Ambleside, The Lake District

HIGH WRAY HOUSE

Welcome to High Wray House

A quintessential Lakeland house. Full of understated charm and original character features, this highly desirable Grade II Listed detached house emits a tranquil calmness with its harmonious colour palette reflecting nature and the Lakeland surroundings and minimal styling allowing the aesthetic beauty of the authentic period details to do the talking.

On the west side of Lake Windermere in the attractive hamlet of High Wray, High Wray House occupies an elevated position and is surrounded by delightfully informal Lakeland gardens which include lawns, light woodland, an orchard and numerous seating areas. There are views of the Lake from several rooms, from the main garden and seating area and from the utterly enticing stone built summer house.

The original part of High Wray House was built in 1728 by the Willson family who went on to develop the site over several generations before a Victorian extension in the late 19th century. Early in the 20th century the house was owned by a Captain Brooke, who served in the Royal Navy, and there are said to be further links to major military figures including rumours of visits by Churchill. There’s an inviting living kitchen, two further reception rooms, five bedrooms and two bath/shower rooms as well as ancillary accommodation comprising boot room, back kitchen, pantry, utility room, studio and separate WC. Outside is a super double garage with an attached carport complemented by extensive car parking.

This is a Lakeland gem. It’s hard not to be beguiled by its simple charm. If you are looking for an authentic property where modern interventions are minimal and sit alongside original detailing to tactfully preserve and enhance the history of the residence then you will appreciate High Wray House.

Location

The captivating and inspirational landscape of the Lake District has been a huge draw for residents and visitors alike for centuries. In 2018 the National Park became a World Heritage Site under the cultural landscape category.

Location is everything, but so is the individual setting of a property. High Wray House occupies an elevated position in High Wray; a small community on the western side of Lake Windermere between the picturesque village of Hawkshead and the busy market town of Ambleside. Slightly off the beaten track, the location offers peace and tranquillity not always to be found in busier parts of the Lake District. Away from the hustle and bustle there is a great stillness in the setting as the house isn’t overlooked and nestles in its surroundings offering both privacy and openness of views, some of which are out over neighbouring properties to Lake Windermere.

Step inside

A plaque above the front door bears the inscription “Anthony Willson and Dorothy his wife 1728” stepping inside and it’s almost turning back time as so much of this classic Lakeland house has been retained. Whilst concessions have been made to 21st Century living they are kept to a minimal to enable the overall experience to be all-embracing.

Throughout the house many rooms have exposed floor boards, some are painted, others are polished. The boards are often wide and many floor levels have a slight slope to them as one would expect with a house of this age. In-keeping and eminently practical there are Lakeland flags laid to the floors in the living kitchen, back kitchen, pantry and utility room. Original panelled doors in various designs open to the rooms and there are shutters to some of the windows, some of which also have window seats, a couple of rooms have painted panelled walls. The majority of the windows are sliding sashes and there are moulded plaster cornices and arches. The elegant Georgian staircase is laid with a runner and brass stair rods and opens to a split level landing where thanks to the external ground levels a striking pair of French windows that capture the lake view perfectly and open to the garden. There are period fire surrounds in several of the rooms and wood burners installed in snug and living kitchen with an open fire in the graceful first floor sitting room. As a concession to modern day living there is central heating with period style radiators, pipework has frequently been surface mounted to give a utilitarian look and to keep damage to the historic plaster work and floor boards to a minimum.

The reception hall is a generous space which opens to the staircase hall where internal plaster walls have been incised to imitate blockwork. The snug is a lovely cosy room, tucked away with a view to the garden this is perfect for a rainy afternoon (it occasionally happens in these parts!) of films in front of the fire or when there’s a difference of programme choice on the TV. Open plan living kitchens are popular whatever the style of property but are often rare to find in older houses but here High Wray House delivers with a super double fronted space along the north west elevation with a door out to the garden and into the attached boot room which is an absolute boon for storage. An electric three oven black Aga and a log burning stove stand at opposite ends of the room and at the kitchen end a custom built kitchen island unit with wood block surface and breakfast bar. The fitted sink unit has an integral dishwasher and over it a plate rack with a distressed paint finish. There’s storage space on open shelving in the kitchen with plenty more in the back kitchen (where there’s an electric hob, oven and microwave and second sink unit). The old fashioned pantry is virtually untouched and is an absolute treat with a slate topped table, bench and shelving. The utility room houses the washing machine and drier.

Rising to the first floor a ceiling lantern above the landing floods this space with natural light and French doors lead out into the wild flower garden with its mown paths running through.

The elegant sitting room is a grand room with tall shutters framing the windows and an open fire. There are fabulous far reaching views across the lake and hills to the west. There are four double bedrooms, a family bathroom is home to a roll top bath positioned to allow the lucky bather to enjoy the view. The shower room has a large contemporary shower cubicle with a locally sourced green slate base and the wash bowl is set on a marble top washstand.

