A sprawling Cumbrian dream home that's all ready to go as a lifestyle business
Light, spacious and set in beautiful grounds, Four Gables comes with a series of further properties which make it an ideal prospect for those looking to run their own business in one of the most beautiful areas of Britain.


In the wild northern reaches of Cumbria, Ryan Eve of Finest Properties is handling the sale, at a guide price of £1.95m, of one of the areas most appealing hidden houses: Grade II*-listed Four Gables near Brampton, 11 miles from Carlisle and a stone’s throw from Hadrian’s Wall.
Inspired by the design of a traditional Border bastle house, Four Gables was built in 1878 for the factor of the Earl of Carlisle’s Naworth estate, of which it was once a part.
It was one of two country houses designed by the Arts-and-Crafts architect, Philip Webb, for his friend George Howard, the 9th Earl, who was a talented artist and an admirer of the Pre-Raphaelites.
Four Gables remained in Howard family ownership until 1947 and is for sale for only the second time since then.
The handsome red-sandstone house stands in 4¼ acres of established, parkland-style grounds with surrounding woodland offering both shelter and privacy.
The interior is bright and airy, with soaring high ceilings that reflect the historic character of the buildings.
Notable features include impressive fireplaces in the reception rooms and hall and a magnificent bay window in the dining room. In all, the main house offers three principal reception rooms, nine bedrooms and four bathrooms.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
The present owners have developed a successful self-catering business in the three beautifully converted holiday cottages within the grounds. The largest is a sumptuous barn conversion with five double bedrooms and generous entertaining spaces.
The second can house six guests in three bedrooms and has an airy, open-plan layout with views across open countryside. The third adjoins the main house and boasts a range of original features including stone-flag flooring, a range fireplace and exposed beams.
The vendors, who are planning to downsize, are continuing to accept bookings and would willingly open their books to a prospective purchaser, adds Mr Eve.
Four Gables is for sale at £1.95m — see more details and pictures.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
-
The transformative renovation of a Grade II-listed property with an 'unusual footprint'
Having inherited this fine London townhouse, the new owner asked Sims Hilditch to help refresh the interiors, resulting in a youthful, yet elegant kitchen.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
‘One of the most effective pieces of propaganda ever made’: the Bayeux Tapestry heads to Britain for the first time in almost a millennium
A historic agreement between this country and France sees the 225ft-long tableau — which may have been made in Britain but has been in France since 1077 — arrive at the British Museum in Autumn 2026.
By Carla Passino Published
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for sale
Great estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
By Anna White Last updated
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in years
The ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
By Lotte Brundle Published