Silverdale, Carnforth, Lancashire

Enjoying stunning bay views, Mawsons is set within approximately 5.7 ACRES of beautifully maintained gardens, offering a rare blend of space, privacy and natural beauty.
PLANNING PERMISSION has been granted to extend the property, creating a spacious three-bedroom home.

Located just a short drive from the LAKE DISTRICT, this unique setting combines coastal charm with easy access to one of the UK’s most celebrated landscapes.Mawsons is entered through an enchanting walled garden via bespoke oak gates, handcrafted with beautiful stained-glass panels. Beyond them lies one of the area's most captivating hidden gardens.

Crossing the threshold, the outside world disappears, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace, privacy and calm. This remarkable entrance offers an unforgettable first impression and perfectly introduces the extraordinary landscape beyond.

As the garden unfolds, winding paths lead through beautifully designed spaces towards the original Summer House, revealing ever-changing vistas at every turn. Mature specimen trees, many approaching a century in age, provide structure and shade, while dramatic limestone rockeries, expansive lawns and carefully framed viewpoints encourage exploration from every direction. Every walk reveals something different, making the gardens a constant source of discovery throughout the seasons.

Originally created as the 'Top Garden' of the former Grey Walls Estate (now Ridgeway Park), the gardens were designed during the 1920s by Thomas Mawson & Son.

Thomas Mawson was one of the most celebrated landscape architects of his generation, commissioned by clients including Lord Leverhulme, Queen Alexandra, the King of Greece, Indian royalty and numerous Canadian cities. He was also the founder of the Institute of Landscape Architecture, and his influence continues to shape landscape design today.

Following decades of neglect after changes in ownership, the current owner has painstakingly restored these remarkable gardens, carefully revealing Mawson's original vision. Designed during the latter part of his career, the garden beautifully demonstrates the principles that defined his life's work.

Mawson's masterful use of the local landscape is evident throughout. Vast limestone terraces, dramatic retaining walls and areas of natural limestone pavement blend seamlessly with cultivated gardens and sweeping lawns, creating a landscape that feels both monumental and entirely natural. Original stonework enhances the exposed limestone, celebrating the geology that defines this important landscape.

Today, the extraction of limestone is protected, meaning a garden of this scale and character could never be recreated.

Beyond the house, the gardens continue towards spectacular terraces overlooking Morecambe Bay. Woodland paths weave through cool shaded glades before opening onto sunny clearings with breathtaking views stretching from the Kent Estuary to Blackpool Tower. Positioned beside the RSPB nature reserve, the grounds provide an exceptional setting for wildlife, birdwatching and peaceful enjoyment of the surrounding landscape.

The limestone landscape provides the perfect environment for an extraordinary collection of mature and unusual trees, shrubs and plants. Many original specimens continue to flourish, creating exceptional seasonal colour, texture and biodiversity throughout the gardens.

Mawson's philosophy of working with nature rather than against it is beautifully demonstrated here, producing a landscape that feels timeless, harmonious and richly rewarding.

Situated within the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, Mawsons enjoys one of the country's most treasured protected settings. Positioned on the shores of Morecambe Bay, the area is renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, ancient woodland, limestone pavements and welcoming community.

The spirit of Thomas Mawson remains woven into every corner of these extraordinary gardens.

Whether you are a passionate gardener, an admirer of historic landscapes or simply searching for an exceptional private retreat, Mawsons offers an environment unlike any other.

The gardens evolve continuously with the changing seasons, ensuring there is always something new to enjoy. For the next custodian, there is an exciting opportunity to continue their careful stewardship while adding a personal chapter to this remarkable landscape.

Discreetly positioned throughout the grounds are several useful outbuildings, including a substantial workshop with power and an attractive living roof. Subject to the appropriate consents, this building offers excellent potential as a home office, studio or additional accommodation.

Two further outbuildings provide practical storage for machinery, firewood and garden equipment, one of which also benefits from a sedum roof that complements the surrounding landscape.

To the northern boundary lies a substantial open area enclosed by mature woodland and adjoining National Trust land to both the north and east. Naturally separated from the principal gardens, this area offers potential for an additional dwelling, subject to the necessary planning permissions, while preserving the privacy and integrity of the original Mawson landscape.

Positioned at the very heart of the gardens stands the original stone-built Summer House, offering beautifully presented one-bedroom accommodation.

Thoughtfully renovated by the current owner using carefully selected materials and sustainable design principles, the property makes the most of its remarkable setting while retaining its historic charm.

Recognised as a non-designated heritage asset, the Summer House is an integral part of the garden's story. While the photographs convey its beauty, they can only hint at the remarkable atmosphere, scale and experience of this truly unique landscape.

Planning permission has been granted to significantly extend the existing Summer House, creating a substantial home with additional bedrooms and generous living accommodation. To enhance the property further, a favourable pre-application advice has been given for a larger extension suitable for family living.

The approved design has been carefully conceived to maximise the spectacular outlook across Morecambe Bay while respecting the historic significance of both the building and its remarkable garden setting.