Knock, Appleby-in-Westmorland, CA16

Welcome home to Foxglove House…

At the foot of Knock Pike, within one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, stands Foxglove House, a truly remarkable country home. Built by the current owners in 2017 with an unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity and design, this outstanding property seamlessly blends traditional Cumbrian architecture with contemporary living. From the moment you arrive, it is difficult to believe that the house is not a lovingly restored period home. Constructed in sandstone beneath a Welsh slate roof and framed by ancient dry-stone walls, Foxglove House appears as though it has stood proudly within the landscape for centuries.

The setting is simply extraordinary. Surrounded by rolling farmland, open countryside and the dramatic backdrop of Knock Fell, every window frames a view worthy of a painting. Here, the skies seem endless, the air feels fresher and life moves at a gentler pace. While the surrounding landscape remains agricultural in nature, the nearby working farms are predominantly sheep and beef enterprises, preserving the peaceful atmosphere that makes this location so special.

Approached through a traditional farm gate, the property immediately impresses. A substantial driveway provides parking for numerous vehicles and leads through beautifully crafted stone walls that gently curve towards the house, creating an arrival experience that feels both grand and welcoming.

The owners currently favour entering through the beautifully designed boot room and utility entrance, a practical solution perfectly suited to country living. Here, porcelain tiled flooring, handcrafted oak worktops, extensive storage and quality fittings create a space that is as attractive as it is functional. Decorated in soft Putty Stone tones, the room feels warm and welcoming, while the adjoining laundry and drying room has been thoughtfully designed with fitted cabinetry, a traditional Dolly Maid clothes dryer and dedicated laundry facilities. Finished in Jurassic Stone, this practical space continues the home's understated elegance. The ultra modern pressurised hot water system and oil-fired boiler are also housed here, discreetly serving the home behind the scenes.

Stepping into the main entrance hall, the quality of craftsmanship immediately becomes apparent. The principal entrance door combines soft grey external finishes with warm oak internally, complemented by striking black ironmongery that perfectly balances traditional and contemporary influences. Underfoot, geometric porcelain tiling creates a sophisticated first impression, while the magnificent oak staircase rises gracefully through the centre of the home. Walls painted in delicate Feather of a Dove tones create a calm and timeless backdrop that continues throughout much of the property.

Throughout the property, exceptional attention has been paid not only to aesthetics but also to comfort and efficiency. The entire ground floor benefits from oil fired underfloor heating, creating a wonderfully even and ambient warmth beneath your feet while allowing uninterrupted wall space throughout the living accommodation. Upstairs, both the principal ensuite and family bathroom enjoy the luxury of electric underfloor heating, complemented by heated towel rails, ensuring these beautifully appointed spaces remain warm and inviting throughout the year.

Further enhancing comfort, every room within the property benefits from independent thermostatic controls, allowing temperatures to be tailored individually to suit personal preferences and seasonal requirements. Whether maintaining a cooler sleeping environment in the bedrooms or creating a cosy atmosphere within the living spaces during the winter months, the system offers both flexibility and efficiency rarely found in many modern homes.

One of the most striking architectural features is the beautiful Georgian inspired picture window that floods the stairwell with natural light. Designed as a homage to the grand proportions of Georgian country homes, it creates a wonderful sense of scale and drama while framing uninterrupted views across the surrounding countryside.

Double glazed oak doors open into what can only be described as the heart of the home. The stunning open plan living kitchen is an exceptional space, designed entirely around family life, entertaining and enjoying the spectacular surroundings. Bathed in natural light from multiple aspects, the room effortlessly combines functionality with elegance.

Decorated in Farrow & Ball's timeless Old White and illuminated by soft Dulux Almond White ceilings, the space feels bright, calm and endlessly welcoming. The bespoke Howdens kitchen features elegant French grey cabinetry adorned with pewter hardware, complemented by extensive work surfaces and thoughtful storage solutions. A magnificent Leisure range cooker forms the centrepiece of the kitchen, complete with multiple ovens, proving drawer and five ring ceramic hob, perfectly suited to family life and entertaining alike.

Integrated appliances include a Montpellier dishwasher, whilst a boiling water tap adds a touch of modern convenience. The one and a half bowl sink enjoys perhaps one of the finest kitchen views imaginable, looking directly towards the dramatic slopes of Knock Fell.

A substantial island combines oak and slate effect finishes, creating both a practical workspace and an informal gathering point for family and guests. Beyond the kitchen, there is ample room for a large dining table, while the living area features a soaring vaulted ceiling, large Velux window and the beautiful Baker Plus Eco Dean multifuel stove, positioned upon a limestone hearth and creating a natural focal point for the room.

Patio doors and large picture windows create an almost seamless connection with the gardens, ensuring the surrounding landscape remains an integral part of daily life.

Complementing the main living space is a separate sitting room or snug. Decorated in the rich and sophisticated Farrow & Ball Pigeon, this beautifully proportioned room enjoys dual aspect views and captures the very last of the evening sunshine. A slimline Dunsley 5 stove provides warmth and character, while patio doors open directly onto the west facing terrace. This is a room made for quiet evenings, sunset views and relaxed conversation.

