Birkbank Farm, Mosser, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13

RESIDENTIAL FARM SITUATED IN THE LAKE DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK.

Description

Summary
Birkbank sits in a secluded position amid attractive rolling countryside north of Loweswater and close to Whin Fell, within the Lake District National Park. The market town of Cockermouth is under 4 miles to the north via the A5086, also connecting to the A66 and the wider, national road network. The sale is an opportunity to acquire an attractive ring-fenced residential livestock farm, with potential for further development in the direction of a purchasers’ choosing, be that agriculture, equestrian, or diversified leisure or holiday development (subject to consents).

Birkbank Farm
Birkbank is a ring fenced grassland farm in a private and picturesque location. The farm includes a five bedroom farmhouse and an extensive range of traditional and modern buildings arranged around courtyard, the farmland surrounds the property with the majority lying to the south, undulating and interspersed with mature woodland.

Birkbank Farmhouse
The historic farmhouse sits in a protected position surrounded by the farmland with steading to the north and east. The property is a well-proportioned family home constructed of whitewashed stone under a slate roof. The ground floor accommodation comprises external porch leading to sitting room with log burner, snug area and billiard room partitioned by a stone wall with inset log burner, separate dining room, kitchen dining room with Rayburn Royal cooker and fitted dishwasher and utility room with further storage. The first floor extends to six bedrooms, all with ensuite shower/bathrooms. A particularly interesting feature is a bathroom accessed via a separate staircase in a converted loft space, with outstanding views.

The farmhouse includes a wealth of period features including traditional fireplaces, exposed beams and timber work. To the southern elevation is an enclosed garden rising to meet the surrounding farmland. Mature shrubs and trees shelter the house and the garden could be further enhanced to create an attractive outdoor area. The property has oil fired central heating.

Traditional Farm Buildings
North of the farmhouse is a courtyard of traditional buildings set around a concrete yard. These are predominantly stone built under slate and fibre cement roofs. The buildings are extensive and require some renovation, currently providing significant storage. Predominantly double height, the coach house and lofted barn consist of hayloft and livestock pens. A smaller, single storey barn provides additional storage. There is obvious potential for development into additional residential accommodation, holiday cottages, storage or offices (subject to the necessary consents).

Modern Farm Buildings
Lying further north of the farmhouse is a range of modern farm buildings constructed of predominantly steel portal frames, Yorkshire boarding, fibre cement roofs and block walls. These include two general purpose buildings, providing storage and the potential for improvement with a variety of possibilities. A third building lies east of the core farmstead constructed with steel portal frame and steel profile sheeting.

Land and Woodland
The land surrounds the farmstead undulating between 100 and 210m above sea level, rising to the south and Whin Fell. There is a combination of mowing and grazing land interspersed with approximately 6.74 acres of amenity woodland. The land is surrounded by open countryside to north, east and west with a byway open to all traffic forming the southern boundary.

The land is classified as Grade 4 and 5 under the Agricultural Land Classification, with soils from the Brickfield 2 series, being slowly permeable seasonally waterlogged fine loamy soils, Denbigh 1 series being well drained fine silty soils over rock with slowly permeable subsoils, Manod series with well drained fine loamy or silty soils over rock, and the ‘Hafren’ series, loamy permeable upland soils over rock with a west peaty surface horizon.

The farmland offers the opportunity to focus on commercial livestock production, alternatively there is potential for natural capital and conservation to take prominence.




Acreage: 130.98 Acres

Additional Info

Rights of Way, Easements and Wayleaves - The property is sold subject to and with the benefit of all wayleaves, easements and rights of way whether public or private whether mentioned or not. Local electricity lines cross the land. The farm benefits from a right of way over adjoining land to reach the public highway.

Services - Mains electricity and mains water, with private drainage.

Subsidies and Grants - The land is registered on the Rural Land Registry, the seller has claimed and will retain the Basic Payment (BPS) and any subsequent payments based on previous entitlements and historical claims. The purchaser will indemnify the vendor against any non-compliance from the date of completion. The land does not form part of any Countryside Stewardship Schemes.

Sporting Rights - The sporting rights are included in the sale, in so far as they are owned.

Mineral Rights - The mineral rights are included in the sale, in so far as they are owned.

Local Authority - Cumberland Council

Planning Authority - Land District National Park

Energy Performance Certificate - Band E

Council Tax and Business Rates - The farmhouse is currently occupied and run as a holiday cottage therefore does not attract council tax. The latest rateable value for business rates is currently £5,000 (April 2023).

Tenure - The freehold of the property is offered for sale with vacant possession on completion.

VAT - We understand the land is not opted to tax for VAT purposes.

Method of Sale - The farm is offered for sale by private treaty as a whole, offers for part will be considered. All prospective purchasers are encouraged to register their interest with Savills.

Nearest Postcode - CA13 0RB

What3words - ///flasks.cuddling.whirlpool

Viewing - Strictly by appointment with the sole selling agents Savills.

Health and Safety - Given the potential hazards around the farm buildings and land, we ask viewers to be as vigilant as possible when inspecting the properties for their own personal safety.