Mitchell’s Land Agency is selling a property that extends to 3,000 acres and rises to 931m on 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 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.

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.

Nearby market towns are Keswick and Cockermouth.