Rubby Banks Road, Cockermouth, CA13 9RG

Ready To Take On A Riverside Refurb? This isn’t a quick lick-of-paint job. There’s no chain, no heating and no shortcuts. Just three floors of versatile space that’s full of potential, in an idyllic riverside spot that certainly doesn’t need updating.   

This substantial end-terrace sits right beside the River Cocker, where you can sit in your garden and watch the water wind its way past. It’s a truly special location - central but surprisingly peaceful and private. But for now, it’s time for hard work rather than riverside daydreaming.

The property needs a full renovation. There’s no central heating, the kitchen is quite small, and everything from wiring to flooring will need attention. 

If that’s the downside, the upside is all the space you get to make your own - there’s plenty of it. Spread over three floors, it has two reception rooms, a large bathroom and three proper double bedrooms.

Because it’s on the end of the terrace, you also get a side garden and a small drive. There’s potential to extend the parking if you prefer practicality, or to keep it as a green spot where you can sit and enjoy the river view.

The ground floor layout is pretty flexible. Many would consider moving the kitchen into the dining room to create a bigger, more sociable space (without the need to extend). 

Upstairs on the first floor there’s a large double bedroom and a big bathroom that could easily be turned into something luxurious with room for a modern freestanding bath and a separate shower. 

The top floor has two further double bedrooms - both spacious and full of light, with the one at the front making the most of the river views.

Now to the question most buyers will want answered (and even if they don’t - their solicitor will). The raised position meant that during the exceptionally bad floods of 2010, only a small amount of water entered through the air bricks. 

Since then, the Environment Agency has built substantial flood defences — including a large sandstone wall between the river and the terrace. 

While no riverside home can ever be guaranteed to be completely flood-proof, these measures have significantly reduced the risk and brought real peace of mind to local residents.

Once the practical work is done, this will make a wonderful long-term family home or a characterful holiday let. 

The three generous bedrooms give you plenty of flexibility, and the central location means guests or owners can walk to the shops, cafés and Sainsbury’s in about five minutes. 

Head down the river in the other direction and you’ll reach Harris Park in around the same time.

It’s not going to be for everyone. You’ll need to be ready for the dust, the decisions and the satisfaction of doing it all properly. 

But if you can see beyond the dated décor to the solid structure and setting, you’ll know this is a rare find — an idyllic riverside home with space, character and a great story still to write.

I’m expecting plenty of interest so call today to arrange a viewing.