La Sagesse, Queens Drive, Windermere, LA23 2DE

Home
* 1880s detached period home, not listed
* 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, including two annexes
* Fully renovated in 2017
* Bespoke oak kitchen with granite worktops

Services
* Mains gas, electricity and water
* Alarms and CCTV installed
* Good broadband speeds
* Most mobile phone providers reach this home

Grounds and Location
* South-facing garden with pond and seating area
* Mature planting and raised beds
* Large gravelled driveway with parking for 5+ cars
* Walking distance from amenities, with local walks from the doorstep

A House of Quiet Authority in The Heart of Windermere
Solid, composed and quietly confident, it sits within the Windermere Conservation Area with a sense of purpose that is immediately felt on arrival. This is a home shaped by reflection and retreat, now reimagined for contemporary living with exceptional care and imagination.

A private drive draws you in, the setting calm and settled, removed from the movement of the village below yet reassuringly close to it. The dark grey front door opens into a welcoming vestibule where warmth greets you instantly. Flagstone flooring grounds the space and original wooden panelling bring an immediate sense of comfort. From here, the house unfolds with a natural rhythm, rooms connecting easily while retaining their own character and scale.

The principal living room is generous yet inviting, a space designed for family life and unhurried evenings. High ceilings and original detailing give the room its stature, while a log burner provides warmth and intimacy. Dual-aspect windows frame views across Windermere and towards the surrounding fells, changing constantly with the light and the seasons. It is a room that feels equally suited to quiet mornings as it does to gathering friends together.

A sense of craftsmanship runs throughout the house. Flooring shifts from stone to oak with purpose, and doors, fittings and joinery feel substantial and considered. Off the hallway, a moment of unexpected delight appears in the form of a cloakroom with a penny floor, playful yet beautifully executed, reflecting the creativity that defines La Sagesse.

The dining room sits at the heart of the house and is made for hosting. Tall ceilings and original ceiling details add elegance, while another log burner brings warmth and balance. Bespoke doors connect directly to the kitchen, allowing the spaces to work together effortlessly. This is a room designed for long suppers and relaxed conversation, where light pours in from both sides and the atmosphere remains welcoming throughout the year.

The kitchen itself is both practical and refined. Flagstone flooring continues the sense of solidity, while cabinetry in soft, earthy tones is paired with granite worktops and an oak-topped island. There is space to gather, cook and linger, with thoughtful storage tucked neatly away and a natural flow out to the garden and terrace beyond. A side door offers easy access for everyday life, while the layout encourages connection without feeling open or exposed.

Adjoining the kitchen is a versatile garage space, currently used as a gym and storage area. With electric doors, a kitchenette and generous proportions, it offers flexibility for a range of future uses, whether practical or creative.

The staircase rises with a sense of occasion, leading to a light-filled landing that connects the upper rooms with ease. Bedrooms are calm, well-proportioned and full of character, each with its own outlook and atmosphere. En-suite bathrooms are finished in rich, complementary tones, combining contemporary fittings with a timeless feel. Storage is cleverly integrated, keeping spaces open and uncluttered.

The principal bedroom enjoys an elevated position within the house, with views stretching across Windermere and towards Bowness. It is a room that feels restful and private, enhanced by a beautifully concealed dressing area hidden behind bespoke doors. Beyond, a secret retreat unfolds, a carefully designed space for dressing, preparing and pausing, filled with light and framed by views. It is an unexpected and deeply personal space, one that speaks to the thought and individuality invested throughout the house.

The family bathroom is equally impressive, with patterned tiles, a freestanding bath and a generous rainfall shower. Natural materials and confident colour choices give the room its character, while the finish remains elegant and composed.

One of La Sagesse's most remarkable features lies quietly behind what appears to be a mirror. Open it, and a completely self-contained apartment is revealed, known as The Retreat. Designed with the same level of care as the main house, it offers privacy and independence without feeling separate or secondary. The accommodation includes a spacious living kitchen, a richly styled bathroom, and a beautifully finished bedroom with dressing area. Thick walls and solid doors ensure peace and discretion on both sides, making this space ideal for guests, extended family or independent living.

Beyond the main house, a charming annexe, The Church House sits discreetly within the grounds. Connected by a characterful, covered passageway and accessed via its own private driveway, it offers further self-contained accommodation finished to an exceptional standard. Inside, an open-plan living, dining and kitchen space benefits from high ceilings and a sense of volume that belies its cottage proportions. Oak flooring runs throughout, cabinetry is finished in soft green tones with marble surfaces, and handmade details add warmth and individuality.

The bedroom is a sanctuary in its own right, with bespoke joinery, skylights that draw in natural light, and carefully planned storage that includes illuminated dressing areas. The en-suite bathroom continues the theme of quality and craftsmanship, with distinctive tiling and a generous rainfall shower. Every element feels intentional, creating a space that is both indulgent and practical.

La Sagesse carries a history that quietly informs its character. Formerly owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Carlisle, it served as a place of retreat and reflection, a role reflected in both its name and its atmosphere. The name La Sagesse translates as The Wisdom, a fitting description for a house that has always offered calm, privacy and considered living. Since entering private ownership in 2017, it has been restored with sensitivity and respect, retaining its sense of dignity while embracing modern comfort.

The setting is one of its greatest strengths. Windermere village is within easy reach, offering a range of independent shops, cafés and everyday amenities, alongside excellent transport links including the train station. The lake itself is close by, as are countless walking routes, whether gentle lakeside strolls or more adventurous fell walks. Despite this accessibility, the house feels removed and peaceful, its elevated position ensuring privacy and outlook in equal measure.

La Sagesse is a home of rare depth and flexibility. It offers generous family living, beautifully designed independent spaces, and a setting that balances convenience with retreat. Above all, it is a house with a sense of purpose and presence, shaped by its past and ready for its next chapter.

** 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 £47 + 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.