Ormside, Appleby-in-Westmorland, CA16

Welcome home to Orchard House

The drive towards Ormside is one that gently eases you into the rhythm of the countryside, where the landscape begins to open and breathe. As you leave the main routes behind, the scenery unfolds into a patchwork of lush green pastures, edged with ancient dry-stone walls that trace the contours of the land like quiet lines of history.

In the distance, the Pennines rise with a quiet majesty, their soft, undulating forms shifting with the light and the seasons. On clearer days, their presence feels almost theatrical, standing as a timeless backdrop to the fertile Eden Valley below. Fields roll gently towards them, dotted with grazing sheep and the occasional farmhouse, creating a scene that feels both expansive and deeply peaceful.

Tucked away towards the end of a quiet, unspoilt lane within this charming Eden village, we can find Orchard House, a truly exceptional home, combining craftsmanship, space and setting in equal measure. Built in 2012 by award-winning local builder Ken Yates, as a forever home, the property has been thoughtfully completed and significantly enhanced by the current owners, resulting in a residence that feels both established and deeply welcoming.

From the moment of arrival, the attention to detail is clear. A gently curving dry stone wall leads you onto a sweeping driveway where gravel crunches underfoot, framed by a traditional timber gate and a characterful Victorian-style lamp post. The house itself presents beautifully, its stonework sourced from Alston Quarry and topped with a slate roof, giving it the appearance of a far older, barn-style conversion. The tinted windows into the home are expansive, allowing beautiful Cumbrian light to flood through, but also gives the owners a degree of privacy.

The accommodation is extensive and highly versatile, offering five bedrooms within the main house, alongside a superb one-bedroom annexe. Originally a carport, the annexe has been converted with full planning consent and high insulation standards, creating an ideal space for dependent relatives or potential holiday accommodation. Internally, it offers a welcoming sitting room with an oak fireplace and electric stove set upon a stone hearth, with a hand carved oak surround, a well-appointed kitchen in soft cashmere tones with practical storage solutions, a generous bedroom with fitted cabinetry and deep storage cupboards, and a fully equipped wet room with aqua panels, a drench shower and Velux window allowing natural light to filter through.

Upon entering the main house, you are immediately welcomed through to a porch which offers space for boots shoes. This opens into a striking dining hall where riven flagstone flooring, underfloor heating and oak detailing immediately set the tone. A beautiful dual-aspect fireplace with cobbled shoulders forms a central focal point, while exposed beams and an oak staircase add warmth and structure to the space. Light flows through from both east and west aspects, enhancing the sense of openness. The perfect space to welcome home family and visitors alike. The current owners have given this space an identity by utilising it as a dining hall. The large patio doors open out into the stunning garden, bringing the outdoors, indoors, and giving way to open field views across Eden pastures.

The sitting room is quite remarkable. A wealth of exposed A-frame beams and carved timbers create a space rich in character, while a substantial red brick chimney breast with cobbled shoulder detailing anchors the room. With windows to both east and west, including six-pane arrangements and charming display alcoves, the room is filled with natural light throughout the day. The atmosphere is one of calm and comfort, with a multifuel stove adding both warmth and ambience. The room gives way to the right where a beautifully curved space where those incredible views can be enjoyed.

The kitchen continues this high standard, offering solid oak cabinetry with granite worktops and a striking central island with arched detailing for storage. The focal point is a Lacanche range cooker, featuring multiple gas burners, a simmer plate and double ovens, designed for both functionality and visual impact. Windows to both aspects allow light to move through the space, while LED lighting within the beams adds a contemporary touch. There is ample room for dining and entertaining. Large suppers, family feasts or simple lunches can be organised in this carefully crafted cook’s paradise.

Adjacent to the kitchen diner is a well-equipped utility room with additional storage, the Grant oil-fired boiler, and external access. There is plumbing for a washing machine and space for a tumble dryer.

A convenient ground floor WC is adjacent to the utility, which features a pedestal sink and low flush WC. Storage is plentiful and useful to hide away all manner of cleaning items.

Also on the ground floor is a separate office, ideal for home working, with views out to the orchard garden. This room is large enough for a secondary lounge, and would work well as a playroom or snug area.

The first floor offers a collection of well-proportioned and expansive double bedrooms, each with considered storage. The principal suite enjoys a calm and private position, with views through a magnificent arched low tinted window. The room has elegant fitted wardrobes and a spacious ensuite bathroom featuring a freestanding claw-foot bath, curved shower, bidet and traditional fittings. A family bathroom serves the remaining bedrooms, finished with a freestanding bath, separate shower and elegant tiling. Storage throughout is exceptional, with deep cupboards, an airing cupboard and additional concealed spaces.

A further staircase leads to the top floor, where two additional bedrooms and a shower room provide flexible accommodation. One of these rooms features an outstanding Velux balcony window, opening outward to reveal uninterrupted views across the Pennines. From here, the night skies are particularly striking, offering a peaceful connection to the surrounding landscape. The upper level also provides extensive eaves storage and potential for further adaptation if desired. This floor has been used for the growing family and is ideal as a space for growing children to enjoy some independence.

Externally, the grounds are both beautiful and functional. Set within the original orchard, the garden is home to a variety of fruit trees including apple, pear, damson and plum. A picturesque pond, complete with koi carp, creates a tranquil focal point, while a sage green summer house with power and lighting offers a perfect retreat. Gravel pathways wrap around the property, leading to seating areas that enjoy the best of the light, particularly the westerly sunsets.

The garage provides further practicality, with power, lighting, and housing for the treatment plant system installed around the time of construction.

Services

The property benefits from a pressurised water system, zoned thermostatic heating controls, oil-fired central heating, mains electricity, Calor gas for cooking, and broadband speeds of approximately 40–50 Mbps. A burglar alarm system and tinted windows add further comfort and security.

It Is All About Location…

The setting is equally appealing. The village offers a strong sense of community, with a licensed village hall, church. Neighbouring Ormside Hall has recently taken to brewing cask ale to marry alongside the award winning Swaledale gin. Tasting sessions are regularly available! There are beautiful walks in every direction, including Lady Anne’s Way and scenic riverside routes towards Appleby-in-Westmorland. Seasonal highlights such as bluebells and wild garlic enhance the landscape, while the nearby Settle to Carlisle railway provides a charming backdrop, with occasional steam trains passing through the valley.

Orchard House is a home of rare quality, where thoughtful design, exceptional detail and a peaceful setting come together to create something truly special

DISCLAIMER

These particulars, whilst believed to be accurate are set out as a general outline only for guidance and do not constitute any part of an offer or contract. Intending purchasers should not rely on them as statements of representation of fact, but must satisfy themselves by inspection or otherwise as to their accuracy. No person in this firms employment has the authority to make or give any representation or warranty in respect of the property. It is not company policy to test any services or appliances in properties offered for sale and these should be verified on survey by prospective purchasers.