It's not often that a staircase alone can sell a house, but in the case of Eden Mount — an imposing Grade-II listed mansion in the Lake District — it might just be enough to do the job. It sweeps up from a graceful and spacious hallway, switches back around on itself, and continues up to a large, pleasant landing. The steps are parquet, topped in the centre by a carpet held in place with brass stair rods; and then there is the polished wooden handrail topping a wrought iron balustrade. Wonderful.
Not that there isn't a lot more to offer at what the agents describe as 'a magnificent period family home in a remarkable setting'. This is five-bedroom, Victorian house, built in 1872, has a real Gothic look to it, with characteristic windows and a central tower which are somewhat reminiscent of a miniature St Pancras Station. It's up for sale with Fine & Country via OnTheMarket at £750,000, a price which includes the main house and two-thirds of an acre of gardens in the village of Wetheral, near Carlisle.
The rooms are large, full of light and decorated in an ornate style which seems entirely in keeping with the architecture — notwithstanding the slightly surprising sight of seeing a full-sized ping pong table in one of the rooms.
Equally striking — albeit in a different way — is the decor in the living room, with bold red walls, fabulously confident curtains and an intricately-carved wooden fireplace surround.
The kitchen is a real highlight, with a large island, dining room, a huge green Aga and, er, an easy chair. It might not be what you expect to see, but it's hard to deny that it looks good in the photographs — something which the agents have clearly spent a huge amount of effort getting right. Or at least making them eyecatching.
Four of the five bedrooms are on the first floor, with the fifth inside that eye-catching turret — the sort of bedroom which can imagine being thrilled for children, guests or both.
Within the grounds of Eden Lodge there is another property, a two-bedroom cottage called 'The Retreat' which is 'available by separate negotiation' rather than included in the deal. It seems like ideal extra accommodation for family and friends or for renting out as a holiday home.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
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Three delightful homes for sale in Suffolk, Surrey and SW7, as seen in Country Life
This week's round-up includes a country house built in the style of Edwin Lutyens, and boasting gardens inspired by Gertrude
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An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country LifeAn Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
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The reality of 20 years of house price rises in Britain, from the places that have had a charmed life to the spots where it's a struggle to move back homeAt first glance the ups and downs of the property market seem to even out over time — but dig in to the numbers and you'll see wild regional variations which paint a very difference picture. Annabel Dixon analyses new research which tells the story.
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A historic Yorkshire hall, meticulously restored to its former 18th-century magnificenceWomersley Park is a masterpiece and one of Yorkshire's great historic houses. And it could be yours.
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Rowing past dreams: An idyllic riverside home with a boathouse, croquet pitch and Olympic pedigreeThe Manor in Long Wittenham is a perfect Thames-side getaway. Comes with a free boat.
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A bucolic Sussex home that's 'like stepping into a fairytale', yet just 30 minutes from central LondonFelmere House is a playground for nature and only 30 minutes from London.
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Magnificent mansions across the Home Counties, from £3 million to £14 million, as seen in Country LifeA waterside dream home and a house and estate with over 1,100 years of history make our round-up this week.
