The Hill & Topiary Cottage, Ings, Kendal, LA8 9QQ

Nestled within beautifully maintained topiary garden grounds and surrounded by picturesque rolling countryside and the River Gowan, The Hill is a superb period property with an adjoining detached cottage, currently operating as a successful bed and breakfast and holiday let. The main residence offers six spacious double bedrooms, four of which benefit from en-suite facilities, alongside three bright and welcoming reception rooms, a well-equipped kitchen with integrated appliances, a useful utility room, and a large cellar. The home retains a wealth of original features while seamlessly incorporating modern fixtures and fittings, offering both charm and comfort in equal measure. The detached cottage, known as Topiary, provides further versatile accommodation with a large open-plan living area, a double bedroom, and a shower room, perfect for guest use, holiday letting, or multigenerational living. This exceptional property presents an ideal opportunity for those seeking a substantial family home or a lifestyle business in a truly idyllic setting.

Directions

For Satnav users enter: LA8 9QQ

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Location

Located in the heart of the sought-after village of Ings and boasting fantastic views towards rolling countryside, this property enjoys a superb position with convenient access to local amenities and nearby destinations, including Staveley and the ever-popular Lake District town of Windermere. Ings itself offers a selection of local highlights, including the renowned Watermill Inn and Brewery, a BP service station and general store, Bike Treks cycle shop, and just up the road, the Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre with its farm shop, butchers, and café. The nearby village of Staveley provides additional amenities such as a primary school and a train station, offering excellent transport links.

Description

Dating back to 1820 and originally constructed as a Gentleman’s residence, The Hill sits proudly at the top of a private stone-chipped drive, accompanied by the adjoining Topiary Cottage. Flanked by magnificent lawn gardens with a neatly clipped box hedging and a charming patio seating area, The Hill features an impressive solid front door with arched stone detailing. This opens into an entrance hall with attractive tiled flooring, leading to three elegant reception rooms and a well-appointed kitchen. Stairs rise to the first floor, while a concealed staircase provides access to the spacious cellar below.

Overlooking the impressive gardens are two generous reception rooms, a living room and a formal dining room, each featuring gas fires. The lounge boasts an arched recessed alcove beside the fire, while the dining room includes an original built-in cupboard. Positioned at the far end of the hall is the sitting room, another spacious reception area with a gas fire, original built-in cupboard, and a charming window seat.

The sleek kitchen features a range of white gloss storage cupboards paired with a complementary worktop, offering generous preparation space. Set into the worktop is a one-and-a-half bowl sink with mixer tap and a five-ring Neff gas hob. Integrated appliances include a twin Neff electric hide and slide oven/grill, two fridges, a microwave, dishwasher, and washing machine, all neatly housed within the units for a streamlined look.

Beyond the kitchen lies a practical utility room with additional space for white goods. An external door provides access to the rear drive, which in turn leads to the rear garden and the adjoining Topiary Cottage.

Concealed stairs lead down to the cellar, offering ideal cold storage as well as extensive space for general household and seasonal items.

The first-floor landing provides access to all four bedrooms and a Jack and Jill style house bathroom. Three of the bedrooms are generous doubles, each benefitting from a private en-suite shower room and ample space for freestanding furniture. The master bedroom enjoys views over the impressive front gardens and is enhanced by fitted wardrobes, overhead storage, and a spacious en-suite bathroom, which is also accessible from the landing.

The second floor offers two additional bedrooms, both enjoying elevated views of the rolling countryside through Velux windows, along with useful eaves storage. The larger of the two is a spacious double or twin room, while the sixth bedroom is currently used as an office and craft room but could easily accommodate a double bed and freestanding wardrobes if desired. Completing the second floor is the bathroom, which includes a bath with wall mounted electric shower, WC and pedestal basin.

The impressive gardens surrounding The Hill are a true highlight of the property, beautifully landscaped and thoughtfully maintained. Expansive lawn areas are bordered by a variety of established, colourful planting, with striking topiary trees and neatly clipped box hedging adding structure and character. Paved pathways wind gracefully through the grounds, leading to a charming patio area ideal for outdoor dining and relaxation. To the side of the property, a more practical garden area features garden sheds and a greenhouse, perfect for keen gardeners or those seeking additional storage.

The gardens extend around to the rear of the property, where you'll find Topiary Cottage, a beautifully converted, detached single-storey barn offering stylish, self-contained accommodation with a high vaulted ceiling and exposed oak beams. This charming conversion features a spacious open-plan living and dining area with a gas fire and glazed doors that open onto a flagged patio, perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining. The dining area seamlessly connects to a modern fitted kitchen, equipped with a range of cupboards and worktops, a stainless steel one-and-a-half bowl sink with mixer tap, and a four-ring electric hob. Integrated appliances include an electric oven/grill, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.

The generously sized double bedroom provides ample space for freestanding wardrobes and drawers, while the contemporary shower room features a corner enclosure with a wall-mounted electric shower, WC, and a wash basin set into a sleek vanity unit.

The gardens surrounding Topiary Cottage feature a generous lawn bordered by colourful, well-established planting beds, creating a tranquil and picturesque setting. A charming pond adds to the peaceful atmosphere, while a paved seating area provides the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the gentle sounds of the River Gowan and the open views across neighbouring farmland.

Tenure

Freehold.

Services

Mains gas, electricity and water.