The ground floor also offers a versatile fourth bedroom, currently utilised as guest accommodation. Finished in soft Feather of a Dove tones, it provides a peaceful retreat and excellent flexibility for visiting family, multi-generational living or those seeking single level accommodation.

Positioned adjacent is a stunning shower room, beautifully appointed with floor to ceiling tiling, a walk-in shower, contemporary sanitary ware supplied by the renowned M.C. Ferguson of Penrith, oak detailing, a heated mirror and heated towel rail. Decorated in soft Feathers of a Dove with a timeless ceiling finish, the room delivers a luxurious hotel inspired feel.

Ascending the elegant staircase, the first floor continues to impress. The generous landing leads to three beautifully appointed bedrooms and two luxurious bathrooms.

The principal suite enjoys spectacular south westerly views across open countryside and features a striking glazed gable that floods the room with natural light. Decorated in calming Pebble Stone tones, the room feels restful and elegant, while the beautifully appointed ensuite bathroom features premium sanitary ware from M.C. Ferguson, a full-sized bath, drench shower, waterfall taps, bespoke storage, heated towel rail and electric underfloor heating beneath porcelain flooring.

The family bathroom is equally impressive and showcases a bold yet timeless design. Rich Farrow & Ball Stiffkey Blue walls complement geometric porcelain flooring, while premium fittings from M.C. Ferguson create a luxurious retreat. A large shower enclosure, full sized bath, heated towel rail, traditional style radiator and electric underfloor heating ensure comfort and practicality in equal measure.

The remaining bedrooms are generously proportioned doubles, each enjoying exceptional views across either Knock Fell or the surrounding countryside. One bedroom has been decorated in soft Pebble Stone tones, while the double aspect bedroom enjoys the warmth of Rose White walls and panoramic countryside views from multiple aspects. One-bedroom benefits from an adjoining dressing room which offers exciting potential for conversion into a future ensuite, subject to a purchaser's requirements.

Throughout the property, oak doors, skirting boards and window sills reinforce the home's exceptional quality and attention to detail.

Outside, the gardens are every bit as captivating as the house itself. Beautifully landscaped and thoughtfully designed, they provide a wonderful balance of ornamental planting, productive growing spaces and relaxed outdoor living.

A substantial terrace wraps around the rear of the property, offering multiple seating areas perfectly positioned to capture sunshine throughout the day. Carefully designed outdoor lighting transforms the garden during the evening, creating a magical atmosphere as the sun sets and the fells glow dusky pink beneath expansive Cumbrian skies.

The productive kitchen garden includes a greenhouse, raised growing areas and a former chicken enclosure, reflecting the owners' commitment to a more self-sufficient lifestyle. Fruit trees are maturing beautifully throughout the grounds, while colourful borders ensure interest and colour across the seasons.

A detached double skinned and insulated garage provides excellent storage and workshop space, with potential for alternative uses subject to the necessary consents. Additional sheds and hobby spaces offer further flexibility for gardening, crafts or home projects.

Further enhancing the property's environmental credentials are twelve solar panels generating approximately 3.40kW, together with an attractive Feed in Tariff. The system not only contributes towards electricity generation but also assists with heating the domestic hot water supply, helping to reduce running costs and improve efficiency.

From the roadside, Foxglove House presents as a timeless Cumbrian country home. From the gardens, its contemporary architectural features reveal themselves through soaring glazed elevations and dramatic rooflines. It is this unique combination of authenticity and modernity that makes the property so special.

Rarely does a home come to the market that feels so perfectly connected to its surroundings. Foxglove House is not simply a house; it is a lifestyle, offering tranquillity, beauty, sustainability and craftsmanship in one of Cumbria's most spectacular locations.

IT'S ALL ABOUT LOCATION...

Nestled at the foot of the magnificent North Pennines, Knock is one of Cumbria's best kept secrets. This peaceful rural hamlet enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by rolling farmland, dramatic fells capes and some of the most breathtaking countryside in northern England. With Knock Pike, Knock Fell, Cross Fell and the wider Pennine landscape quite literally on the doorstep, it is a paradise for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and anyone seeking a quieter pace of life.

Despite its wonderfully secluded feel, Knock remains remarkably well connected. The historic market town of Appleby-in-Westmorland is only a short drive away, offering independent shops, cafés, schools, supermarkets, a railway station on the famous Settle to Carlisle line and a vibrant community calendar throughout the year.

The village sits on the edge of the North Pennines landscape, an area celebrated for its unspoilt beauty, wildlife and extensive network of walking routes. The iconic Pennine Way passes nearby, while countless fell walks can be enjoyed directly from the doorstep.

SERVICES

Foxglove House is serviced by mains electricity, mains water, broadband and a fully compliant private treatment plant. The property benefits from an oil-fired central heating system, pressurised hot water tank, whole ground floor underfloor heating, electric underfloor heating to the first-floor bathrooms, independent room thermostats throughout, and a 3.40kW solar photovoltaic system with Feed in Tariff, which also contributes towards heating the domestic hot water supply.