4 Falcon Crag, Cowan Head, Burneside, The Lake District, LA8 9HL

An exclusive private residential estate that is without compare. Popular as both primary residences and as second homes, the apartments, leisure facilities and grounds of the secure estate at Cowan Head are different to anything else available in the Lake District. Tucked away in a peaceful setting, Cowan Head is easy to reach off the main A591 which runs between Kendal and Windermere and is highly accessible from the M6.

This tranquil residential community was created on the site of a former 18th century paper mill and has been meticulously designed and built in stages over the last thirty or so years to provide luxurious, riverside cottages, apartments and duplexes set within 47 acres and all having exclusive access to a private stretch of the River Kent with fishing rights, a 9 hole golf course and an indoor leisure suite with swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. Footpaths open to a network of great local walks in the wider area. Rain or shine, there is something to do here.

This well presented and attractively appointed first floor apartment has a centre piece, show stopping and exceptionally spacious open plan living arrangement with a super covered balcony commanding beautiful views. There is also a great reception hall with useful store cupboards, two double ensuite bedrooms, a third good-sized bedroom (now fitted out as a luxury dressing room and office) and a family shower room. Within the garage there is allocated parking for two cars and a lockable storeroom.

The privacy and exclusivity of owners residing at Cowan Head is maintained by a restriction against holiday letting throughout the site. 

Location

The beauty of Cowan Head’s location is that it sits in a bubble of tranquility and yet only a short drive takes you to the A591 and from there the whole of the Lake District opens and is waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Whether you seek a first or second home, the location serves as an exceptionally central and accessible base.  

For day-to-day requirements, the Cumbrian market town of Kendal and Lakeland town of Windermere both offer everyday amenities, a choice of supermarkets and services. Nearby Plumgarths is worth a visit as it is home to a whole host of local artisan food producers and has a café too. 

Step inside 

Take the lift, take the stairs, the choice is yours. Alighting at the first floor there is a door to No.4. 

The apartment was purchased new from the developers in 1995 and as a result the opportunity was taken to remodel and upgrade the specification, thereby creating something unique within the development. Throughout most of the apartment timeless oak flooring was laid with matching oak skirting boards and architraves. 

The reception hall was enlarged to create an imposing entrance with plenty of room for meeting, greeting and welcoming guests with the convenience of two good cupboards for storage. 

The proposed separate kitchen, sitting and dining rooms were combined to create one large and very impressive open plan living space. This most sociable of rooms has doors opening to a long, covered balcony which commands direct views over the River Kent’s weir and rockpools to the estate’s private golf course with the fells in the background. The gentle soothing tones of the water create a restful soundtrack to life here. The living area is further enhanced by a pair of oak framed colourful internal glass panels, one depicts the history of the paper mill over the years and the other highlights the wildlife and countryside setting of the development. The panels may be viewed from different angles and particularly striking in the evening as they are illuminated from above. Design inspiration was taken from Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh when the statement fireplace was built, incorporating fender seating, it creates one of several distinct seating area within this overall generous floor space. The distinct lighting within the living area was commissioned to complement the overall aesthetic of this remarkable apartment. 

The kitchen has been designed to work well as part of this exceptionally sociable room, with window seats, a central island and pivoting breakfast table adding flexibility.  

An inner hall provides access to the three bedrooms. The principal bedroom has plenty of room for furniture as well as a small built-in wardrobe for clothes with an integral shoe rack and automatic light. The ensuite bathroom is fully tiled and has a spa bath, floating vanity unit, WC and bidet. The second double bedroom has built-in cupboards, one with plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer. This bedroom also has a fully tiled ensuite bathroom with a spa bath, wash basin and WC. 

The third bedroom has been fitted out as a dressing room with an extensive range of quality Sharps units including a concealed dressing table with lighting and glass fronted drawers having internal storage compartments. The family shower room is fully tiled, has a large rainfall shower with a second handheld head, floating WC and wash basin. 

Finishing touches in the ensuites and shower room include illuminated mirrors, mirrored medicine cabinets, chrome heated towel rails and two have fitted hairdryers.

Light filled and neatly presented; this unique apartment is ready for new owners to start enjoying. 

Step outside into the grounds of this private estate

Privacy and security for all residents is a priority at Cowan Head. Set in 47 acres, the extensive grounds are accessed by a secure entry system including a remote video link from the apartment’s entrance hall to the main gates. 

Gardens and grounds are well maintained by the gardening team and ensure that the estate looks its best all year round. Wherever you are on the estate there are great views, taking in the surrounding vista of the naturally rolling landscape, the fells of the Kentmere Valley and the stunning River Kent which flows through the weir and rock pools. Herons, ducks and kingfishers have been regularly spotted over the years, even salmon in the river – there are fishing rights included for all residents.  

A significant advantage of Cowan Head is the leisure facilities available exclusively for residents. There is an indoor swimming pool with surrounding seating terrace, hot tub, steam room and sauna. To ease tired legs after a long walk on the fells or as way to entertain visiting grandchildren, what could be better? For even great amenity value, there is also a 9 hole golf course within the grounds.  

On the ground floor of the building is the parking provision, there are two private spaces for No.4 and for your guests there are additional, unassigned spaces elsewhere on the estate. Also on the ground floor, the apartment has a private lockable storeroom, ideal for golf clubs, bikes and outdoor gear.   

Services

Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas fired central heating from a Vaillant boiler in the kitchen. 

Broadband

Superfast speeds potentially available from Openreach of 69 Mbps download and for uploading 16 Mbps. 

Mobile

Indoor: Three is reported as providing ‘limited’ services for both Voice and Data. O2 and Vodafone are reported as providing ‘limited’ Voice services but no Data service. EE is not reported as providing any services.  

Outdoor: EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone are all reported as providing ‘likely’ Voice and Data services. 

Broadband and mobile information provided by Ofcom.

Local Authority charges 

Westmorland and Furness Council – Council Tax band G

Tenure

Long leasehold for the balance of a 999 year lease which commenced in 1991. The freehold is vested in the management company, each resident being a shareholder in that company. An annual service charge of £5375 (2025/26), payable quarterly in advance, covers full maintenance of the development including lifts, heating and cleaning of common parts, leisure facilities, gardens, ground keeping and buildings insurance. A further £1800 (2025/26), also payable quarterly, is paid into the sinking fund each year. 

Included in the sale 

Curtains, curtain poles, blinds, light fittings and integral kitchen appliances as follows: NEFF hob, De Dietrich fan and electric oven, Liebherr drawer fridge, NEFF drawer freezer, Bosch dishwasher, filter water tap, Miele washing machine and tumble dryer. 

Other items of furniture and the TVs are available by further negotiation.

Please note

To preserve the privacy and exclusivity of the Cowan Head estate it is not possible to let the apartments for holidays. Domestic animals are permitted on site.  

Directions 

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Use Sat Nav LA8 9HL with reference to the directions below:

From M6 J36 take the A591, north of Kendal at Plumgarths Roundabout take the second exit, following signs for Windermere.  Continue and after the short stretch of dual carriageway and as the road drops down the hill pass the petrol station on the right and take the first right signposted Burneside and Cowan Head.  Follow the road for approx. 0.75 mile and turn left at the Cowan Head signpost. The gated site is accessed via a secure gate.