4 bedroom country house

Swarthghyll is situated approximately half way between Hawes and Settle and approximately 1½ miles from the nearest hamlet of Oughtershaw. The property is beautifully situated in a private valley and access from the public road is taken via a privately-owned track.

A range of local amenities can be found in the traditional market town of Hawes which is very popular with tourists and walkers. The larger market town of Sedbergh is situated within 45 minutes’ drive which also provides a first-class private school. Skipton is also situated within 45 minutes’ drive and provides additional shopping facilities together with a hospital and main rail links.

The property is rural yet accessible and is situated within approximately 1 hour of the M6 motorway and is also accessible to the A684 which then leads to the A1(M) and the North East Railway Line, again within 1 hours’ drive.

DESCRIPTION

Swarthghyll House briefly comprises a substantial traditional stone-built period house with a stone flagged roof. The property has been modernised to exacting standards yet retains many character features and benefits from having a bio-mass heating system.

The property has a traditional country kitchen which is complemented by an Aga. There is ample space for a dining table together with direct access to a wonderful pantry with stone shelves providing excellent storage.

There is a large formal dining room with an oak floor which makes an excellent space for entertaining and hosting. The living room has a multi fuel stove set within a stone surround.

An impressive turned staircase leads up to the first floor where there are three double bedrooms including one with an ensuite bathroom. Each bedroom has an excellent view of the valley and surrounding rural landscape. There is also a large house bathroom.

Adjoining Swarthghyll House is a fully self-contained unit which would make an excellent space for a dependant relative or older independent child/ren. This apartment can be accessed via an inner hallway which leads off the kitchen. It comprises a sitting room, a boot room with independent access from the courtyard, a kitchen which is currently used as a laundry room/utility and a first-floor bedroom together with ensuite shower room and small kitchenette.

Swarthghyll House is complemented by a front and side garden which is mostly laid to lawn with flower beds, patio areas, established trees and shrubs which make it very private.

BUNKBARN

To the north side of the courtyard, a very substantial barn has been created into a large bunk house which can accommodate up to 40 people in various dormitories. This is well used and comprises a large communal kitchen, substantial common room and a games/party room. The barn is used regularly for walkers, school groups and educational visits but it offers huge potential to further use for intimate weddings, family gatherings and events.

WALKERS APARTMENTS

To the east side of the courtyard, the traditional stone barn has been divided up to create three walkers’ apartments. There are two apartments on the ground floor which each have an open plan kitchen and living room, a double bedroom and a shower room. To the first floor is a larger apartment with an open plan kitchen and living room together with two double bedrooms and a shower room. These have been well utilised by walkers who use the Dales Way walk and provides a first-class business stream which could be developed further.

PRIVATE APARTMENT & BARN

To the west side of the courtyard, lies a partially converted barn with further potential and a first-floor apartment which has just been recently converted to a high specification. This is accessed by external stone steps and comprises an impressive open plan kitchen, a living area with multi fuel stove, a stylish ensuite shower room and a mezzanine floor with double bedroom. This could also be used for rental use or for guest accommodation.

DETACHED BUNGALOW

The newly constructed bungalow lies to the north of Swarthghyll in a quiet and secluded location with excellent panoramic views. It is well screened from the main property and offers potential as a home for the business owner. This does require completion but is at first fix level and will require windows and doors to be fitted. The bungalow is subject to an agricultural restriction.

GENERAL PURPOSE BUILDINGS

The buildings are situated nicely away from Swarthghyll complex yet and comprise a range of modern general-purpose portal framed buildings. These are also suitable for a range of livestock housing, machinery storage and various lifestyle uses. One of the three buildings is home to the array of solar photovoltaic cells (20 kilowatts) and the wind turbine is also located adjacent to the buildings. It is also felt that there is further opportunity to develop a hydro electric scheme on the estate for those discerning purchasers who have an interest in being self-sufficient.

LAND

The property is complemented by approximately 100 acres of mixed grass and woodland which provides that all important amenity value. The land also supports active farm use including sheep and beef settlers, as well as a range of Environmental Stewardship, Forestry and Natural Capital development.

Future buyers could potentially farm the land themselves or enter into another agreement. Alternatively, a lifestyle buyer may wish to consider planting trees or ‘re-wild’ hillside areas of land.

Importantly, the whole farm is heated and provided with hot water via a commercial biomass system which is eligible to receive RHI Payments.

SUMMARY
Swarthghyll provides the unique opportunity to purchase a quite unique and substantial small rural estate in a quiet and secluded location in the very heart of the Yorkshire Dales. It is rare for such a property to come onto the open market and provides a wide range of opportunities for a complete lifestyle change and to expand the already established business.