Since the pandemic an increasing number of people are looking for an escape to the country and H&H Land & Estates have the perfect property for those seeking a new life. Hayton Castle is a Grade 1 listed house standing in 10 acres of grounds, which for the last four years has been used for projects that engaged young people in nature and the arts. With extensive lawns, orchards, woodland and grazing, this is a unique opportunity to buy an historic house suitable for a variety of lifestyles.
The six bedroom castle dates back to the 14th century and is steeped in history. It was extended in the 16th and 17th centuries and turned into a residence. It was reputedly visited by Mary Queen of Scots and during the English civil war suffered considerable damage and had to be rebuilt. Fortunately its recent history has been far more peaceful, the present owner having hosted many community activities, such as weekly gardening groups where children with learning difficulties were taught how to grow plants and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of working in nature, as well as reiki, yoga and meditation workshops for local charities. They also held festivals based around the arts, where young people could take part in workshops with artists and the community could come together to enjoy music, food, and good company.
Hayton Castle is for sale through the Carlisle office of H&H Land & Estates for £800,000 and viewing dates, which are strictly by appointment, have been scheduled for Monday 9th May and Friday 27th May.
“It really is a lovely versatile house,” enthused Janet Flintoft, Chartered Surveyor with H&H Land & Estates. “This property offers so many possibilities. It would make a great family home and is ideal for keen gardeners or equestrian enthusiasts. There is also the option to develop the various spaces for tourism or letting purposes. It really offers a wonderful opportunity for someone to embrace a new and different lifestyle.”
The house is beautifully situated in the Cumbrian countryside, on the edge of the hamlet of Hayton, 9 miles north of Cockermouth and 22 from Carlisle city centre. Surrounded by three acres of woodland with a stream running though, it makes the perfect rural idyll. It has four acres of grazing land and to the front of the Castle are large gardens laid to lawn. To the side and rear are vegetable plots and orchards. The land has been maintained with nature in mind, so no chemicals have been used in the field, woodland, and gardens for the last four years. This has seen a significant increase in insect and bird life, and a diverse range of plant species. The Cumbria River Trust has also created natural leaky dams in the river that runs around the property.
The house is spacious and retains many original features, including three staircases and the remains of the 14th century tower walls in the central part of the building. It has two cellars and large attics ripe for conversion. In recent years the house has been used as a venue for music videos as well as interior and fashion photoshoots for numerous publications. Given its location so near to the Lakes and the Solway Firth it has also proved very popular with Airbnb guests. In addition, there are a number of stone outbuildings that, with the right planning permission, have great development potential, so the property provides plenty of opportunity for diverse income streams.
Please contact Shirley Dodd on 01228 406274 if you want to view or need any more information.