Mirk Howe, Crosthwaite, Kendal, LA8 8HX

Home:
* 4 double bedrooms
* Late 18th-to early 19th-century detached farmhouse, beautifully restored and maintained
* Planning permission granted for an additional bedroom and study
* Immaculate interiors combining period character with modern comfort
* Spacious kitchen extension and complete electrical, plumbing and heating upgrades
* 2 bathrooms plus a downstairs cloakroom
* Generous proportions throughout with far-reaching countryside views from every window

Services:
* Mains electricity and water with LPG and oil-fired central heating
* Underfloor heating in bathrooms (dry system)
* Septic tank located in the garden, emptied annually
* Double-glazed windows throughout
* Good mobile coverage and average broadband speed
* Security alarm system installed

Grounds and Location:
* 36 acres of land completely surrounding the house, offering rare privacy and seclusion
* Long private driveway with lots of parking
* Extensive lawns, greenhouse, and productive vegetable beds
* Mature monkey puzzle tree and established gardens with open rural views
* South-facing garden capturing the sun throughout the day
* Situated in the heart of the Lyth Valley, within easy reach of Crosthwaite village and Kendal
* Surrounded by outstanding walking routes and peaceful Lakeland scenery

A Welcome with Character
The approach is as impressive as the house itself. A long, sweeping private drive leads through open fields, flanked by mature trees and dry-stone walls, before arriving at the gardens. Every acre you pass belongs to the house, reinforcing the sense of privacy and permanence. A graceful monkey puzzle tree marks the entrance, while landscaped borders and a traditional greenhouse lend charm to the setting.

Stepping inside, the entrance hall sets the tone. Spacious and inviting, it introduces the warmth and character that define this home. Light pours in through generous windows, while exposed beams above remind you of the house's history. This is a hall designed not only to greet but also to welcome, with room for seating and a natural flow through to the main living spaces.

The sitting room lies to the left, a bright, comfortable room with views to two sides. A wood-burning stove anchors the space, promising warmth on winter evenings. Close by, a snug offers a cosier retreat, with windows on three sides framing the gardens and fields. Both rooms carry the character of a traditional farmhouse, yet feel spacious and light, ideal for family living.

The dining room has a natural elegance, perfectly proportioned for entertaining. Leading to the garden room, it opens into a space designed for all seasons. In summer, light floods through wide panes of glass and french doors open to the terrace. In winter, the views of the valley and hills beyond create a serene backdrop for evenings with friends or family.
At the heart of the home, the kitchen combines practicality with style. Generous work surfaces, space for a breakfast table or sofas, and direct access to the garden make this a natural gathering point. French doors invite the outside in, creating a fluid connection to the terrace and lawns. Every room on the ground floor is connected, allowing the house to flow seamlessly for everyday life and larger gatherings alike.

First Floor Comfort
A graceful staircase rises from the hall to a light-filled landing where beams span the ceiling and windows frame the countryside. Each bedroom carries its own character, enhanced by views across fields and woodland.
The principal suite is a retreat in itself. With windows overlooking both the gardens and the wider valley, it combines tranquillity with grandeur. A dressing room and en-suite shower room complete the suite, while space for seating adds to its sense of calm.

Two further bedrooms are generous doubles, both filled with light and enjoying views over the land. Exposed beams and original details remind you of the house's history, while proportions and finishes provide comfort. A fourth bedroom sits nearby, also well-sized and versatile for guests, children, or a study.
The family bathroom is as memorable as it is practical, with a freestanding bath positioned to make the most of views across the valley. Overhead, more beams add texture and heritage, turning a daily ritual into a moment of pleasure.

Gardens and Land
The gardens immediately surrounding the house are landscaped yet manageable, with lawns, seating terraces, and kitchen gardens. A productive vegetable patch, fruit trees, and a greenhouse allow for homegrown produce, while private corners provide restful spots to follow the sun through the day.

Beyond lie the thirty-six acres that make Mirk Howe truly exceptional. Pasture and meadow stretch out around the house, bordered by woodland and stone walls. The land is currently let informally to a local farmer for grazing, a practical arrangement that ensures the fields are well cared for while maintaining flexibility for future owners. Whether you dream of keeping horses, creating a wildlife haven, or simply enjoying the space as it is, the possibilities are endless.

Barns and Outbuildings
The scale of Mirk Howe is matched by its range of outbuildings. A vast barn, extending to nearly 3,000 sq. ft., stands ready for reinvention. It could serve as a dramatic events space, an artist's studio, or a leisure suite. Plans once explored the idea of a wedding venue. With imagination and the right permissions, the barn offers extraordinary scope.
Additional outbuildings, totalling more than 1,400 sq. ft., provide flexible spaces for storage, workshops, or offices. Each has its own access and services, with potential for change of use. For buyers seeking not just a home but a lifestyle, these structures offer both practicality and opportunity.

A Village with Heart
Mirk Howe lies on the edge of Crosthwaite, a charming Lyth Valley village known for its strong community and outstanding primary school. The village hall hosts regular events, bringing neighbours together, while footpaths weave through fields and woodland from the doorstep. Despite its peaceful setting, the house is exceptionally well-connected. Windermere is only fifteen minutes away, Kendal twenty, and the M6 within half an hour. Oxenholme station provides fast rail links to London, making national connections straightforward.

A Rare Opportunity
Few homes in the Lake District combine history, land, and lifestyle quite as Mirk Howe does. With its welcoming farmhouse, thirty-six acres of private land, and a suite of barns and outbuildings, it offers more than a place to live. It is a chance to create a way of life, whether as a family estate, a second home with space for guests, or a base for imaginative ventures.

Mirk Howe is a house of charm and substance, set within a landscape of rare beauty. It is ready for its next chapter - and for those who value heritage, privacy, and possibility, it is ready to become home.

** 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 **

As prescribed by the Money Laundering Regulations 2017, we are by law required to conduct anti-money laundering checks on all potential buyers, and we take this responsibility very seriously. In line with HMRC guidelines, our trusted partner, Coadjute, will securely manage these checks on our behalf. A non-refundable fee of £45 + VAT per person (£120 + VAT if purchasing via a registered company) will apply for these checks, and Coadjute will handle the payment for this service. These anti-money laundering checks must be completed before we can send the memorandum of sale. Please contact the office if you have any questions in relation to this.


Tenure: Freehold