Buckstones, 6 Lipwood House, Old College Lane, Windermere, LA23 1BY

Buckstones is a contemporarily appointed and beautifully presented ground floor apartment that forms part of this gentleman’s former residence, a west facing and handsome property built of Lakeland stone under a traditional slated roof with sandstone quoins and cills and attractive pale sage exterior paintwork. Converted into six stylish and highly individual residences in 2020/1 it has been a well cared for private second home since new.

Welcome to Buckstones, 6 Lipwood House, Windermere
This stylish apartment enjoys an outlook over manicured shared gardens and for a setting that is so peaceful and quiet it is a surprisingly short stroll into the heart of bustling Windermere village. The apartment offers well proportioned and spacious living space that is decorated in a palette of easy living neutral shades and appointments that create a calm and relaxed vibe. Accommodation comprises a dining kitchen, sitting room, two double bedrooms and a bathroom as well as some private outside space, communal grounds and parking for one car.

Unlike many other apartments, the leasehold interest of Buckstones permits holiday letting so buyers looking for a property with the potential to be let commercially either solely or alongside their own private use will no doubt find this opportunity of interest. A local holiday rental company anticipates a gross income of £40,700 - £42,700 per annum.

Also permitted are domestic pets which given the apartment has the advantage of its own private entrance would make the installation of a cat flat or the comings and goings for dog walking so much easier.

All things considered this apartment is likely to be of interest to the private second home market for its lock up and leave ability, the investment buyer for its let-ability and also those seeking to downsize and enjoy permanent living in the heart of the lakes.

If you love the look and wonder how you would recreate it, never fear, all of the contents are separately available – how’s that for a turn key solution? Just unpack your suitcase and start enjoying!

In so many ways Buckstones has not only good looks, but all round appeal.

Location
You’ll have to pinch yourself to remember just how centrally located Lipwood House is as the location is quiet, secluded and leafy situated on the outskirts of the main thoroughfare and therefore the hustle and bustle that comes as part and parcel of life in central Windermere and yet surprisingly everywhere in the village is within walking distance.

Windermere offers a super choice of cafes, bars and restaurants – you could certainly dine somewhere different every night of the week!

There’s also a range of retail outlets; gift shops and galleries and those selling everyday needs including a treasure trove of a traditional hardware shop, two pharmacies, a butcher, off-licence, artisan ice cream parlour, a pet shop and Post office. For all of your kitchenware requirements, Windermere is also home to Lakeland’s flagship store. In terms of groceries there is a choice of three supermarkets, Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Booths.

When it comes to local services, there are doctors, dentists and opticians as well as a choice of hairdressers and barbers.

Windermere is the first Lake District destination encountered upon leaving the M6 (J36) and its accessibility has been the secret of its success over the years as it is ever popular with those seeking an easy to reach second home. From Windermere it is just over a mile into the heart of Bowness on the shores of Lake Windermere which brings everything this second honeypot destination also in reach – your choice of restaurants and shops has just effectively doubled!

If you were considering Buckstones as a car free bolthole then it offers great accessibility by train. There is a station on the main West Coast line at Oxenholme with a connection to Windermere which is then a 0.5 mile walk to Buckstones or you’ll find plenty of taxis offering to take you.

Step inside
The private entrance is on the side elevation to the north and is approached by crossing the front lawn on the sandstone flagged stepping stones. Rounding the corner and you’ve arrived, the area immediately outside is also private to Buckstones.
Stepping inside the glazed door and a Lakeland slated step leads into the dining kitchen which has an Amtico floor laid in an attractive herringbone design. Cool and contemporary, there are on-trend pale grey shaker style cabinets with chrome knobs and cup handles and worktops in white with a grey vein. There’s a matching island unit which incorporates a breakfast bar over which hang pendant lights. The worktops extend into the deep window reveal which offers a leafy view in a westerly direction out to the garden. Appliances include Lamona electric hob and oven with an extractor fan over, Lamona fridge, freezer and slimline wine cooler, Beko washing machine and slimline dishwasher. There’s a fitted oak and painted seating bench with space alongside that would accommodate a separate dining table if you so chose.

The sitting room has an impressive three sided splayed bay which adds enormously to the room and looks out west to the garden. The Amtico herringbone flooring continues through into here and for chilly nights and rainy days there is a wood burning stove set on a slated hearth. Concealed bracket and cabling enables the TV to be wall mounted and there’s a striking five pendant light fitting.

There’s good storage around the apartment with a deep store cupboard in the inner hall, a useful shelved store cupboard in the dining kitchen and storage in both bedrooms.

There are two double bedrooms; the first has a row of wardrobes along one wall with sliding doors, the other a recess fitted with a rail and shelf. Both have upholstered headboards and soft carpet underfoot. One has a pair of floating bedside cabinets.
The bathroom fittings are worthy of a boutique hotel and have been chosen to successfully create a relaxing space. There is a striking hexagonal tiled floor, bath with screen and shower over (you’ve a choice of a rainfall style shower head or a handheld one), floating vanity unit and a loo. There’s a chrome heated towel rail and two walls are tiled, the other painted a pale grey which enables the colour scheme to flow throughout the apartment.

Blending the best of old and new there are a mix of double and single glazed windows, whilst painted panelled doors reflect the period nature of the property and the radiators are a modern take on the old cast iron favourites.

There’s no doubt that the apartment has a relaxed and welcoming feel, the interior has been stylishly assembled by those with a keen eye and natural flair for design.

Step outside
Being on the ground floor there is the distinct advantage of outside space that is private to Buckstones for seating, garden pots and storage (subject to a pedestrian right of way for the other residents) which means that there is somewhere for garden furniture if you fancy eating outside or enjoying a glass of something chilled after a day on the fells (or round the shops!). There is a useful store to house logs for the wood burner. Outside there are external carriage style lights and a water tap.

The delightful and manicured communal gardens are also available for the owners of Buckstones to use along with one private allocated parking space. The established gardens are mainly laid to lawn with deep herbaceous borders which provide a colourful display. The communal gardens are all maintained through the management company so that as an owner you can use and enjoy rather than weeding and mowing.

Services
Mains electricity, gas, water and drainage. Gas fired central heating. HIVE is installed allowing remote access to the control of the boiler from an app on your smart phone.

Broadband
Superfast speed of 80Mbps download and for uploading 20 Mbps.

Local Authority charges
Westmorland and Furness Council – Council Tax band B

Tenure
Long leasehold for the balance of a 999 year lease which commenced on 13 April 2021. The freehold is vested in Lipwood Management Company, each resident being a shareholder in that company. Building management is currently undertaken by Rowan Building Management Limited. An annual service charge of £2079.60 (2023/24 figure) is payable in quarterly in advance. This covers building insurance, garden maintenance, refuse collection.

Included in the sale
Fitted carpets, curtains, curtain poles, blinds, light fittings and kitchen appliances as described. All contents would be additionally available by way of further negotiation.

Directions
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Use Sat Nav LA23 1BY with reference to the directions below:
From our office in Windermere, head south on New Road as if driving towards Bowness. It’s the first turning right (after Hackney & Leigh) onto Old College Road. Lipwood House is the second property on the right, around 150 yards from the junction.