An ancient woodland on the picturesque shores of England’s largest lake has gone up for sale for the first time in 300 years. The rare sale after three centuries finally offers a member of the public the opportunity to snap up some of the most treasured shoreline in the whole of Britain.
The 32-acre (13-hectare) site at Lake Windermere, in the Lake District’s Unesco world heritage site in Cumbria, has been put on the market with a guide price of between £1m and £1.2m. H&H Land and Estate said it’s designated as ancient and semi-natural woodland, meaning there were restrictions on how it could be used – but boasts a mix of broadleaf trees and open glades with a variety of waterfront flora and fauna.
It sits on the eastern shore of the lake, under the summit of Gummer’s How, near Newby Bridge.
According to the Woodland Trust, ancient woods are areas of woodland that have been around since 1600 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 1750 in Scotland. It’s the first time in more than 300 years it’s been up for sale.
Thrilled Mark Barrow, H&H Land & Estates director and chartered surveyor, said: “It is impossible to overstate just how remarkable and a one off this opportunity is.
“Windermere for me is without a doubt the Lake District’s most iconic lake and along with what can only be described as an unspoilt woodland paradise, this parcel gives the new owners direct access to their own private stretch of waterfront on one of the world’s most admired and famous lakes.
“The potential this property offers is genuinely unique and it will appeal to the widest range of buyers, from local property owners and investors to lifestyle purchasers, conservationists, and those looking to secure their own secluded foothold in the heart of the Lake District National Park.”
The woodland is crossed by a network of well-maintained hardcore tracks, and it has natural water supplies. The land is currently free from any Environmental Stewardship or Woodland Schemes.
It has an overall guide price of £1m to £1.2 million and is being sold as a whole or in three lots.
Lot 1 – with a guide price of £300,000 to £360,000, extends to around 7.92 acres of woodland with around 184m of lake frontage and includes a site with lapsed planning permission for a proposed forestry building.
Lot 2 – with a guide price of £550,000 to £530,000, around 12.12 acres of woodland and around 350m of lake frontage and includes the iconic Black Rock.
Lot 3 – with a guide price of £150,000 to £210,000, and around 12.48 acres of woodland with around 80m of lake frontage.
H&H Land and Estates explained to potential buyers: “Offered to the open market for the first time in over 300 years, this remarkable parcel of deciduous woodland extends to approximately 32.52 acres (13.16 hectares) and lies beneath the iconic summit of Gummer’s How, enjoying a prime position on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere.
“The property is offered for sale as a whole or in up to three lots – designated as Ancient and Semi-Natural woodland, comprising a diverse mix of broadleaf species including.
“The woodland is interspersed with open glades and regenerating understory providing a fine variety of flora and fauna. It offers significant opportunities for nature conservation, quiet enjoyment and long-term stewardship.
“The woodland benefits from extensive private frontage onto Lake Windermere, measuring approximately 614m in all, providing direct access to the Lake (subject to necessary consents) and unspoilt panoramic views.
“Access to all three lots is provided directly off the A592, which runs adjacent to the property’s easterly boundary.
“The woodland is crossed by a network of well-maintained hardcore tracks, providing excellent vehicular access and there is a hardcore parking area within Lot 2.
“In January 2020, following submission of a Prior Approval application, planning consent was granted for the erection of a storage building (for forestry purposes) on the property, measuring 18.3m x 9.2m.
“As per the corresponding decision notice, this development needed to be undertaken within 5 years and, as such, the consent has now lapsed.
“Parties are recommended to make their own planning enquiries with the Lake District National Park Planning Authority.”