The Cottage, High Abbey, Bay Horse, Lancaster, LA2 0HP

Character, countryside and connectivity rarely come together as beautifully as they do here. Originally a traditional barn on the historic Ellel Estate, this exceptional detached cottage has been thoughtfully converted, sympathetically extended and stylishly enhanced to create a home that is as distinctive as it is welcoming.

Rich in period charm, the cottage showcases abundant features which sit happily alongside contemporary kitchen, bathroom, shower room and cloakroom fittings. Tastefully presented the well-proportioned accommodation provides a vestibule, hall, cloakroom, breakfast kitchen, sitting room, dining room and versatile study/gym/boot or play room. Upstairs are three double bedrooms, a bathroom and shower room. Throughout the cottage the rooms enjoy pleasant leafy views, both across the garden or over the adjoining field. Outside, landscaped and beautifully established west-facing gardens enjoy the same aspect over the neighbouring countryside, providing a peaceful setting to relax, entertain and embrace the changing seasons. There’s private off street parking for two or three cars. 

Nestled within the desirable rural hamlet of Bay Horse, the property offers the best of both worlds: an idyllic countryside lifestyle surrounded by rolling landscapes and abundant wildlife, yet with the A6, M6 (J33) and Lancaster's West Coast main line station all within easy reach. Whether exploring the Forest of Bowland protected National Landscape, enjoying the independent charm of nearby Garstang or commuting further afield, this is a home that combines rural tranquillity with exceptional convenience; offering a truly unique place to put down roots.

Location

Bay Horse is a desirable hamlet located just off the A6 and south of the historic city of Lancaster. Rural in nature, with the comfort and security of a few neighbours, the property has the advantage of restful views over fields while remaining exceptionally well connected with convenient access onto the A6 and M6 (J33), or if travelling by train, via the station at Lancaster on the main West Coast line.

Each with a different personality, the cities of Preston, Lancaster and Manchester and Liverpool between them offer a full range of commercial and recreational facilities including a vast choice of restaurants and great shopping. Culturally, there is a choice of theatres, cinemas and established arts and music scenes with festivals and events throughout the year. 

If you prefer somewhere smaller, the community-minded and attractive market town of Garstang is convenient with a choice of supermarkets, thriving independent shops and a variety of places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat. It also has a calendar of social events, seasonal fairs and an annual show to get involved with. 

Should access to the great outdoors be important to you then it’s all around. The hamlet is located close to the protected National Landscape (formerly the AONB) of the Forest of Bowland which covers 300 square miles with fells, deep valleys, ancient woodlands, sprawling heather and peat moorland. It offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure with an extensive network of lanes, footpaths and bridle paths for walking, running and cycling. 

Vendor insight

We’ve really enjoyed living here, the view across the open fields, watching the sheep graze and all the wildlife passing through. A couple of times a year we can also spot the Flying Scotsman go past, which is an impressive sight. 

It’s rural in feel, but we’re onto the M6 in a matter of minutes which has saved so much time when we were commuting. We shop locally in Garstang, there’s a good range of supermarkets and events throughout the year.

Step inside 

Originally a traditional barn on the historic Ellel Estate, this exceptional detached cottage has been thoughtfully converted, sensitively extended and, since its acquisition by the current owners in 2015, comprehensively upgraded to create a home of remarkable warmth, individuality and quality. Every improvement has been carefully considered, preserving the building's authentic heritage while introducing contemporary comforts that complement rather than compete with its character.

From the moment you arrive, the cottage reveals its unique personality. An open-sided porch provides shelter before you step through the front door into a welcoming vestibule, where a stylish cloakroom is discreetly positioned. Beyond, the staircase hall is inviting and leads on to the rest of the accommodation. 

Character is abundant at every turn. Stripped pine doors and staircase balustrades, exposed ceiling beams, timber window lintels, sections of exposed stonework, wooden window sills and three handsome stone fireplaces, each housing a multi-fuel stove, combine to create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and inviting. Cleverly integrated shelving, recessed display niches, built-in wardrobes and full-height storage cupboards ensure that the home's practical needs are met without compromising its aesthetic appeal.

At the heart of the home lies the beautifully appointed kitchen, a wonderfully sociable space where traditional character blends effortlessly with contemporary design. Gloss white cabinetry, elegant quartz worktops and a Belfast sink sit comfortably alongside one of the property's original stone fireplaces, while a central island provides a good workspace and informal seating, making this a natural gathering place.

The kitchen flows gracefully into both the sitting and dining rooms, creating a layout that encourages connection while allowing each room to retain its own identity. Rather than being entirely open plan, the spaces are thoughtfully linked to offer flexibility for both entertaining and everyday living. Both reception rooms enjoy glazed doors opening directly onto the garden, drawing natural light into the interiors and strengthening the connection between house and landscape.

Completing the ground floor is an immensely versatile room. Currently arranged as a gym, it has previously served as a home office and could equally become a snug, playroom, hobby room or an occasional fourth bedroom with the addition of a sofa bed. A substantial built-in cupboard houses the laundry appliances alongside extensive shelving, ensuring the room is as practical as it is adaptable.

