27-05-2025
Lake District farmhouse that inspired Beatrix Potter for sale
A Lake District farmhouse that inspired some of Beatrix Potter's illustrations is up for sale for £1,200,000.
Skelgill Farm, located in the Newlands Valley near Keswick, is described by Davidson & Robertson, the estate agent as a "rare and unique opportunity."
Beatrix Potter was a frequent visitor to the area and was captivated by Skelgill Farm, which sits beneath Catbells.
Beatrix Potter was a frequent visitor to the Newlands Valley, where the farmhouse is situated (Image: Supplied) Potter used the farmhouse as inspiration for 'Little Town Farm' in her book 'The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle'.
The six-bed property sits on the edge of Catbells.
The listing describes Skelgill Farm as suitable for use as a family home, an additional dwelling, or as a business.
It is situated a few minutes from the A66 and the town of Keswick.
The surrounding fells offer "exclusive views" across Derwentwater, Bassenthwaite Lake, and, on clear days, Scotland.
The property's location provides access to outdoor shops, independent boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, outdoor activity centres, schools, and the Theatre By the Lake.
The estate agent also highlights the property's proximity to several well-known Lake District locations.
Drives to Crummock Water and Buttermere can be made over Honister Pass, and Thirlmere, Grasmere, Ullswater, and Windermere are also accessible.
Internally, Skelgill Farm features an entrance hallway with wooden floors and doors, leading to a living room, library/games room, downstairs cloakroom, kitchen, and a staircase with under stairs storage.
Living room, with wood flooring, marble fireplace and a woodburning stove (Image: Supplied) The living room has wood flooring, a marble fireplace with slate hearth, and a woodburning stove.
A room on the ground floor is currently being used as a pool and games room, but the estate agent notes it could also serve as a second sitting room or library.
This room features three recessed bookcases, a flagged floor, and a fireplace.
Kitchen, with slate flagged floor, wall and base units, and an Aga cooker (Image: Supplied) The kitchen is described as a "well-proportioned, twin aspect traditional farmhouse kitchen" with a slate flagged floor, wall and base units, and an Aga cooker.
A window seat offers views across the gardens.
There is also a utility room with stable door access from the garden, which the estate agent says could serve as a pantry, utility, or boot room, with space for laundry appliances and access to the rear garden.
The property's second lounge, currently being used as a games room, complete with pool table (Image: Supplied) Upstairs, the property has six bedrooms.
The main bedroom is a dual aspect double room with painted beams and window seats, situated next to the family bathroom.
Several bedrooms feature cast iron fireplaces, skylights, and wooden floors.
One of the property's six bedrooms (Image: Supplied) There are two bathrooms on this floor, including one with a bath and electric shower.
The estate agent says that the windows are "mostly double glazed" and the slate roof was recently replaced by the current owners.
Outside, Skelgill Farm has a wraparound garden and a glass greenhouse.
To the front, a gravel driveway provides parking for two or three cars.
Further land and buildings may be available by separate negotiation, according to the listing.
Interested parties should call Davidson & Robertson on 01312 684624.
