Thwaite Moss Tatham Lancaster LA2 8PR
Thwaite Moss
Set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by an approximate 17½ acres of land and views of the Lake District and Forest of Bowland, Thwaite Moss offers a rare opportunity to acquire a charming family home with income potential. As a whole, this lovely Grade II listed farmhouse offers vastly flexible accommodation that totals at around 6,600 sq.ft, supporting potential for a spacious family home, private dwelling for dependent relatives or guests and an adjoining two bedroom cottage that would make for a fantastic and surely popular holiday let.
Originally converted in the 1990s by well known architects Mason Gillibrand, Thwaite Moss offers a wealth of charming barn features and modern comforts that merge seamlessly to create a beautiful balanced home that is full of character. The accommodation is spacious and flexible and includes a separate wing that was formerly the old stables. Converted at a later date to the main house, this offers potential for further development into an annexe if required. At present the accommodation includes a total of five reception rooms along with an open plan kitchen dining room and separate utility. There is a total of five double bedrooms found across the property, of which three are ensuite with a further house bathroom. In addition to this, there is the two bedroom cottage with a living room and charming dining kitchen. This is also a great package for those with equestrian interests as there are two stone built stables with tack room and yard that adjoin the approximate 17½ acres of land included within the sale. The gardens are a private haven of peace and tranquillity, consisting of a mix of informal and formal plantings, lawns and even a productive vegetable garden. There is also ample parking space on the driveway, a double garage and integral single garage for the cottage. The parish of Tatham is a classic example of the English countryside community. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; The Forest of Bowland is a picture of rolling fields and hills. Nearby Bentham provides all the local necessities including shops, supermarket and post office. There are also two train stations nearby, one in Bentham and another in Wennington, just a short drive away. Those looking to work from home will be impressed to learn that Thwaite Moss benefits from B4RN access. There are primary schools in the nearby villages of Wray and Lowgill, the very well respected Queen Elizabeth Secondary school in Kirkby Lonsdale is less than 8 miles away, with free bus pick-up available at the bottom of the drive. The property is also within the catchment area for the Lancaster Grammar Schools. The house is believed to date back as far as 500 years and the conversion has been sympathetically carried out in order to preserve its charming features. A room in itself, the very spacious entrance hall features Fired Earth tiles that are in keeping with the authentic aesthetics and leads into a WC and understairs storage cupboard. An additional entrance option is through the large timber arched glazed door into the open plan dining kitchen. This homely kitchen includes a wealth of character barn features including exposed lintels, beams, stone walls and traditional style flagged stone floors. Classic shaker style, painted wall, drawer and base units with granite and oak worktops encompass a 5 door AGA and double Belfast sink.
An original exposed stone arch leads into the open dining area which enjoys high valuated ceilings and plenty of natural light. There is ample space in here for a formal dining table and chairs and access both externally and into the adjoining utility. This additional facility provides further units, a Belfast sink and space for a washing machine, dryer, fridge and freezer. There are three reception rooms to the original portion of the house; a formal sitting room, living room and also a home office. All are packed with characterful features that include exposed wooden ceiling beams, stone mullioned windows and large wood burning stoves set upon a flagged hearth with stone surrounds. A staircase from the cosy living room leads up to the first floor of the original conversion that was completed in the 1990s.There are three double bedrooms in this portion of the house, of which one is the impressive master suite that boasts a triple aspect over the open countryside and an ensuite bathroom. The other two bedrooms also benefit from ensuite shower rooms. The newer conversion that was completed in 2002 begins just off the formal sitting room, in the light filled sun room which boasts beautiful views over the Lakeland Hills and Caton Fell. The sun room provides external access onto the front driveway and would thus be an ideal entrance if you were to further develop the new wing into an annexe. At present, this former stables includes a large reception room that is currently utilised as a games room, a ground floor double bedroom and a bathroom. There is access to the attached double garage and stairs lead up from a back hallway to the final double bedroom which features exposed trusses and lovely inset windows enjoying some of the best views in the house. This wing of the house is ideal for guests or indeed older children and offers larger families that all important space and privacy. As previously mentioned, it could be converted for use as an annexe for dependent relatives if required and subject to relevant planning.
The formal gardens to the rear of the property are a tranquil haven for wildlife. The neat lawn is flanked by beds filled with formal plantings that fill the garden with vibrant colours and scents. A beck trickles through the back of the garden and naturally sources the pond. Keen gardeners will be impressed by the many productive vegetable plots, herb garden, soft fruit cases, poly tunnel and fruit trees that include apple, pear and cherries. At the front, a flagged patio is the ideal spot from which to enjoy the panoramic fell views. The driveway affords ample parking and also provides access into the attached double garage and log store that was formerly used as a dog kennel. A small yard to the rear serves the two stables and tack room with hay loft above. From here access can be found directly into the adjoining approximate 17½ acres of land, ideal for those with horses. Around 11 acres of land was purchased as a way of protecting the integrity of the surrounding views and privacy and has a life time tenancy agreement with the local farmer.
The Cottage
A private entrance from the front door opens into a handy entrance porch with practical tiled floors. There is also an additional entrance option via the glazed door that leads into the charming dining kitchen. Flooded with natural light from the full length windows that look out over the front, this room is the perfect homely retreat with feature exposed beams and wooden floors. Set within a tiled inglenook, there is a 4 door AGA which fills the room with warmth, ideal for returning from the many local walks year round. There is a range of wall, drawer and base units and space for a dining table and chairs. The living room offers a lovely garden outlook and velux assuring the room is bright and welcoming. Stairs lead up to the first floor where there are two good sized double bedrooms, each offering stunning views over the local countryside and one benefiting from an ensuite bathroom. There is also a house bathroom that features a freestanding clawfoot bath.
Externally, the cottage shares the lovely informal gardens to the main house however this could easy be split off to allow for a more private setting to both sides if required. There is also an added benefit of an integral single garage and parking to the front. This brilliant addition to the main house would be ideal for holiday letting. The cosy accommodation coupled with the idyllic surroundings and convenient location in the Forest of Bowland, close to the Lake District, would surely prove popular with a range of holiday makers looking for a more relaxed and peaceful break. Alternatively, it would be perfect for guests or even dependent relatives if required.
DIRECTIONS Heading through Wray village from Lancaster, turn right down Main Street and continue for approximately 2.6 miles. Take a right onto Fairheath Road, heading towards Tatham. Keep right and continue onto Spen Brow for a further approximate 1 mile. At the left hand turning signposted to Slaidburn, turn left onto Thwaite Lane continuing onto Whitepits Lane and the driveway for Thwaite Moss is second on the right. SERVICES FOR HOUSE Mains electric Borehole water Septic tank drainage Oil fired central heating Council tax band - G Freehold SERVICES FOR COTTAGE Mains electric Electric Storage Heating Septic tank drainage Borehole water Freehold Agents Notes: All measurements are approximate and quoted in imperial with metric equivalents and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Fine & Country Lakes and North Lancs is a partnership copyright 2015 Fine & Country Ltd www.fineandcountry.com
Fine & Country Lakes & North Lancs Tel: 01524 380560 sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.uk Lancaster Office 19 Castle Hill, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YN