S O M E R V E L LA P P L E T H WA I T E C O U N T R Y H O U S E

Set upon the penthouse levels of the imposing Applethwaite Country House, hugging the lower slopes of Skiddaw and offering panoramic views across Keswick and Derwentwater, is Somervell.

A lordly, Victorian, slate-built mansion; take the scenic country lane off the A361 from Keswick or Bassenthwaite before turning off the lane at the junction for Skiddaw to arrive at Applethwaite Country House. Immediately left is the turning for the car park, where the designated space for Somevell is demarcated in addition to visitor parking.

Step through the impressive front door into a Victorian tiled porch, panelled in pitch pine to dado height.

Beyond the doorway on the right, Somervell awaits, with its magnificent, panoramic views from the first and second floors over to Keswick, Derwentwater, Borrowdale, Cat Bells and the surrounding ranges.

Drape coats on the clothes hooks in the lobby; boots can be stashed in the wardrobe or cupboard beneath the stairs.

Ascend the carpeted staircase up past the mezzanine landing, where extensive tiled shelves lie beneath a large sash window, before continuing up to the first floor.

Soft grey tones adorn the walls of the hallway, from where a number of doors lead off.

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WA R M W E L C O M E

Sneak a peek through the first door on the left, where a roomy dining kitchen awaits.

Recently refitted with new appliances, including an electric fan oven, gas hob, extractor fan, dishwasher, washer-drier, the culinary heart of Somervell also features a range of over and under storage units.

A freestanding fridge-freezer also features, whilst attractive crimson splashback tiles partially coat the walls, which are illuminated by integrated lighting.

Underfoot, laminate flooring ensures ease of cleaning, pertinent for those considering Somervell’s potential as a successful holiday let.

With views out to the garden and the rising peak of Skiddaw beyond the pine trees, enjoy breakfast at the long, extendable dining table (seating six on its oak chairs) and spy the roaming deer and scampering red squirrels enjoying their own morning feasting.

C U L I N A R Y C L A S S I C

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Newly installed, a cloakroom is a handy addition to the first-floor landing. Crisp white tiling to part of the walls is a contemporary touch. Warm a towel on the heated rail, suspended next to the neat sink with storage beneath and illuminated mirror and shaving point above, set opposite a modern WC.

More storage is supplied courtesy of the closet on the landing, with a fibre-broadband router and telephone point

S O D E TA I L E Dlocated under the sash window outside the shower room; the next stop on the tour.

Another modern addition to Somervell, this rejuvenatingly fresh shower room is fully tiled in white, with a ribbon of blue mosaic running through. Featuring a spacious walk-in shower and separate wash basin, this room is filled with light from the large window.

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Sneak a peek now at the show-stopping lounge.

Sumptuously-sized, the sitting room oozes Victorian grandeur in its array of traditional features, including an impressively high ceiling and original cornices.

Follow the glint of the tall sash windows and soak up the simply breathtaking scenery framed in its glazing. Derwentwater and its surrounding shroud of peaks beckons – an ever-changing vision throughout the seasons.

To this end of the lounge, a two seater and three seater sofa are set out, alongside a bookcase, tables and television.

Behind the wall, the original ‘builders opening’ for the fire place is concealed, currently blocked-in due to Somervell’s current occupation as a holiday let, but with the potential for restoration to its cosy original purpose.

To the entrance end of the room, a large, extendable table creates a cosy, yet formal, dining space..

R I C H & R E G A L

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“At any time of the year, if we raise our eyes at dawn or at dusk we see the outlines of the mountains delineated sharply by the sun.”

T H E W O W F A C T O R

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Continue on to the penthouse level of Somervell, where a selection of soporific slumber chambers beckons…

Immediately on the left, a solid wood door opens to reveal the spacious second bedroom.

Comfortable and featuring an array of built-in furniture including a set of drawers and wardrobe, there is space for even more storage.

The wow factor here, however, is the enthralling views out over Derwentwater.

Slip through to the en-suite bathroom, featuring a bath, hand basin, WC and shaver point, all illuminated by the natural flow of light through the large Velux window, overlooking the garden.

S W E E T S L U M B E RNext on the left, discover the master bedroom – whose broad windows encapsulate even more spectacular views out to the surrounding Skiddaw countryside.

So spacious, this bedroom is currently fitted with a freestanding dressing unit, bedside tables, a wall mounted TV and built-in wardrobe.

Similarly designed to the second bedroom, peep through to the en-suite bathroom, replete with bath, wash basin, WC and shaver point.

“And on a clear night, the absence of streetlights allows us to see the stars of the

night sky in all their glory.”

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One last stop to make; the ultimate guest bedroom.

Serenely set, overlooking the rear garden and its frequenting wildlife through a dormer with sash windows, this spacious bedroom is currently set up as a twin.

Beneath the twin sash windows lies a wall to wall purpose-built vanity dressing unit, replete with wash-basin above and a cupboard and clothes drawers beneath. An additional built-in wardrobe offers even more storage.

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S O F T LY E L E G A N T

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S T E P O U T S I D EStep outside to explore the one and a half acres of varied grounds enjoyed by Somervell, which surround Applethwaite Country House on three sides.

