Lancaster, Lancashire

5 Brettargh Close | Haverbreaks |

|

|

HILLSIDE

Welcome to Hillside

Built in 1978, this imaginatively designed, comprehensively upgraded and immaculately presented detached house stands well at the head of a small, select and gated cul-de-sac on the exclusive Haverbreaks residential estate, Lancaster’s primary residential address.

In an elevated position, the house and gardens command far reaching and panoramic views encompassing an outlook west over the Fairfield Nature Reserve to the River Lune estuary and to Lancaster Castle and the Lakeland Fells.

Offering extensive and well proportioned accommodation comprising a hall with cloakroom, two sitting rooms and a formal dining room as well as a sleek and stylish, well equipped dining kitchen. There are four double bedrooms (two with ensuite shower rooms, one with a dressing room) and a house bathroom. There is an integral double garage (with a fitted utility area) as well as ample parking and turning space for family and visitors alike.

Hillside has been a much loved family house for the vendors since their purchase in 2000 in which time they have replaced the roof covering, installed PVC windows, external doors and a new central heating boiler. The vendors have also replaced the kitchen, bathroom, shower and cloakroom and redecorated, along with replacing all the floor coverings (including fitting Amtico in the bath and shower rooms, cloakroom and kitchen).

The gardens have been professionally landscaped and are well stocked and established offering both privacy and great views.

This quiet and tucked away setting and general location will appeal to those looking to take advantage of all that the vibrant city of Lancaster has on offer in terms of excellent schools and commercial enterprises, a thriving high street and wide choice of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world and a well regarded arts and cultural scene.

The present owners have loved the leafy setting, the surprising amount of birdsong for a setting so close to the city centre, the convenience of such proximity and the great sense of community on the private estate.

This is a great house for a family or a professional couple offered ready to move into and start enjoying.

Location

The well placed private Haverbreaks Estate is located on the edge of the Fairfield Nature Reserve and open countryside yet within easy walking distance to Lancaster City and is sought after and greatly admired for the sizeable and individual detached houses that grace its private roads and enclaves. When not travelling by car there’s easy access to the canal path for walking, running or cycling which then links to an extensive network of traffic-free cycle paths; you’re soon out in the open countryside, that’s one of the beauties of this location.

Haverbreaks properties are highly sought after, being convenient for those working at the Universities of Lancaster and Cumbria and the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. It’s also within waking distance for children attending the Boys’ and Girls’ Grammar Schools or Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy. It’s handy for all that Lancaster has to offer in terms of retail, social and commercial opportunities and is convenient for those needing the train station whether for commuting or away days; Lancaster station is on the main west coast line with a frequent service to Manchester and London Euston. By road, Haverbreaks is easily accessible to the wider network via the M6, via either J33 or 34.

The Haverbreaks Estate levies a charge of £180pa (Current figure) to cover maintenance of the main thoroughfare, estate lighting and remote control entrance bollard upkeep. Brettargh Close is a culde-sac of three detached houses approached via a splayed gated entrance set back off the road with smart wrought iron railings and matching electric gates, the gates are timed to lock at night time and accessible by residents with a remote or Wi-Fi control. The owners of the 3 properties benefitting from the gates each contribute towards the annual service costs.

Enabling all residents to keep in touch is ‘The Haverbreaks Blog’ which is a password protected online forum for neighbourhood news and information and is a handy resource for Haverbreaks residents.

Step inside

Sweeping Indian sandstone steps with a wrought iron handrail lead up to the main entrance. The main living accommodation is on two levels all arranged around the attractive central staircase and as such makes for an interesting layout with great circular flow. Panelled internal doors to the rooms off the hall are finished in mahogany to tie in with the handrail on the stairs. The hall has doors to both the front and side elevations which maximizes light into this central and inviting space. The cloakroom was refitted in 2021 and has a loo with concealed cistern and vanity unit. There are two sitting rooms, the vendors tell us that the smaller one is perfect for evenings; the sunsets from here are something rather special and the square bay window takes in a view that includes Lancaster Castle. The stone composite fireplace has a Gazco stove and makes the room cosy on a winter’s evening.

The second, larger sitting room is slightly elevated being up five steps from the main hall – it’s a favourite of the owners during the day as the views are lovely and sliding doors lead out to a balcony which comes into its own during the warmer months – pre-dinner (and indeed sun-downer) drinks here are a treat and the room itself is excellent for having friends over. A feature painted fire surround houses a contemporary electric fire and with arches either side, incorporating three steps down to the dining room it makes for an interesting feature. We’re told the family choose this room for their Christmas tree, a spot is reserved in front of the big picture windows so that the lights reflect back for maximum festive glow.

The dining room connects the large sitting room and the kitchen and has been the setting for many family Sunday lunches and special occasion celebrations over the decades. The ceiling is high and partially sloping which lends a touch of drama to the room and there are French windows opening to the rear garden and the semi circular seating terrace which is perfect for alfresco dining in the warmer months.

The dining kitchen by Mereway was refitted in 2021 and offers contemporary sleekness with white high gloss units, brushed chrome handles and stylish, durable Minerva work surfaces with seamless joins and a silky smooth finish, the overall look is understated and elegant. A glass fronted and illuminated dresser unit has been incorporated for display and looks lovely lit in the evenings. Integral appliances comprise NEFF dishwasher, Zanussi fridge and freezer, a second fridge (always handy for drinks) and no doubt of interest to the keen cook, a free standing Stoves range cooker with four electric ovens and seven gas rings. The owners choose to have their washer and drier in the garage’s utility area but there is capacity to have them here in the kitchen if that’s your preference. Lighting has been well considered and there are atmospheric low pendant lights over the dining table and task specific under unit lighting. With a nod to the age of the house, an internal wall of glass bricks makes an attractive feature and there’s a door to the back garden.

