An Historic Home Down By The River That Gives You Options. A spacious former mill on the edge of the National Park with fell views, five ensuite bedrooms across three floors of flexible living - including a top floor suite ideal for guests or B&B income.

Some homes ask you to fit your life around them. This one does the exact opposite. Set beside the river Cocker in the quiet hamlet of Southwaite, this former 19th century mill has been carefully updated to offer space, flexibility and freedom. 

Whether you’re thinking of family living, multi-generational space or welcoming paying guests, it gives you options.

From here, the idyllic setting does much of the heavy lifting. Fell views stretch out beyond the garden, it’s on the edge of the National Park and Cockermouth is only a few minutes away, making it easy to balance countryside calm with everyday convenience.

Inside, the ground floor is designed for sociable, modern family living. The kitchen sits at the heart of the home, with shaker style units and a set up that’s perfect for cooking or baking, with twin ovens, a microwave and warming drawer all built in. 

French doors link through to the main living and dining space, creating an easy, natural flow for day-to-day life and entertaining alike.

Measuring over 10m (32ft), the spacious living and dining area is anchored by a traditional fireplace at one end and a modern stove at the other. Despite its size, it’s a room that works just as well for cosy quiet evenings as it does for hosting family and friends. 

At the rear, a large sun room draws in light and garden views, opening directly onto the south-facing garden and extending the living space through the warmer months.

Practical details have been considered too, with a separate utility room and ground floor WC keeping laundry, coats and everyday clutter neatly out of sight.

Upstairs, five double bedrooms are arranged across the first and second floors, with each having its own ensuite. The proportions are generous, the views are lovely and the layout reflects the home’s past, having once been two separate houses - which helps to explain the sense of space and flexibility throughout.

Up on the top floor, the layout opens up even more possibilities - it will come as no surprise that it was previously used as the owner’s living accommodation when the house was a B&B. It feels almost self-contained, with a kitchenette, seating area positioned to enjoy the fell views, a separate sleeping space and a stylish ensuite. Ideal for guests, older children or extended family – and for anyone tempted to explore a B&B or short-stay income again. 

Outside, the sense of space continues. To the front, a courtyard provides parking for three or four vehicles, along with useful outbuildings for storage. 

To the rear, the south-facing garden offers plenty of room to spread out, with lawned areas, terraces and space for everyone to find their own spot.

The river Cocker flows just beyond the back wall and it’s easy to imagine it becoming part of your everyday life, whether that’s summer paddles, kayaking upstream or simply sitting with a coffee and watching the water drift by…

For anyone who loves the outdoors, the location is hard to beat. Walks, bike rides and open countryside start from your door, with the Lake District National Park just a few steps away and Cockermouth for shops, schools and cafés just a 5 minute drive away. 

Big, beautiful and refreshingly adaptable, this is a home that gives you options. 

Whether you keep it all to yourself or let it work a little harder for you, it’s a place that feels setup and ready for whatever comes next.

I’m expecting plenty of interest so get in touch to arrange a private viewing.