Ascending to the first floor, three beautifully presented double bedrooms continue the cottage’s inviting character. Each enjoys delightful views over the surrounding countryside or garden and benefits from fitted wardrobes which provide generous storage without encroaching on the living space.

The family bathroom is wonderfully bright, with a large Velux skylight allowing daylight to flood over the bath, wash basin and WC, creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere. A separate shower room is equally well appointed, featuring a rainfall shower, vanity storage and its own Velux skylight, while additional built-in cupboards throughout the first floor provide yet more practical storage solutions.

Throughout the cottage, lighting has been thoughtfully designed to enhance both function and ambience. A carefully considered combination of wall lights, spotlights, pendants and recessed downlighters creates welcoming spaces for every occasion, from relaxed evenings beside the fire to gatherings with friends.

Beautifully balancing period authenticity with modern convenience, this is a genuinely one-of-a-kind property; rich in architectural character, thoughtfully updated for contemporary living, and offering a wonderfully versatile layout that will adapt effortlessly to every stage of family life.

Vendor insight

The cottage has tremendous personality, it’s unique, we love all the character features. It’s cosy in winter with the fires lit, an absolute joy at Christmas time with our tree up and the house decorated; but it’s also lovely and cool in warmer weather.  

Step outside

Outside, the gardens have been thoughtfully designed to be as practical as they are beautiful, providing a series of inviting spaces to relax, entertain and enjoy the peaceful rural surroundings.

To the front of the cottage, a tarmac driveway provides off-road parking for two or three vehicles, depending on their size, while additional on-street parking is readily available for visiting family and friends. A pathway wraps around the property, with gated access ensuring the principal garden remains safely enclosed, making it an ideal environment for young children and four-legged companions.

The main garden enjoys a desirable westerly aspect, perfectly positioned to capture the sun all day. Immediately outside both the sitting and dining rooms, a generous paved terrace creates a natural extension of the living accommodation, offering the perfect setting for alfresco dining or a chilled sundowner with views across the garden. A sheltered seating area provides an equally appealing retreat, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort whatever the weather.

At the heart of the garden, a level lawn is beautifully framed by neatly maintained borders and raised beds, where an abundance of carefully chosen trees, flowering shrubs and herbaceous planting combine to deliver colour, texture and seasonal interest throughout the year. 

At the far end of the garden, two further seating areas provide alternative places to pause and unwind, each enjoying a delightful perspective back towards the cottage across the garden.  Whether following the sun throughout the day or seeking a quiet corner to read and relax, the garden offers a choice of peaceful retreats.

A workshop provides excellent versatility, complete with power, lighting and an external water supply, making it equally suitable as a workshop, hobby space, secure storage or garden studio, subject to individual requirements.

To the north of the cottage, there is a row of fruit trees; two apple trees, alongside pear and plum trees, their canopy underplanted with ferns to embrace the shady setting. The gardens enjoy great privacy and are enhanced by open views across the neighbouring field, creating a wonderful sense of space and connection to the surrounding countryside, nature and changing seasons.

Beautifully established yet eminently usable, the gardens are every bit as inviting as the cottage itself; an attractive setting in which to entertain, garden, play or simply appreciate the peace and beauty of this super rural home.

Vendor insight

We landscaped and planted the garden. We absolutely love it; it’s brought us great joy. With a westerly and southern aspect it gets the sun all day from about 11am; we have several seating areas and can move around the garden either following the sun or seeking shade. The first sun is over by the workshop; we’ve a bench which is lovely in the morning for a coffee. By late afternoon it’s at the back of the house, lovely for drinks and eating outside. 

Mobile and broadband services

For information on broadband and mobile services at the property, we advise prospective purchasers to consult the Ofcom website: checker.ofcom.org.uk  

Services

Mains electricity and water. Oil fired central heating from a Worcester boiler in the understairs cupboard capable of being controlled remotely via the SALUS App.  Three multi fuel stoves (sitting room, dining room and kitchen). 

Drainage to a water treatment plant, shared with the adjacent property High Abbey and located in the garden of High Abbey.

RING doorbell and security alarm. 

Outside lights, power and two cold water taps.  

Directions 

what3words intervene.paves.chambers

Download the what3words App or go online for directions straight to the property. 

Included in the sale 

Fitted carpets, curtain poles, blinds, light fittings and domestic appliances as follows: Flavel electric oven (multi plate hob, two ovens, grill and warming drawer) with circulator fan over and CDA slimline temperature-controlled wine store. 

Available by way of further negotiation are the free standing appliances: American style Kenwood fridge freezer, Hotpoint washing machine and Indesit tumble dryer. 

Anti Money Laundering Regulations (AML) 

Due to the Money Laundering Regulations, now officially known as Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017 we are required to follow government legislation and carry out identification checks on all purchasers. We use a specialist third party company to conduct these checks at a charge of £48 inclusive of VAT per buyer once an offer has been accepted and you will be unable to proceed with the purchase of the property until these checks have been carried out. This charge is non-refundable.