Nibthwaite Mills, Nibthwaite, Ulverston LA12 8DE

Located in the glorious Lake District National Park, high on the banks of the picturesque River Crake, just a mile from Coniston Water, this 18th century former iron furnace and bobbin mill has been sympathetically converted to create an impressive, spacious and characterful country home – one that is undoubtedly totally unique one that embraces and emphasises the wealth of original features, charming aesthetics and lovely views.

Established as an iron furnace in 1736, Nibthwaite Mills has a rich industrial history in the area until the end of the Second World War. It was acquired in the 1980s in a derelict state and underwent a complete renovation and reconfiguration to create a beautiful Grade II* Listed home.  

In summary, the accommodation offers a kitchen open to a garden/dining room, sitting room, four bedrooms, one of which is ensuite, house bathroom and extensive storage.  
Outside are terraced gardens which run down to the mill pond and river, offering a selection of seating areas as well as a stretch of 150m river frontage. There is a single garage and private parking.  

A great location for those that want a quieter central Lake District location, highly accessible for exploring the National Park but without the crowds. Your own slice of Lake District heaven.  

Location 

Within the Crake Valley in the Lake District National Park, Low Nibthwaite is a small rural community located on a private lane approached off the East of Lake Road that runs alongside Coniston Water, famous for its connections with Donald Campbell, Arthur Ransome and John Ruskin. Situated just under a mile south of Coniston Water, it inhibits a delightfully peaceful, quiet and unspoilt setting.    

The Lakes has much to offer anyone keen on an active country lifestyle; it’s easy to appreciate Low Nibthwaite’s accessibility to the central lakes for outdoor pursuits; walking, hiking, running, cycling, swimming… However, if that all sounds too energetic, it’s a lovely place for rest and relaxation, embracing downtime and enjoying a gear shift to a slower pace.  

As the nearest town and in terms of general amenities Ulverston offers a broad selection of independent retailers and supermarkets with regional high-end chain Booths as well as M&S Food and Aldi to choose between. From a cultural point of view the town hosts a full calendar of events throughout the year with festivals (Another Fine Fest (music and arts), Walk Fest, Lantern Festival, Retro Rendezvous, two dedicated music festivals, the Dickensian Festival amongst others) and seasonal celebrations (the summer fair, Ulverston and North Lonsdale country show and the St George’s Day Pageant to name but a few). As a town, Ulverston is bursting with life and activity. The villages of Coniston and Hawkshead are also to hand and offer daily essentials and services.       

Low Nibthwaite is easy to reach by car off the main A590 with train stations at Ulverston, Lancaster and Oxenholme. Rural it may be, isolated it is not. 

Step inside  

A complete one off, this Grade II* 18th century former iron furnace and bobbin mill offers spacious and immensely characterful accommodation arranged over four levels.  

The front door opens into a useful entrance porch from where glazed windows capture an aspect down to the lower ground floor bedroom giving a glimpse of an exposed stone wall and archway that was formerly the access for the carriages delivering charcoal to the furnace. 

The kitchen is fitted with timeless appeal with granite worktops over wooden cabinets. It’s partially open to the garden/dining room with has a vast window commanding fantastic views over the garden to the River Crake. The triple aspect sitting room is quite extraordinary, a huge space with high vaulted ceiling, exposed trusses and beams.  From here there are beautiful views to be enjoyed across the extensive gardens towards the River Crake.  

Adding to flexibility, the bedroom accommodation is arranged over two floors. With great views, the principal bedroom is on the ground floor and has extensive custom built-in storage and an ensuite bathroom fitted in a contemporary style with both a Kohler Jacuzzi bath and a large separate shower. The remaining three bedrooms are on the lower ground floor.  

Bedroom 2, as seen from the entrance hall, features the original stone archway which makes for a striking feature. Bedroom 3 has a lovely aspect and exposed stone wall. The fourth bedroom is a single with similar views. These three bedrooms are served by the house bathroom, appointed in a contemporary manner, this time having a shower over the bath.  

Step outside 

The private grounds of Nibthwaite Mills are a secluded haven that naturally attracts the abundant local wildlife. There are regular sightings of otters, kingfishers and many fish species in the waterway. Hidden seating areas are found across the gardens, interconnected by wrought iron bridges and steps that extend across to the mill pond to a raised seating terrace above the River Crake. This is a great spot to make the most of the fishing rights (around 150 m) or you can take a stroll down the private banking that runs between the mill pond and river down to a private sluice. The elevated decked terrace accessed from the dining area is the perfect vantage point to enjoy garden views with the gentle sounds of the river adding to the relaxing atmosphere. The natural shrubbery planting creates relatively low maintenance spaces, ideal if you are seeking a second home or have other ideas for valuable downtime.  

There is the potential for alternative power sources. The constant running water in the lower sluice provides the opportunity of a micro hydro system. 

Practically, there is parking for three vehicles on the drive which extends down to the attached single garage. Steps from within the garage lead down to the large cool cellar that runs the length of the original house. This is a great space for storage and houses the original furnace of the mill. 

Services 

Mains water and electric. Economy 7 electric heating. Private drainage to a septic tank.  

Wood burning stove in the garden/dining room. Multi fuel stove in the sitting room. For those so minded, the river presents the potential for a mini hydroelectric scheme. 

Broadband 

Superfast speeds potentially available from Openreach of 33 Mbps download and for uploading 5 Mbps.  

Mobile 

Indoor: O2 are reported as providing ‘likely’ services for Voice and ‘limited’ services for Data. Vodafone are reported as providing ‘limited’ services for both Voice and Data. EE and Three does not report as providing any services.  

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

Broadband and mobile information provided by Ofcom. 

Local Authority charges  

Westmorland and Furness Council – Council Tax band G 

Tenure 

Freehold  

Included in the sale  

Fitted carpets, curtains, curtain poles, blinds, light fittings and integral domestic appliances. 

Please note 

The private road outside is owned by Nibthwaite Mills with access rights for the lower properties. Upkeep is shared between users.  

There is a transfer licence with the Environment Agency for water entering the mill stream.  

The property is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument (Historic England ref 1225382). 

Directions  

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Use Sat Nav LA12 8DE with reference to the directions below: 

From the south turn off the A590 at Greenodd and proceed north on the A5902 for approximately 2 miles fork right towards Lowick/Coniston on the A5084 until you reach a small cross roads at Lowick Bridge. Turn immediate right (The Red Lion Inn is visible on the left), then turn immediately left over the river and continue north for approximately 1 mile, turn left at the red post box in the wall, the road is signed as a Private Road. Nibthwaite Mills is located second on the right.  

If approaching from Ambleside, drive south to Coniston and follow the A5084 to Lowick Bridge. At the  cross roads turn left over the bridge and then follow the directions (as above).