Great Salkeld, Penrith
Guide price £950,000

This beautifully restored Grade II Listed 6 bedroom country residence is set within a plot of just under 1 acre and is an exceptionally charming country home offering a unique blend of history, luxury and accessibility.

Nestled amongst mature woodland, just on the boundary between the village and the picture-book countryside of the River Eden valley, it sits in a distinctive position, enjoying views to the far-reaching Pennine Fells, whilst retaining the seclusion, privacy and tranquility of its two walled gardens

With breathtaking views of the Pennine Fells AONB, this sensitively restored Grade II Listed country-residence whispers tales of centuries past. Believed to trace its origins back to medieval times as a fortified tower house circa 1390, the property flourished through the Jacobean and Georgian eras, evolving into the stunning six-bedroom home it is today. Impeccably presented and brimming with character, this charming home boasts a wealth of original features, including exposed beams, stone floors, mullioned windows, and vaulted ceilings

Step inside and be captivated by the flexible accommodation, beginning with an entrance hallway featuring a vaulted beamed ceiling and an impressive fireplace. The dining kitchen lies at the heart of the original tower-house, , complete with an AGA, integrated appliances, and a charming traditional window seat. Relax in the Jacobean lounge with exposed beams and a wood-burning stove or descend the stone staircase to the historic wine cellar. Also accessed from the kitchen, the East wing houses a spacious dining room, a snug/TV room with a Jotul stove and original wooden window shutters, and an elegant Georgian drawing room adorned with ornate cornicing, and a door leading to the South walled garden. The ground floor is completed by a scullery (back kitchen and WC), a plant room/kennel, and a rear hall with second staircase to the bedrooms (with half-landing WC). Ascend the 17th Century central staircase, graced by an ornate window with historic stained-glass coat of arms dating back to 1674, (thought to be the oldest stained-glass window in a residential property in Cumbia) to discover six double bedrooms on the first floor, including a master suite with a walk-in wardrobe and two family bathrooms; one being a ‘Jack & Jill Bathroom.

Each window throughout this wonderful home is blessed with spectacular views across its beautiful grounds or towards the North Pennine Fells AONB.

Externally, two beautiful, secluded, peaceful and easy-to-maintain walled gardens offer verdant lawns, inviting terraces, well-stocked flower beds, and an established orchard and vegetable garden. Ample parking is provided for numerous vehicles within the courtyard and to the rear, and two stone gazebos in the North walled garden offer ideal space for potting and garden storage. In addition to this there is a dog kennel area, with internal access to the plant room.

All set within a plot of just under 1 acre, this exceptionally charming country-home offers a unique blend of history, luxury, seclusion, and accessibility.

Location
Great Salkeld village is highly desirable, being both superbly located in the picturesque River Eden valley, with easy access to the neighbouring villages of Lazonby and Langwathby (both with a local shop), and three lovely country pubs (in the village of Great Salkeld, and at Langwathby and Edenhall), and a very active village community with village hall, classical music concerts at Dufton House, and the beautiful Nunwick Cricket Club ground).

Beckbank is also less than 5 miles to the vibrant market town of Penrith, which boasts an array of amenities, high quality schools, and excellent transport links. Notably, the location also affords very easy access to the M6, to the A66, and to the West Coast Mainline (Penrith railway station is about 12 minutes by car) with direct trains to London Euston (3 hours), Edinburgh (2 hours), and Glasgow (1½ hours).

Historical information provided by the vendor
We have been advised by the current vendor that in June 2024, circa 30 members of Cumbria Vernacular Buildings Group (CVBG) undertook a comprehensive study-day at Beckbank Farmhouse to ascertain its likely origins from observable evidence. A copy of their report, published in the September 2024 CVBG newsletter is available to potential purchasers. In summary:
•Beckbank was founded in Late Medieval times (circa 1390) as a fortified medieval tower house, together with a defensible walled yard (a barmkin), Beckbank was particularly unusual, being constructed of only two storeys: this presumably taking advantage of a smaller tower being hidden from view by the adjacent dyke. That wooded dyke (now owned by Nunwick Estate) is actually an esker - a natural post-glacial feature.
•Beckbank was later extended in Jacobean times (circa 1670) by William Dalton, 5th Son of John Dalton of Acorn Bank at Temple Sowerby (see the stained-glass coat of arms in the stairwell window). It has long been reputed that the house was then a covert meeting place for Catholic dissenters, connected with the earlier Knights Templar movement. It supposedly contained a secret underground passage for the conspirators to escape from the Kings Guard: some evidence has recently been discovered that may support this local folklore.
•Beckbank later became residence for a number of prominent local yeoman farmers and vicars, being remodelled extensively in Georgian times, including the addition of two beautiful, tranquil walled gardens.

Services
Oil Central Heating
Mains electricity & water

Drainage is via a newly installed (2025) bio-digester for 20 persons, shared with the neighbouring property
Broadband supplier & speed: B4RN (2024) - 750mbps
The property is 'fitted for' (pipes) solar heated water

There will be a communal area maintenance charge for the shared elements with the neighbouring Esker House (formerly Beckbank Barn). These include the maintenance of the drive/courtyard (occasional re-newal of gravel) and the Digester - Annual maintenance and electricity, apportioned 60/40 (Farmhouse/Barn).

Beckbank Farm was fully renovated from 2002 – 2005 with further improvements made in 2009 when the roof was raised and insulated.

EPC & Council Tax
EPC – exempt – Grade II Listed
Council Tax - F

Disclaimer
These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate are set out as a general guideline and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending Purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. The services, systems, and appliances shown may not have been tested and has no guarantee as to their operability or efficiency can be given. All floor plans are created as a guide to the lay out of the property and should not be considered as a true depiction of any property and constitutes no part of a legal contract.