To the front of the slate mansion, a small lawn leads to the main croquet lawn, fringed with shrubs and trees. Rising above and behind are wooded areas and further pockets of lawn. Admire the change of seasons from Somervell and its surrounding grounds. In Autumn, regard the glorious symphony of rusts and ochres displayed by the turning leaves before they finally fall, revealing the delicate tracery of their branches and the landscape beyond.

In true Keats style, watch as the morning mists descend on the valleys, sometimes blanketing Derwentwater in a fog and making it appear as though the building is perched amidst the clouds.

Winter’s arrival is heralded by summits capped with snow and a blaze of bright orange bracken on the fells. In the depths of winter, the whole landscape can become carpeted in snow, with smoke rising in vertical stacks from cottage chimneys.

In true Keats style, watch as the morning mists descend on the valleys, sometimes blanketing Derwentwater in a fog and making it appear as though the building is perched amidst the clouds.

Winter’s arrival is heralded by summits capped with snow and a blaze of bright orange bracken on the fells. In the depths of winter, the whole landscape can become carpeted in snow, with smoke rising in vertical stacks from cottage chimneys.

“Something we love about Applethwaite is its year-round

tranquility: a peace, interrupted only by the noise of sheep and birdsong

and, at night, the sounds of the owls.”

Watch the landscape shake off the grip of winter as clumps of snowdrops push through the hard earth in the garden, chased up by the arrival of Lake District daffodils and the gamboling of spring lambs in the surrounding fields.

Summer bursts forth at Applethwaite in a chorus of birdsong and greenery, as the sun warms the valley from dawn until dusk.

Dating back to the 17th Century in parts, the buildings of Applethwaite Country House are brimming with intriguing local links.

Former residents include Robert Phipps Hornby, a 2nd Lieutenant in the 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers, who was awarded the Military Cross on 12th November 1915.

Subsequently, the mansion was bought by Dr Arthur Wakefield, a Cumbrian GP and noted mountaineer.

Serving as the medical officer on the 1922 Everest expedition, a number of apartments have been named in honour of Dr Wakefield’s companions, including Mallory and Irvine, who perished near the summit of Everest on the 1924 expedition. It was on this trip that Dr Howard Somervell served as the medical officer.

M O R E T O E X P L O R E

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When you’re not relaxing with a glass of wine, soaking up the spellbinding views from one of the many viewing points within Somervell, take the time to explore the selection of local hostelries.

Try the Pheasant, on Crossthwaite Road, for a relaxed pub-restaurant feel, or the Lyzzic Hall Hotel, for haute-cuisine in an elegant restaurant setting.

Walking is a way of life in these parts, so whether it’s down by lakes or up on the high fells, enjoy that spectacle of glorious countryside that ranks among the most picturesque in the whole of the British Isles.

Take the public footpaths in any direction. For a challenging walk, at 3000 feet, Skiddaw is the fourth highest peak in the Lake District National Park. Accessed further along the lane, you can also drive to the Skiddaw Car Park and start from there.

Walk towards Bassenthwaite for a hike up Dodd Fell, or spy the Osprey from the Visitor Centre.

Further afield, the walks are endless. Climb amidst the highest fells in England from Scafell Pike and Scafell at the very end of Borrowdale to Helvelyn, rising above the forested sides of Thirlmere.

Nearby Keswick is fully stocked with a Booths Supermarket, Barclays Bank, a post office, chemist and countless smaller shops and pubs.

Newcomers to the region are advised to try local baker Brysons and Olde Friars, a traditional confectioner swarmed by visitors from miles around.

With two large parks featuring play parks, putting greens, a swimming pool and more, families are well catered for in Keswick.

For evenings out, visit the cinema, where occasionally live-streaming of productions from major theatres or opera houses is shown. Nestled on the shores of Derwentwater is the ever-popular Theatre by the Lake, hosting a full programme of plays and productions throughout the year.

Cheerfully tuckered out after a day on the fells or exploring the wonderful towns and villages surrounding Applethwaite Country House, return home to Somervell for some well-earned ‘R&R’.

Whether looking to enjoy the comforts of Somervell as a holiday bolthole or a permanent retreat, one glimpse of the unparalleled panoramic views is all it takes to fall in love.

Set your heart racing and book a viewing for Somervell today.

T H E P E R F E C T L O C AT I O N

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• Built in 1881

• Mains electric & water

• LPG Gas

• Council tax band C

• 5 minute drive to Keswick

• 20 minute drive to M6

• No local occupancy

• Views of Derwentwater and

Borrowdale and mountain ranges

from Skiddaw to Latrigg

• Fibre broadband

• Currently run as a successful holiday

let (figures can be provided)

• Lease terms and costs – 999 years

from 2002, shared freehold with

other 4 owners, costs are approx.

£1500 p/a (includes building

insurance, fire and alarm services,

communal electric, grounds and

property maintenance

F I N E R D E TA I L S

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Exit M6 at jct 40. Follow A66 to Keswick but do not turn left into Keswick,instead continue to the roundabout. Turn right onto the A591 Carlisle

Road, then immediately right again up a country lane signed Underscar.The road climbs up and in just under a mile you will see Applethwaite

Country House on the right-hand side.

S O M E RV E L L , A P P L E T H WA I T E C O U N T R Y H O U S E , K E S W I C K , C A 1 2 4 P L

To view Somervell | Call : 015394 88811 | Email : team@ashdownjones.co.uk

S O M E R V E L LA P P L E T H WA I T E C O U N T R Y H O U S E