Welcome to Bracken Howe, Millans Park, Ambleside, LA22 9AG

In the heart of Ambleside, an impressive Victorian villa from 1884 with delightful unobstructed views of Loughrigg fell. With impressive proportions and offering extensive accommodation that’s well presented and has been skillfully updated to make this a heritage property well equipped for modern day living. Currently, a highly successful, luxury holiday let, the property is being sold as a going concern and includes most  fixtures, fittings and furnishings to enable a swift transition of the business.  It would be equally suitable as a main residence or as a second home.

Bracken Howe offers an entrance porch, impressive hallway, lounge and snug, dining room opened up to the kitchen to give a sociable open plan feel, laundry room and cloakroom. There is an excellent range of cellar rooms currently used for storage, but capable of being developed, with a separate external access. To the first floor is a half landing, off which is a spacious main bathroom. From the generous main landing, with cathedral style coloured glass ceiling panel, are five double bedrooms. Three of these have ensuites, two being bathrooms, the third a shower room. 

Outside the garden mainly sits to the west and has a raised deck leading straight out from the dining room, a seating terrace, lawn and established planted borders. There’s a hot tub with covered changing area and a charming summer house. To the rear and side is extensive off-road parking provision with space for five cars. 

Being the end property of three pairs of semi-detached villas, Bracken Howe has an advantageous setting with unspoilt Lakeland views that take in Loughrigg to the west, following round in a northerly direction to Nab Scar, the Fairfield Horseshoe, Red Screes and Wansfell. The location is quiet, tucked away, with little in the way of passing traffic and is perfect for a short and level walk into the village for something to eat after a day on the fells or out exploring the multitude of local attractions – whatever the weather there is always something to do here.

In the heart of the Lake District this is the perfect location for anyone looking to embrace Lakeland life, full time, part time or from an investment stance.  

Location

Ambleside needs little in the way of introduction, in the heart of the Lake District and easy to reach, it sits just to the north of Lake Windermere and is a centre for touring, walking, mountaineering and mountain biking. Ever popular, its quaint and characterful streets are full of mainly independent shops and offer a wide choice of places to eat and drink. The lake shore at Waterhead is within walking distance where you can watch the world go by from the Wateredge Inn or catch a traditional steamer to Bowness-on-Windermere or Lakeside at the southern end of the lake. 

For day to day needs, there are Tesco, Co-op and Spar shops with a branch of regional favourite Booths to be found in Windermere.

Step inside 

Bracken Howe was built in 1884 for the Thompson Family, at the time Mr Thompson was the head teacher of the primary school. 130 years later, the current owners bought in 2014 and are only the third family owning the property. 

For lovers of character properties, Bracken Howe is an absolute gem. It retains a wealth of period architectural features from the day, such as extensive use of quality pitch pine internal joinery (polished floor boards, panel doors with original door furniture such as brass handles and finger plates, deep skirting boards, wide architraves and picture rails), the original servants’ bell board (bearing the original contractor’s name, A. Huddleston, Compston Road, Ambleside) and original fixtures (the dining room has a lovely original alcove cupboard as does the kitchen and both bedrooms 1 and 2 have original fitted wardrobes). There are substantial original fireplaces in both the sitting and dining rooms (both with grates capable of holding an open fire), colourful and characterful Minton tiled floors are laid in the hallway and porch, there are ceiling cornices and dado rails and almost throughout, the original windows with period ironmongery. 

The accommodation is well proportioned with excellent fell views to be enjoyed from many rooms. Standards are high in everything from the quality appointments and tasteful décor to the highly polished floors. 

Bracken Howe exudes character and warmth, it is instantly inviting and not at all hard to see why it has been such a great success as a holiday rental. As it sleeps ten it has proved popular with family get togethers and for groups of friends celebrating special occasions and landmark birthdays – it’s the perfect setting for a country house party. 

Internal inspection is highly recommended to experience the character of the property.

Step outside

Outside the sunny, westerly facing garden gives a wide and open view taking in the church spire, Loughrigg Fell over which the sun sets in an evening and the start of the Fairfield Horseshoe. The terrace is spacious with room for a dining table and chairs to be set up. 

There is also a raised deck leading off from the dining room giving a choice of venues – this would make the perfect location for a glass of something chilled as you watch the sun dip behind Loughrigg and gaze over the high fells of the Fairfield Horseshoe. 

The Catalina hot tub has room for six people, including a lounger, with wonderful views. There is a wooden arbour with space to change and hang up your robe before getting into the bubbles.  

The summerhouse is nestled in a corner position and has internal power. It makes a lovely, sheltered place to sit outside when the weather is just warming up. 

A quiet and peaceful haven, private and sunny with the sound of birdsong and sometimes church bells in the background – what could be better? 

There is parking, with room for five cars. 

The is external power and light. There is also external hot and cold water supply.

Services

Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas fired central heating from a Vaillant boiler in the kitchen. The main bathroom and ground floor cloakroom have electric underfloor heating. CCTV accessible via a mobile app. 

Broadband

Ultrafast speed available from Openreach or Fibrus of 1000 Mbps download and for uploading 1000 Mbps.

Mobile

Indoor: Vodaphone likely for both Voice and Data. EE, Three and O2 is likely for Voice and limited for Data

Outdoor: EE, Three, O2 and Vodaphone likely for Voice, Data and Enhanced Data

Broadband and mobile information provided by Ofcom.

Local Authority charges 

Westmorland and Furness Council – business rates are payable. Rateable Value of £5,600 (with effect from 01.04.23) with the small business multiplier of 49.9p. Small business rates relief may be available; prospective purchasers are advised to make their own enquiries. The current owners benefit from 100% relief.

Tenure

Freehold 

Included in the sale 

Bracken Howe is being sold as a going concern and therefore the guide price includes most fixtures, fittings and contents to enable a seamless transition of the business. The sale also includes the advantage of all advance bookings. 

Please note

Bracken Howe is let through Lakelovers, Booking.com, Air BnB and Vrbo. 

To minimize disruption to resident holiday makers viewings will be conducted on changeover days which are normally a Friday.

Trading accounts are available to interested parties after viewing. Bookings are currently operating up to the VAT threshold of £90,000, but the business is capable of generating higher revenue. 

Directions 

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Use Sat Nav LA22 9AG with reference to the directions below:

Ambleside has a one-way traffic system. Whether approaching from Grasmere or Windermere direction, follow Compston Road and turn left immediately before Zeffirellis, take second left and follow the one-way Millans Park crescent round to the right. There are two sharp dog-legs. Turn left up the gravel path at the second dog leg. Bracken Howe is at the end on the left. There’s plenty of parking.