Mitchell’s Land Agency is thrilled to be selling this remarkable property extending to 3,000 acres and rises to 931m being the summit of Skiddaw one of the Lake District’s most visually pleasing fells. Skiddaw House, the most Secluded House in England rests 1,500 feet above sea level, on the back of spectacular Skiddaw.

“As one of the oldest established land agents in Cumbria we are delighted to be in the enviable position of selling Skiddaw Forest and Skiddaw House,” says Andrew Wright, head of Mitchell’s Land Agency. “It is an inspiring, one-of-a-kind property, being one of the largest areas of the Lake District National Park ever to be sold. This is the only time the property has been sold on the open market since the property was built and we expect a lot of interest.”

The Dream

Gazing out at the shifting shadows that swoop across this brooding landscape, you notice something: there’s not a telegraph pole in sight. The stark beauty of this breathtaking panorama has lain virtually unchanged for millions of years. Cradling a locally distilled whisky, you drink in the pure romance of this unique landscape, with its rich patchwork of purple and brown heather and dark, imposing fells. It hardly seems real, but here you are, completely free of distractions and with the world on your doorstep. You feel your shoulders drop and your mind still.

It’s just you and the wilderness.

Skiddaw Forest, the word “Forest” does not imply a wooded area, in fact there are very few trees. The name comes from medieval times when forests were moorland and largely tree-free. The area encompasses the summits of both Skiddaw and Great Calva popular with tenacious Wainwright-baggers.

This Upland dwarf heath, with blanket peat bog rises up to Skiddaw Mountain on some of the oldest rock in the Lake District, Skiddaw granite that’s a mere 400 million years old.

Skiddaw House is one of England’s most secluded properties.

It may be off-grid but this working YHA bunkhouse, perched on the ninety-mile Cumbria Way and overlooking dreamy Bassenthwaite, offers the cosiest of warm welcomes to visitors to the dramatic northern fells. At Skiddaw, simplicity is key.

Only accessible by foot, or 4x4 vehicle, this former hunting lodge takes its idyllic isolation seriously. Nowhere else in the Lake District offers tranquility like this and imagine the night skies: stars and galaxies as far as the eye can see. Here, bigger really is better.

Situated on a grouse shooting moor you can bid good day to the iconic Herdwick sheep dotted across this remarkable scenery and walk in the centuries-old footsteps of shepherds, game keepers. Tackle the neighbouring fells of Latrigg, Great Calva, Knott and Bowscale and come home, satisfied, to a stiff drink and a well-earned rest by the wood-burning stove.

If you crave isolation and simplicity, Skiddaw House has it in spades. As the only dwelling in the 3,000 acre Skiddaw Forest, Skiddaw House is the ultimate bolt hole.

Possessing endless views, Skiddaw is a source of perpetual inspiration, a place to create art, find peace and live in the sky.

Pull on your boots and meander to the pub, only 4 miles away and the perfect excuse to embrace nature and make a day of it.

The History of Skiddaw House

Built as a gamekeeper’s lodge by the Earl of Egremont in 1829. Venerable artists John Keats, Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Hugh Walpole were hugely influenced by this starkly magnificent countryside. After spending time exploring the area, Walpole was inspired to pen his gruesome thriller, The Fortress, which he set in Skiddaw House.

Over the years tenancy shepherds came and went with the longest resident being one Dalton Pearson who made Skiddaw House his home for 12 years, from 1957 to 1969, with a goat, five dogs and a cat for company.

A long spell followed where the property remained empty until 1986 when it was converted into what was to become Britain’s highest youth hostel.

When we said Skiddaw House was off grid, we meant it. Powered by the sun, watered by a natural spring and ingeniously heated by sheep’s wool insulation and wood burning stoves, this comfortable property is the epitome of environmental sustainability.

The Potential

Skiddaw Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and may provide an investment opportunity in environmental and habitat protection and the associated developing market of carbon sequestration and nutrient neutrality.

To say that Skiddaw House has potential would be an understatement. As a going concern, the bunkhouse has a few years left of its current lease. The new owner may wish to continue offering excellent accommodation for intrepid explorers or they might choose to transform the building into an exceptional family home to be enjoyed by many for generations to come.

One thing we can guarantee is that there’s nowhere quite like Skiddaw Forest & Skiddaw House.

The Local Area

The charming nearby market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth are teeming with pretty buildings, attractive shops and plenty of spots to eat and drink the finest Cumbrian fare.

Keswick boasts beautiful Derwentwater, perfect for a leisurely cruise, and to the east, the atmospheric Neolithic Castlerigg Stone Circle, steeped in mystery and home to some of the Lake District’s most majestic views.

Gateway to the national park, relaxing Cockermouth, the birthplace of poet William Wordsworth, is home to a gorgeous collection of well-loved family-run shops and eateries and a bustling arts scene.

For more information or to express an interest please contact Mitchells Land Agency on 01900 822016 or on info@mitchellslandagency.co.uk