Boltongate Old Rectory

Set in a peaceful location on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Boltongate Old Rectory is an imposing Grade II Listed former rectory. The property sits above the River Ellen, in the village of Boltongate, nestling in beautiful private grounds including immaculate gardens and two paddocks, extending to approx. 3.2 acres.

The Old Rectory has been run as an exclusive bed and breakfast until recently, however, the house also lends itself to use as a stunning family home. Internally, the property retains a host of original features from the different periods, blended perfectly with modern additions. The oldest part of the property dates back to 1360 when the original Pele Tower was constructed, and later additions took place in 1570 and 1889 up to the present day where the current owners have sympathetically renovated the property to the enviable standard it is today.

Upon entering the property you are immediately welcomed by a grand reception hall, showcasing the lovely generous nature of the accommodation with elegant Victorian tiled flooring and the striking wood panelled staircase which also conceals a handy coat cupboard, next to this is a door out to the main garden. From the main hall, there are two generous principal reception rooms; the drawing room and the garden room each benefitting from dual aspect and wonderful views. Farrow and Ball colour palettes enhance the traditional features of the rooms which include original cornicing, feature fireplaces and modern window shutters. The sitting room has French doors that open to the raised patio area overlooking the gardens. The dining room features exposed stone walls and ceiling beams along with a magnificent inglenook housing a wood burning stove.

The recently renovated kitchen is modern with an impressive range of bespoke cabinetry providing ample storage with a mix of wood and granite work surfaces and discreet integrated appliances. A splendid Total Control Electric AGA sits within an inglenook. Adjoining the kitchen is a large pantry and a separate utility room providing convenience and practicality. Doors from both the kitchen and utility lead out to different parts of the garden. There is also a home office with external access which is ideal for anyone wishing to work from home or as a hub to operate a bed and breakfast. A ground floor shower room completes the ground floor accommodation.

The beautiful original staircase rises to the first floor via a half landing. A cosy snug offers a spacious extra reception room. This room is full of character, with vaulted ceiling, wood beams, stone walls and wood burning stove. There are five double bedrooms arranged across the first floor with varying outlooks over the gardens and countryside beyond. The master bedroom benefits from a large dressing room and ensuite shower room. Two further bedrooms also feature en-suite shower rooms and there is also a lovely family bathroom with half-panelled walls and a luxurious roll top bath. Quality fixtures and fittings are found throughout all of the bathrooms, including underfloor heating.

Externally
Boltongate Old Rectory stands within extensive gardens and grounds with panoramic views over spectacular Cumbrian countryside. To one side of the main house is a substantial detached outbuilding of timber construction. This building incorporates a studio/summerhouse providing a fantastic spot for entertaining or simply to get away from modern life. Adjoining the studio is a useful store for outdoor equipment. The whole building could be used to create annexe accommodation, subject to the necessary consents. There is also a useful vaulted storeroom with power and lighting under the snug of the main house, which can only be accessed externally, this was part of the original Pele tower.

The formal gardens surround the house and include a patio terrace, manicured lawns with pathways leading to secluded seating areas all surrounded by mature trees, shrubs and hedging. The main lawns are south-facing and capture the best of the sun each day. The raised patio area, accessed from both the sitting room and the kitchen, overlooks the gardens and large lily pond which is a haven for wildlife. A second lily pond is also nestled within the gardens. Moving away from the property there are two very well-maintained small paddocks with unspoiled views. The property is accessed by a gated entrance onto a generous gravelled area next to the house, providing space for around ten cars, with an area of hardstanding at the bottom of the paddock providing yet more space. This area has gated access to the road making it the ideal spot to park horse boxes to approach the paddock. From the parking area at the front of the property there is a gate into a field, the property has a right of way up the side of this field to the church.

Local Information
Boltongate has a thriving village community, set against the backdrop of the Lakeland Fells, with a village hall and 14th Century Grade I listed church. Situated in a peaceful, rural location just outside the northern edge of the Lake District National Park yet with easy access to all that the Lake District has to offer. Renowned local landmarks include nearby Skiddaw, Bassenthwaite and the Uldale Fells. For the outdoor enthusiast the property is ideally placed for fell walking, climbing and cycling, with water sports and boat trips close by.

The nearby villages of Ireby and Uldale provide pubs, a gallery and a tearoom, whilst Caldbeck, Hesket Newmarket and Bassenthwaite offer a range of facilities. Twenty minute’s drive to the south is Keswick, with a thriving community and a range of local amenities including a variety of shops, supermarkets, cafes and public houses, together with hotels, banks, garages, library, doctor and dentist surgeries and a market twice a week. Also nearby is the modern leisure complex, gymnasium and spa at Armathwaite Hall and many different country pursuits to take part in. The pretty market town of Cockermouth is also a twenty minute drive and has an array of boutique shops, schools and leisure facilities. The Old Rectory is positioned well for a range of educational facilities from local primary schools to secondary schools such as Nelson Thomlinson in Wigton which is Ofsted rated Outstanding as well as private schools in both Dalston, Carlisle and Sedbergh. Carlisle also benefits from a College and University.

The border city of Carlisle and the capital of Cumbria, is half an hour by car and offers an array of leisure activities, national and local shops, schools and a cinema.

For the commuter the M6 is within easy reach for onward travel north and south. Main line rail services are available at both Penrith and Carlisle which provide fast and frequent services to London in the south and to Glasgow in the north. The rail station at Carlisle provides regular connecting services east to Newcastle. Connecting trains from Wigton to both Penrith and Carlisle provide National Rail travel 8 miles from the door of the Old Rectory.

Services
Mains electricity and water.

Private drainage to septic tank.

Oil-fired central heating.

Superfast broadband