Old parish school turned luxury home now on the market

A historic converted bunkhouse is up for sale, boasting views of the Lyth Valley.

The former parish school is located in the walled grounds of St John the Evangelist’s Church and is just five miles from Kendal.

Lumley Fee, built in 1853 as a school and teacher’s accommodation, has evolved into a luxurious bunkhouse while retaining many original features such as stone mullions and leaded light windows.

It features five ensuite bedrooms, a lounge/dining room, kitchen, and laundry room.

H&H Land & Estates associate director, Rachel Bagshaw, said: "Lumley Fee bunkhouse is situated in an incredible location, with stunning views across the Lyth Valley and adjacent to walking routes which are extremely popular with visitors to this lovely area.

"It’s a perfect base for the many walkers and visitors attracted to this wonderful part of the Lakes, which makes it highly attractive as a business venture and investment.

"But the character and history of the property in this exceptionally pretty setting also makes it perfect for buyers looking for a rural lifestyle or a private foothold in the South Lakes.”

Helsington parish records indicate that the main school building was constructed next to the church in 1853, with a house for the school master erected in 1861.

In 1903, the school was taken over by Westmorland County Council, before closing in 1965.

From the following year, the old school was used as a residential children’s and community centre until its conversion to a luxury bunkhouse in 2014.

From the entrance, one is welcomed into a wood-panelled hallway leading to a spacious lounge/dining room adorned with a stone-flagged floor and a wood-burner within a stone fireplace.

Four ensuite bedrooms occupy the ground level, all featuring stone-flagged floors.

The fifth bedroom, located on the first floor, has an original stone window, an ensuite bathroom and is panelled in wood.

Surrounding the bunkhouse is a 0.21-acre plot enclosed within its own stone wall including a private driveway and off-road parking.

There's a lawned garden to the front and rear of the property.

The first floor features a balcony at the rear of the building, as well as an external staircase which also serves as a fire escape.

Lumley Fee is available for sale by private treaty through the H&H Land & Estates Staveley Office at a guide price of £575,000.

For more information or to schedule a viewing, interested individuals may contact Rachel Bagshaw at H&H Land & Estates on 01539 721375.