Majestic natural surroundings, a strong literary history, a host of outdoor activities – we’ve picked our top ten reasons to buy a property in the Lake District.
Fancy a home in a location so beautiful that you become inspired to turn your hand to poetry? With the winning endorsement of being, “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, according to William Wordsworth, the Lake District is a stronger contender for being one of the most visually stunning locations to look for a home in the UK. Here are ten reasons to make the Lake District home.
1. We know it’s obvious but…it’s breathtaking beauty
Lake Windemere
Okay, it might be an obvious point to make but the Lake District truly does boast of stunning natural beauty. The Lake District is a self-contained mountainous area in the Northwest of England of some 2,292 square kilometres. It has glaciated valleys, steep hillsides, and lakes. The highest mountain is Scafell Pike at 978 metres and the largest lake is Windermere at 14.8 square kilometres. In recognition of its greatness, the Lake District was named a national park in 1951 (and it is the largest national park in England). Plus, it was made a UNSECO World Heritage site in 2017. It makes for a beautiful picture, walk, cycle. Or even just dreamily gazing out of your window on a rainy day.
2. It’s magnificent literary history
It was not just Woodsworth that fell for the Lakes. (Though he did fall head over heels). Indeed, Wordsworth’s ‘Guide through the Lake District’ published in 1820 kickstarted the tourism that still thrives there today, as others came to appreciate its beauty. The famous children’s author Beatrix Potter, who wrote Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, was also inspired by the Lake District. With the profits from her publications, Potter bought Hill Top Farm and thirteen others, which she left to the National Trust after her death. Other literary giants to be influenced by the Lakes include: Alfred Wainwright, John Ruskin, Arthur Ransome and John Cunliffe. Who knows, with a home there, your inner writer might be inspired too.
3. England’s Adventure Playground
Get stuck into outdoor activities!
Primarily, the Lake District is associated with long, calf-aching hikes, and while it is absolutely amazing for that, there are plenty of other outdoor activities to do too. It is the ideal place for windsurfing, rock climbing, diving, gliding through on a zip wire, playing laser tag and even channelling Bear Grylls and practicing your survival skills.
4. Don’t forget the beaches
Ravensglass beach.
Often overshadowed by the lakes, the Lake District is also surrounded by lovely beaches. Haverigg beach sits at the mouth of the Duddon Estuary and has views over the Lake District. It starts off as a shingle beach but gives way to sand. It is perfect for dog-walkers, kite-flying and a coffee at the café. Ravenglass beach is made up of sand, mud, shingle and backs on to grass. It is dotted by former fishermen’s homes. It is close to Muncaster castle, which makes for a fun trip.
5. Fantastic for tourism
If you are thinking about buying a second home and renting it out to holidaymakers, you are sure to have interest. In 2022, there were 18.14 million tourists to the Lake District. Plus, the revenue from tourists was £2164 million. It is competitive though, with holiday or second homes making up 24% of the properties there.
6. A touch over an hour to Manchester
While life in the Lake District is all about being immersed in beautiful nature, sometimes you do need the hustle and bustle of major city. For days like those, Manchester is, at a minimum, just an hour and six minutes away on the train from Oxenholme Lake District station. Prices start at £5.50. It is cheaper to buy advance and off-peak. Meanwhile, when you need to visit England’s capital, the train journey is (at a minimum) two hours and 39 minutes away.
7. Pretty villages to buy in
Hawkshead.
So, you like the idea of mountain walks, beachside picnics and the occasional zipwire, but where in the Lake District will you settle? Luckily, the Lakes are home to lots of lovely villages, with long histories and distinct characters. Hawkshead benefits from its centre being a designated car-free zone, adding to its olden-timey feel. It has cobbled courtyards, white-washed homes, independent bookshops, and cute cafes. Plus, you can check out the Beatrix Potter Gallery, a collection of the author’s artwork in a pretty 17th century building. There’s even a Chocolate Factory. If you are a real Wordsworth fan, then you might want to look for a home in Grasmere, where he once lived. If you are looking for somewhere that feels detached from the modern world, then you might warm to the petit village of Boot. And if you want a coastal home, direct your search to Ravensglass.
8. Foodie heaven
With a home in the Lake District, you can balance your active lifestyle with delectable feasts. In Cartmel, you’ll find L’Enclume, awarded three Michelin stars, as well as a green star for gastronomy and sustainability (much of the food comes from its own farm). Meanwhile Allium at Askham Hall has been awarded one star, as has the Cottage in the Wood and Forest Side, which uses foraging for its cooking. For your sweet tooth, head to: Grasmere Gingerbread, the Apple Pie Bakery and the Cartmel Village Shop, the home of sticky toffee pudding.
9. Buoyant property market
According to Rightmove, the overall average house price for a property in the Lake District was £294,481 over the last year. Detached properties sold for an average of £465,546, with semi-detached properties fetching £268,740. Moreover, sold prices in the Lake District were up 4% on the previous year.
10. Your dog will love it too!
Happy times for your pup.
Whether you already have a furry friend, picture life with one in the near future, or just like to see them as frequently as possible, a home in the Lake District will be perfect for you. It is a super dog friendly area to buy in. The National Trust has a section dedicated to areas to take your dog walk in the Lake District with a pawprint rating system. Sizergh, Allan Bank and Fell Foot have all been highlighted as great places to take your four-legged friend.
Finally, you might also like:
