Bracken Ground, Colton, The Lake District, LA12 8HP

Location

Colton is an unspoiled village within the Lake District National Park. Off the beaten track this is a quiet corner of the Lake District, ideal if you also want to dip in and out of the hotspots as the quaint and characterful Lakeland villages of Coniston, Hawkshead, Bowness on Windermere, Ambleside and Grasmere are all easy to reach. 

In terms of everyday needs try Ulverston for a great selection of independent retailers and supermarkets (Booths, M&S Food and Aldi) and it’s good to know that there is a doctor’s surgery in nearby Haverthwaite (6.8 miles distant).

If you love exploring the great outdoors then all that the region has to offer is on your doorstep; whether it’s rambling or hiking, running, cycling, climbing, sailing or off-roading, you really couldn’t find a better place. The experience of time spent here will change with the seasons, the vibrancy of early spring growth, the fullness of summer and the glowing glories of autumn. 

Step inside 

In 2010/11 Bracken Ground underwent an ambitious programme of works. The resultant transformation is a huge success. The external choice of building materials, stone, slate, grey aluminium clad wooden windows, cedar cladding and galvanized steel rainwater goods ensure the property sits comfortably in the garden, completely at ease with the surrounding environment.  

Internally, the property was stripped back to basics and then remodelled and rebuilt by a team of local craftsmen. Extensive glazing maximises natural light within and ensures that the fabulous views may be enjoyed from every possible angle. The natural surroundings profoundly enhance the interior, where oak and slate have been used to great effect to create a modern rustic aesthetic reflecting the exterior being confident yet soothing with calm colours, abundant light and space. 

Appointments are high end with a Fired Earth fitted kitchen constructed with ash doors, chosen to reflect the woodland setting. The sanitaryware fittings are also from Fired Earth with tiles specially selected and including two stunning marble shower trays.  

The entrance porch has plenty of room to kick off boots and hang up outdoor gear, making your way into the spacious and inviting L-shaped reception hall which forms a secondary sitting room and creates a relaxed atmosphere from the offset. 

The main reception room is exceptionally generous with wide oak floorboards and has a dual aspect for all round views and doors to both front and rear gardens enabling you to spill outside in warmer weather. During colder months you can hunker down in front of the contemporary cylindrical Morso wood burning stove. The perfect room for a group, there’s space to dine and recline. 

The dining kitchen has three-way views with a route out to the garden and a handy basket of towels ready for the hot tub! The wildlife pond is outside the kitchen, a glass balustrade ensures an uninterrupted view may be enjoyed from inside. 

There are five double bedrooms, two of which have beautifully appointed Fired Earth ensuites. The principal bedroom is positioned on the front elevation and has a super square bay window.  Within the property there is an array of storage, from built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms to lockable housekeeping cupboards. 

There is an unrivalled connection between the interior and the wooded grounds with glazed doors leading out from the reception room, dining kitchen and two of the bedrooms, which, if they weren’t required as bedrooms would make super snugs or home offices.

Due to the popularity of this luxury holiday let, Bracken Ground is being sold as a going concern with an excellent track record, fully furnished, with the benefit of being an established business with advance bookings, however it would also make a wonderful family home for those looking to embrace a rural lifestyle. 

Step outside

A pair of gated driveways gently sweep up to Bracken Ground, which sits on c. 6.29 acres, slightly elevated above the passing, very quiet lane. Shielded from vision by established planting which creates a setting that is private and not at all overlooked. 

In celebration of the rural location, the wonderfully unspoiled grounds which encircle Bracken Ground create a rare degree of seclusion. Simple grassed areas, light woodland and gently burbling streams provide a haven of natural scenery teeming with the local wildlife, such as deer, badgers and rabbits, foxes, squirrels, owls, buzzards and a wide variety of birds.  

The cedar-clad sauna will ease aching limbs after a day spent on the fells and the hot tub is yours to enjoy under the stars, glass of champagne optional! Together they offer the ultimate in exertion free relaxation. 

The main seating area is at the back and has space for a variety of seating arrangements, a long wooden bench has been affixed to the top of the low stone retaining wall, throw on a few cushions for extra seating if you are hosting a crowd. With five bedrooms you would rightly expect there to be plenty of parking space to accommodate cars for all. There’s a garage with an attached laundry room and a lean-to log store. 

The sheer joy of these extensive ground is you can walk the land and exercise the dogs, children can make dens and play hide and seek for hours on end; just imagine an easter egg hunt here. Tree swings can be added, tree houses designed and constructed. This is your very own adventure playground, and as an added bonus, you’ll be self-sufficient in kindling and logs for the stove! 

On a practical note, the lights that run along the side of the drive operate on a sensor and those on the front elevation operate on a timer. There are external water taps.

Services

Mains electricity and water. LPG central heating from an Alpha boiler in the cupboard in the entrance vestibule.

Private drainage to a water treatment plant in the grounds. 

Broadband

Standard speeds potentially available from Openreach of 27 Mbps download and for uploading 2 Mbps. 

Mobile

Indoor: EE, Three do not report any services. O2 and Vodafone are reported as providing ‘limited’ Voice services and no Data services. 

Outdoor: EE, Three, O2 and Vodafone are all reported as providing ‘likely’ services for both Voice and Data. 

Broadband and mobile information provided by Ofcom.

Local Authority charges 

Westmorland and Furness Council – business rates are payable. Rateable Value of £5,000. Prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries as to the amount payable.  

Tenure

Freehold 

Included in the sale 

With the possible exception of some personal belongings, Bracken Ground is sold fully furnished to enable the holiday letting business to continue seamlessly. 

Please note

Trading accounts will be available to genuine purchasers after viewing. 

Directions 

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Use Sat Nav LA12 8HP with reference to the directions below:
From the M6, exit at J36 and follow signs for Barrow/A590. After approximately 2 miles take the slip road, following signs to Barrow/A590. Continue along this road, for around 5 miles and at Meathop roundabout follow signs for the Western Lake District, after a couple of miles pass through Newby Bridge (straight over the mini roundabout here) and continue to the roundabout at Greenodd. Take the second exit onto the A5092, continue along this road for 0.5 mile and then take the right turn signposted for Oxen Park. Continue for around 2.5 miles, not turning off at the crossroads but turning left onto a small road signposted Bandrake Head. This is a very small road sign so keep your eyes peeled as it’s easy to miss! Follow the lane until you reach a group of houses and take the sharp hairpin left and Bracken Ground is 0.5 mile on the right. Turn into the second entrance on the right.