Gillside, Grasmere, Ambleside, LA22 9RU

Home
*  Unique, traditional Lakeland stone slate farmhouse with amazing views of the surrounding fells
*  Grade II listed
*  It is completely isolated up a long driveway, cut off, the highest house in the valley
*  The garden, which was designed by Hayes and has been maintained by the same gardener for 35 years
*  Some parts of the house date back to the 1700s
*  Hand-built kitchen by Mark Wilkinson with a gas Aga (Miele dishwasher and built-in Fridge)
*  4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 reception rooms
 
Services
*  Mains water (which is free due to a deed with the water authority)
*  Main gas, drainage, and electricity
*  Single-glazed windows
*  Freehold
*  Council Tax band 'G'
*  Cannot be used as a holiday let
 
Grounds and location
*  An acre and a half plot, including a small field at the back
*  Various seating areas
*  Parking for 2 cars and a garage
*  The front garden faces Southwest
*  Fell views (Helm Crag, Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Steel Fell - all walkable from the house)
 
Turn off the A591 by The Yan bistro and follow the country lane along, before following a quarter of a mile of private driveway, where Gillside reveals itself from amidst the hummocks and grassy knolls as you round a corner for the big reveal.

Gillside, a 1700s, whitewashed, chocolate box, Lake District cottage sits in blissful isolation, surrounded by idyllic views.

Parking up, the instantly recognisable outlines of Helm Crag, Fairfield, Seat Sandal and Steel Fell - all walkable from the house - greet you as you make your way up the stone steps, through the garden and to the front door.

Beneath a covered entrance, step into the porch and through into the Mark Wilkinson fitted kitchen, where the cosy country farmhouse welcome is instant. After a bracing autumnal hike on the fells, what could be more inviting than the whistle of a kettle on the Aga, infusing the room with its warmth.

Farmhouse rustic décor is the theme throughout the home, creamy neutral tones in homage to the home's heritage. Beams are a recurrent motif, signifying, alongside the changing ceiling heights, the different ages of the rooms (the original cottage dates back to the 1700s with two later additions, one Victorian). Surprisingly, for a home of Gillside's antiquity and isolation, the home is on mains gas and drainage, and also benefits from its own private water supply.

Modern cream tiles underfoot belie the original slate flooring that runs throughout the home, now tucked away beneath carpet and tiles. A well-equipped kitchen, the double Belfast sink sits within the Honister Slate worktops, with the solid wood cabinets also accommodating a Miele dishwasher and Miele fridge. Dine at the farmhouse table in front of the window, where far reaching views of the fells enhance the appetite.

Turning right, make your way through to the snug, whose low ceiling crossed with timbers indicates its vintage. A central room, joining the kitchen and lounge, relax with a book and enjoy the peace and quiet whilst admiring the countryside views.

Opening up from the snug, make your way through to the lounge, a comfortable and cosy room, where the carpet flows through from the preceding room. Light enters and views beckon through a glazed door to the garden and a large window. With the log-burning stove ablaze within its stone inglenook in wintertime, where better to retire after dinner with a glass of wine? Well-proportioned for entertaining, there is plenty of sofa space for guests.

Beyond, access the study, where the reliable internet and phone service allows you to work from home in comfort. An original fireplace in the corner could be opened up and a log burner installed should you wish. A relaxing hobby room too, pull up a chair and ponder over a puzzle. Across from the window (framing bucolic views out towards Helm Crag) a robust wooden door opens to the dairy room, another nod to the past, currently serving as a handy heated storage room - ideal for all your outdoor gear.

Returning to the snug, take the stairs up, turning right part way to sneak a peek at the incredibly convenient utility room, with boiler and plumbing for washing machine, Belfast sink, and with direct access out to the garden. Leading on to a sizeable WC, consider the potential to reconfigure this room to create a larger laundry room.

Continuing up the stairs, arrive at the first-floor minstrels gallery landing, where the unique panelling reveals part of the home's Grade II listing.
Freshen up in the bathroom to the right, featuring a bath with power shower over, alongside a WC and wash basin.

Continuing along the inner landing, whose curved ceiling contains a large, light-infusing Velux, make your way ahead into the main bedroom. Windows to both sides ensure the fell top views are an ever-present artwork. Spacious and bright, there is access to a part boarded loft above.

Lie in bed and look out through the window at the mist creeping up the valley, and the morning light on Helm Crag - a magical sight. Listen for the piercing sound of RAF fighter jets as they fly so low along the valley, and the thunder of the ghyll in full spate as it shakes the ground.

Returning along the inner landing and onto the main, minstrels gallery landing, turn immediately right through a traditional latched door into bedroom four. Cream carpet and walls offer a restful mood, with a window framing views out to the garden from this spacious bedroom. Note the impressive original wall, as you step through to an adjoining twin bedroom, with exposed beams in the walls and ceiling, cream carpet underfoot and views out over the garden and fells.

Returning to the landing, at the far end, on the right, arrive at bedroom two, another sizeable room, currently accommodating twin beds. The ceiling feels high, dipping with the roofline on its furthest edge by the window. Every bedroom soaks up stunning views over the fells; there is no compromise.

At the end of the landing, freshen up in the shower room with power shower, wash basin and WC. There is also a deep linen cupboard with shelving and a hot water tank.

Outside, the wraparound gardens hold Gillside in their natural embrace, their planting scheme utterly in harmony with the surroundings; almost an extension of the fellsides beyond.

Secluded and serene, private and peaceful, the views are inimitable. Originally landscaped and designed by a former Hayes gardener, whose services have been retained for over 35 years by successive owners at Gillside, the flow of the garden is unique, with pockets of privacy, shelter, sunshine and shade to enjoy.

Beyond a gate there is access to a field, also owned by Gillside, extending the sense of oneness with the surrounding land. Enjoy afternoons in the garden in perfect isolation, save for the occasional lost fell walker.

For those seeking privacy, solitude, rest and relaxation in the heart of the fells, Gillside offers secluded sanctuary with warmth and character.

** For more photos and information, download the brochure on desktop. For your own hard copy brochure, or to book a viewing please call the team **

Council Tax Band: G
Tenure: Freehold