Near the thriving village of Sockbridge stands The Mill House, a substantial six-bedroom stone house situated in a private and picturesque setting within an AONB on the edge of the Lake District National Park.
The property dates back to the 17th century and has been renovated to provide flexible family accommodation over two floors, while leaving intact features such as the wooden doors that lead to the drawing room, which are thought to come from Lowther Castle.
The interiors have many other charming details, from the Aga in the vast kitchen to the dining room’s feature beam and flagstone floors, and the reclaimed wooden balustrade on the steps leading to the bedrooms upstairs.
But perhaps The Mill House’s true highlights are the gardens paddocks and land that surround it. Extending to about five acres, they include a lawn and terrace overlooking the millrace, which is now a water feature, plus an orchard with apple, greengage, pear, damson and walnut trees, a soft-fruit and vegetable garden and a belt of woodland incorporating a riverside walk. Another terrace with a pizza oven, situated outside the garden room. is great for alfresco dining in summer.
The paddock fronts the River Eamont, to which the property has single-bank fishing rights for both trout and salmon over a quarter-of-a-mile stretch. Also on the grounds is a range of outbuildings, currently used as gym, smokehouse and workshop, which could be developed subject to planning consent.
The Mill House is for sale at £1.395m via Finest Properties — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
Sockbridge and Tirril: What you need to know
- Location: Sockbridge sits in the Eden Valley, ten minutes' drive from Penrith and 14 from Ullswater. It's separated by a river from Tirril, with which it forms a single parish
- Atmosphere: Tirril has strong Quaker ties —it had a Quaker Hall and was home to home Quaker mathematicians, John and Thomas Slee. Both Sockbridge and Tirrill also have strong links to Wordsworth. The poet's grandfather, a Yorkshireman, came to live in Sockbridge (at what's now called wordsworth House), while his brother owned the local pub, the Queen’s Head, in Tirril. After Richard passed away, his one-year-old son inherited, and William Wordsworth helped manage the inn until his nephew grew up.
- Things to do: A pint at the Queen's Head, which has been serving punters since 1719, is a must, as is the Heritage trail around Sockbridge and Tirril and the circular path named after the artist Charles Gough. And, of course, the area has plenty of beautiful places to explore and things to do, from visiting the magnificent Lowther Castle and Gardens to boating on Ullswater. Children will enjoy the Lakeland Bird of Prey centre.
- Schools: Nearby Yanwath and Stainton both have primary schools and, at secondary level, there's Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith.Find more properties in the area.
Credit: H Tiddy
12 stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000
Thatched homes in Cornwall and West Sussex are among the many highlights of these gorgeous character cottages for sale.
-
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.
-
‘One of the most effective pieces of propaganda ever made’: the Bayeux Tapestry heads to Britain for the first time in almost a millenniumA 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.
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countrysideHartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn 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.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for saleGreat 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.
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe 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.
