of a nautilus. There are many reasons to buy many houses, but sometimes it’s just a tiny detail that makes it extra special.
I digress. As mentioned before, this is a very nice house in a very nice part of the world, which was the home of ‘many notable figures’ since it was built in the mid-19th century, although there is no mention as to whom those notable figures are.
Inside, as well as the stairs, the main hall house has been finished to a deliciously high standard, making the most of the abundant period features to provide a living space that is both contemporary, comfortable and respectful of its heritage.
The gardens and grounds have been thoughtfully laid out, and provide very elegant surroundings to the hall. A mixture of lawned formal areas and water features is interspersed with established woodland and mature trees that provide a sense of privacy.
It’s up to the new owners whether they would like to keep the business running as is, scale everything back, or expand even further — eight further lodges have received planning permission. But I can’t help but think I wouldn’t want to walk up and down that staircase every day.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Credit: Fine and Country
Good things, small packages — a three-bedroom thatched cottage with delightful gardens in Devon for £600,000
This property on the edge of Torrington packs a surprising amount into a small space.
What does £6 million get you? Two homes, and probably the best view in the Lake District
At Waternook and the Great Barn, luxury sits alongside the raw scale of nature.
The man who made Mayfair
Thomas Cundy II changed the face of Mayfair with the refronting programme he launched as chief surveyor of the Grosvenor
Credit: Savills
A handsome Georgian villa in a quiet and sought-after Dorset village
Grade II-listed Church Villa sits in the heart of a tranquil village, five miles from the mainline railway at Wareham,
-
The treehouse of your dreams is for sale, and it even comes with a country houseThe only thing more impressive than the treehouse at Springfield House are the recently re-designed interiors.
-
You've got mail: Royal Mail unveils eight folklore-inspired stampsThe Loch Ness monster is among Britain's mythical beings that appear on the stamps.
-
The treehouse of your dreams is for sale, and it even comes with a country houseThe only thing more impressive than the treehouse at Springfield House are the recently re-designed interiors.
-
Harts House: A home straight out of a fairytale for sale in KentWe try not to use cliché too often, but sometimes only cliché will do.
-
In search of Arcadia at Ayot Bury, the Georgian home and estate that's 30 minutes from central LondonWith 40 acres and glorious gardens, Ayot Bury might be the perfect country home for those looking for the best of both worlds.
-
The most expensive postcodes outside of London have been revealedSome are not so surprising. Some are quite surprising. Most are still quite close to London. All are costly.
-
A £1.5 million flat on the street where wig and pen once metIt doesn't get more central London than Fleet Street.
-
A spectacular coastal estate in Dorset set on its own private peninsulaThis 160-acre estate is part nature reserve and part country home, with a beautiful Arts-and-Crafts home at its heart.
-
A converted bothy on the shores of Loch Tay from which to enjoy the fresh tastes of SpringWaterfall Cottage offers four bedrooms and a garden that stretches right down to the lapping waters.
-
An idyllic home in Hampshire that's perfect for the musical mindLyewood House sits in 3.5 acres and comes with a purpose built recording studio and an outdoor heated pool.