At the end of the landing, a winding staircase leads to the studio room on the second floor, a light filled and very versatile space with skylights and gloriously uneven wide oak floor boards. A truss divides the space with an opening through to the fifth double bedroom with stripped roof timbers and an exposed stone wall.

Step outside

The gardens which surround the house provide a lovely private and informal setting with distinct areas where the orientation and terrain influences use.

There is a public footpath through the field below (which can be accessed from a gate in the garden) the house taking you directly to the lakeshore and the beautiful Wray Bay.

The main garden is north east and in spring is a carpet of bulbs from snowdrops to crocuses and wild daffodils. In the summer months this lawn is left longer and is colourful with wild flowers, a path mown through it. As this garden enjoys the best view of Lake Windermere it has naturally been chosen for the main seating area where the current owners enjoy drinks and leisurely alfresco dining.

Opposite the door into the living kitchen there is an orchard (apple, pear, plum and cherry trees) where a path mown between the longer grass and wildflowers winds its way down to a stream and creates perfect the natural habitats for wildlife. Here a tall Lakeland stone wall is the backdrop for a sheltered haven for summertime lunches and warm evenings outdoors being so handy for the kitchen.

Old stone steps link different sections of the garden and dry stone walling adds to the feeling of originality.

Steps lead up to the eastern section of the garden where a giant monkey puzzle tree is planted; the trunk is so wide it’s impossible to reach around it. This lightly wooded area provides a great natural play area for children with a tree swing already in place. In the eastern most tip of the garden sits the delightful stone built summerhouse, with triple aspect there are great views – a perfect quiet spot to enjoy a pot of coffee and the weekend papers.

Two driveways provide flexible access and generous car parking. Off the second driveway is an excellent detached double garage, block built under a slated roof with two sets of double opening oak doors and a work bench. Attached is an oak framed car port. There’s power, light and water laid on up here so it’s well equipped. There’s a path back to the house with subtle external lighting.

Agents notes: All measurements are approximate and for general guidance only and whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy, they must not be relied on. The fixtures, fittings and appliances referred to have not been tested and therefore no guarantee can be given that they are in working order. Internal photographs are reproduced for general information and it must not be inferred that any item shown is included with the property. For a free valuation, contact the numbers listed on the brochure. Printed 22.03.2023

FURTHER INFORMATION

On the road

M6 J36 23.8 miles

Kendal 16.9 miles

Lancaster 38.2 miles

Manchester 91 miles

Manchester airport 98 miles

Liverpool airport 103.7 miles

The above journey distances are for approximate guidance only and have been sourced from the fastest route on the AA website from the property postcode.

Rail Journeys

Based on approximate direct train journey durations from Oxenholme train station. Train service durations vary, please check nationalrail.co.uk for further details.

Please note

1hr, 15mins

Manchester Piccadilly

Schools

Primary

Ambleside CoE

Hawkshead Esthwaite

Secondary

The Lakes School (Troutbeck Bridge)

Windermere School (Independent school 3-18)

2hrs, 47mins

Edinburgh

The vendors have obtained planning permission and also Listed Building Consent for a series of alterations to the house; these are unobtrusive and restrained designed to add a few more modern day comforts and practicalities. The approvals may be viewed online at https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/ using reference 7/2021/5714 and 7/2021/5714 (both dated 21st January 2021). These cover the “demolition of a later extension to restore building to its original form, upgrading windows, new windows. Internal alterations including lifting floors to provide insulation underneath, insulating the reveals, general repairs. Addition of shower rooms and en-suite.”

Directions

Use Sat Nav LA22 0JQ with reference to the directions below:

Glasgow

London Euston South

From Ambleside head out on the A593 Coniston/ Hawkshead, turn left at Clappersgate over the river on to the B5286. The junction to Low Wray is 2 miles on the left, continue along the lane past the entrance to Wray Castle, continue for approximately half a mile to the hamlet of High Wray and turn left signed Lake and Ferry. Turn left after approximately 30 meters where the property can be found. There are two driveway entrances, the first in front of Manor House Cottage takes you through a gate to the parking area in front of porch into the living kitchen. The second is to the garage and car port with a path leading back to the main entrance.

Things to do in the area

Local leisure activities

Lakes and tarns for wild swimming.

Local eateries

Drunken Duck Inn (Barngate, Ambleside)

The Old Stamp House (Ambleside)

The Samling and Linthwaite House (Windermere)

L’Enclume (Cartmel)

Forest Side (Grasmere)

Great walks nearby

Fitted carpets

Curtains

Curtain poles

Blinds

Light fittings

Kitchen appliances

National Trust properties to explore including near neighbour Wray Castle. Lake cruises sail from Waterhead. Council tax band - G

Tenure - Freehold

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