Families often love the option of a ground floor bedroom – it can be a guest room away from younger children, a teenager suite offering a degree of independence or a master bedroom when the stairs are a little challenging; all in all it offers a degree of flexibility as a family grows and life changes. This fourth double bedroom is on the main living level and has a lovely view of the back garden. The attractive ensuite shower room was refitted in 2022 and offers an electric Mira shower, vanity unit and loo.

The main staircase rises five steps to the larger sitting room and then turns on a half landing, rising a further eight to the main landing with gallery balustrade. A generous airing cupboard houses the hot water store and offers plenty of useful storage space.

The master bedroom has panoramic views taking in the Lakeland Fells – what a sight to wake up to! An ensuite shower room has a large cubicle with thermostatic shower, vanity unit and loo. There’s an equally good view whilst you brush your teeth and plenty of storage with fitted cabinets.

Bedroom two is a good double with fitted bookcases and a desk/dressing table. It has a view over the private back garden, with a dressing room fitted with Sharps rails, racks and drawers. This room is sure to score highly with any teenagers.

Bedroom three is also a double and it too has a wall of book cases.

The house bathroom is well appointed with quality fittings including a double ended bath for a luxurious soak, a large corner thermostatic shower for when there simply isn’t time to linger in the bubbles a vanity unit and loo.

The underbuilt garage is down eight steps from the main hall, there’s a lobby providing useful storage space and the garage itself has two manual up and over garage doors and a utility area along one wall with white high gloss cabinet doors, laminate worktops, stainless steel sink unit, Worcester central heating boiler, washing machine and drier.

Step outside

Being the end house of three provides a private setting for Hillside as there are no passing neighbours making for a quiet and peaceful position. The garden was professionally landscaped and stocked in 2007 and has matured beautifully over the years. A private tarmac drive leads to the generous parking and turning area in front of the house where steps lead up to the main entrance, bordered by a limestone rockery. To the south side of the garden is a pergola over a circular seating terrace, in season this is adorned by white clematis and roses and catches the sun all day as well as having a super view. A path leads round to the main garden which is on the east of the house and has delightful circular lawns with block paved edging and a central elegant water feature. The rear garden in particularly private and secluded not being overlooked. Planted along the rear fence is a collection of climbers adding year round colour and interest. There is a carpet of bulbs starting with snowdrops, followed by daffodils and hyacinths. The limestone rockery continues and slow growing heathers are now well established. The distinctive bark of a silver birch tree makes for an attractive focal point and there is a pair of Canadian Maple trees with vibrant red leaves. A second curved pergola edges one section of lawn and is home to a climbing rose and hydrangea. For home cooks there are redcurrant, blackcurrant, rhubarb and gooseberry bushes and an apple tree. The flagged seating terrace in the back garden is a favoured spot for lunch.

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 07.02.2023

FURTHER INFORMATION

Lancaster - 0.7 miles

M6 J33 - 4.8 miles

Kendal - 22.6 miles

Manchester - 52.3 miles

Manchester airport - 61.7 miles

Liverpool airport - 67.4 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.

On the road Schools

Lancaster Boys’ and Girls’ Grammar Schools

Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy

Scotforth St Paul’s C of E Primary School

Moorside Primary School

Bowerham Primary School

Rail Journeys

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

Services

Mains electricity

Mains gas

Mains water and drainage

2hr, 32mins 2hr, 8mins

London Edinburgh

Gas fired central heating

Directions

58 mins 1hr, 50mins

Manchester Leeds

Local Authority

Lancaster City Council – band F

Tenure - Freehold

Use Sat Nav LA5 1BU with reference to the directions below:

From Lancaster follow signs to Aldcliffe Road, continue along this road for approx. 0.6miles passing an Aldi store on your right, take a left turn onto Haverbreaks Road and proceed over the small canal bridge. Turn left onto Brettargh Drive and then second left onto Brettargh Close. Hillside, number 5 is to be found right at the end.

Residents with remote control access may approach via Ashton Road onto Haverbreaks Road.

Things to do in the area

Lancaster Castle and Priory, Dukes and Grand Theatres as well as various live music venues.

Included in the sale

Fitted carpets

Curtains

Local leisure activities

Swimming at the University, there are a number of gyms as well as football, rugby and cricket clubs.

Local eateries

Atkinsons Coffee Roasters have a number of popular cafes, for a great brunch try Journey Social and for something special head to Quite Simply French at the Quayside.

Great walks nearby

Lancaster canal and from there onto an extensive network of off-road routes.

Curtain poles

Blinds

Light fittings

Integral kitchen appliances

Range cooker as described

Guide price £825,000

FINE & COUNTRY

Fine & Country is a global network of estate agencies specialising in the marketing, sale and rental of luxury residential property. With offices in the UK, Australia, Egypt, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Namibia, Portugal, Russia, South Africa, Spain, The Channel Islands, UAE, USA and West Africa we combine the widespread exposure of the international marketplace with the local expertise and knowledge of carefully selected independent property professionals.

Fine & Country appreciates the most exclusive properties require a more compelling, sophisticated and intelligent presentationleading to a common, yet uniquely exercised and successful strategy emphasising the lifestyle qualities of the property.

This unique approach to luxury homes marketing delivers high quality, intelligent and creative concepts for property promotion combined with the latest technology and marketing techniques.

We understand moving home is one of the most important decisions you make; your home is both a financial and emotional investment. With Fine & Country you benefit from the local knowledge, experience, expertise and contacts of a well trained, educated and courteous team of professionals, working to make the sale or purchase of your property as stress free as possible.