1 Ellerbank, Cowan Head, Burneside, The Lake District, LA8 9HX

An exclusive and private residential estate that is without compare. Enjoyed as both primary residences and as second homes, the properties, leisure facilities and gated grounds of the secure estate at Cowan Head are in a different league to anything else built in the Lake District. Cowan Head is easy to reach off the main A591, it inhabits a peaceful setting, between Kendal and Windermere and is highly accessible from the M6.

This unrivalled and 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 duplex (over the ground and first floor) has two substantial reception rooms, both of which have a private covered outdoor seating area, a breakfast kitchen and four double ensuite bedrooms. The primary views are of the pond having the fells as a backdrop with other attractive outlooks around the property. Within the garage there is allocated parking for two cars and a lockable storeroom.

Location

The beauty of Cowan Head’s location is that it sits in a peaceful bubble of tranquility and yet remains only a short drive from 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 village of Staveley has basic supplies, along with a choice of places to enjoy a bite to eat. Nearby Plumgarths is worth a visit as it is home to a whole host of local artisan food producers and has a café too. Slightly further away, the Cumbrian market town of Kendal and Lakeland town of Windermere both offer a wide range of amenities, a choice of supermarkets, local shops and services. 

Step inside 

From the communal entrance hall, take the lift or the stairs to the first floor. The front door opens into a long hallway off which is a store room, a utility room and a cloakroom. Firstly, the deep store room is a great space for outdoor gear and houses the boiler. The utility room is essentially a walk in airing cupboard with shelving and a ceiling mounted airer.  Finally, a guest cloakroom has a wash basin and WC. 

There are three double bedrooms off the hallway. The generously proportioned principal bedroom is extensively fitted and has an ensuite bathroom with a bath, shower, wash basin, bidet and WC. The second bedroom has an ensuite comprising a bath with shower over, a wash basin and WC. The third bedroom has an ensuite providing a bath with shower over, wash basin and WC. 

At the far end of the hallway is the fantastic open plan reception area with ample space for several distinct seating arrangements. A striking modern fireplace has an inset electric fire and provides a focal point in the main seating area, opposite it sliding doors lead out to the covered balcony. The room and balcony both possessing unobstructed views of the picturesque mill pond, the river Kent and beyond both, the fells. It’s a relaxing and interesting vista, one which draws you forward to take in all the layers and details. Completing the first floor layout is a fitted and well equipped breakfast kitchen. 

A staircase from the reception area leads to the ground floor where there is another large room, sliding doors open to a covered seating area underneath the first floor balcony and enjoys the same great view. From here you can step straight out into the landscaped estate grounds. This room is exceptionally versatile, it would lend itself to being a second seating area or possibly a cinema, games or music room. At the far end is a door to the fourth double bedroom, currently fitted out as a dressing room with floor to ceiling wardrobes. Beyond this an ensuite with a large shower, wash basin and WC.  

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 with rock pools and the weir. Within the grounds fishing rights exist for all residents.  

A significant advantage of spending time at Cowan Head are the leisure facilities available exclusively for residents and guests. 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 greater amenity value, there is also a 9 hole golf course within the grounds.  

On the ground floor of the building is the garage, there are two private spaces 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 and hot water from a Vaillant boiler (new in 2023) in the store room.  Two stage security – there is a secure intercom entry system on the front gates and secondly at Ellerbank’s main entrance. 

Mobile and broadband services

For information on broadband and mobile services at the property, we advise prospective purchasers to consult the Ofcom website: checker.ofcom.org.uk  

Local Authority charges 

Westmorland and Furness Council – Council Tax band G.

Please note

The PVC windows were replaced in 2025. 

To preserve privacy and exclusivity for the residents, holiday letting is not permitted.  

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 £1,343.75 (2025/26 figure, payable quarterly in advance) covers full maintenance of the development including lifts, heating and cleaning of common parts, leisure facilities, gardens, grounds keeping and buildings insurance. A further £450.00 (2025/26 figure, also payable quarterly) is paid directly into the reserve fund each year. 

Included in the sale

Fitted carpets, curtains, curtain rails, blinds, light fittings and domestic appliances as follows: NEFF induction hob, Bauknecht fan, fan oven and microwave (both Bosch), Blomberg fridge, freezer and dishwasher (both Bauknecht). Extensive furniture in main bedroom and the wardrobes in bedroom 4.

Other items of furniture are available by way of further negotiation. 

Directions 

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

From M6 J36 take the A591 as it approaches and then bypasses the town of Kendal. North of Kendal drop down to the Plumgarths Roundabout and take the second exit, following signs for Windermere.  Continue, after the short stretch of dual carriageway and as the road drops down the hill you will pass the Esso filling station on the right, now take the first turning 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 secure key entry.