Picture yourself casting a fly line into the crystalline waters of the River Dee as the morning mist lifts from the Howgill Fells, the only sounds the gentle rush of water and birdsong echoing across your private 13.9 acres. This is the reality awaiting at this 18th-century Grade II listed farmhouse in Millthrop, where ancient stone walls tell centuries of stories and every window frames a masterpiece of England's most celebrated countryside. This is more than a vacation home—it's your personal gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, where each season paints the landscape in new colors and every visit reconnects you with nature's timeless rhythms.
Nestled in the tranquil hamlet of Millthrop, mere moments from the historic market town of Sedbergh, this meticulously restored 232 square meter farmhouse represents that rare intersection of heritage authenticity and contemporary comfort. The thick stone walls and exposed oak beams carry whispers of 18th-century craftsmanship, while thoughtful modernization ensures your family enjoys every convenience expected of a premium second home. This isn't simply property ownership—it's acquiring a piece of England's living history in one of Europe's most spectacular national parks.
The approach reveals why this location captivates international buyers seeking authentic British countryside experiences. As you wind through rolling pastureland toward your private estate, the panoramic vista of the Howgill Fells unfolds like a living postcard. These ancient hills, sculpted by millennia of wind and weather, provide the backdrop for your new lifestyle—one where weekend mornings begin with coffee on your stone patio overlooking the River Dee, and afternoons disappear into walks along the Dales Way, which passes directly through your land.
Inside, the farmhouse reveals its dual nature as both heritage treasure and modern retreat. Stone-flagged floors cool your feet on summer days, while the restored beamed ceilings create soaring spaces that feel both grand and intimate. The expansive kitchen, with its countryside views stretching to distant fells, becomes the natural gathering point after days exploring local villages or hiking fell trails. Here, you'll prepare meals using produce from Sedbergh's weekly market, perhaps fresh-caught trout from your own River Dee fishing rights, while family and friends congregate around the generous dining area where the ancient fireplace once warmed countless generations.
The separate sitting room, anchored by a wood-burning stove, offers that quintessential British countryside retreat experience. On crisp autumn evenings when the fells turn amber and gold, this becomes your sanctuary—flames crackling, whisky in hand, planning tomorrow's adventure while the world outside settles into peaceful twilight. This room alone justifies the journey from wherever you call primary home, offering that complete disconnection from urban stress that only remote countryside properties can provide.
Upstairs, four generous bedrooms ensure this vacation home accommodates extended family gatherings or multiple couples seeking shared countryside escapes. The principal suite captures the property's essence: high ceilings with exposed beams, a characterful fireplace, and views across the River Dee that change with every hour. The ensuite bathroom blends period charm with modern luxury, creating a private spa experience after days exploring the Dales. A second ensuite bedroom provides additional guest comfort, while two further double bedrooms share a family bathroom featuring a traditional four-piece suite with spa bath—perfect for soaking away the pleasant fatigue of fell walking.
The outdoor spaces truly distinguish this property in the vacation home market. Your 13.9 acres aren't merely land—they're a private playground for every season and interest. The gently rising terrain behind the farmhouse offers extraordinary potential for terraced gardens, creating elevated viewpoints across the valley that would showcase the full majesty of the surrounding fells. Imagine spring mornings watching lambs in distant fields, summer evenings dining al fresco as swallows dive overhead, autumn afternoons when the landscape erupts in russet and gold, winter nights when frost transforms your acres into a silver wonderland.
The extensive pastureland opens countless possibilities. Equestrian enthusiasts will immediately envision stables and paddocks, while those seeking a smallholding lifestyle could introduce sheep, alpacas, or create a hobby farm that makes each visit productive and purposeful. The land provides sufficient space for multiple uses: wildflower meadows attracting butterflies and bees, kitchen gardens supplying your table, orchards yielding heritage apple varieties, or simply maintained as natural habitat where deer and foxes occasionally appear at dawn.
Your exclusive fishing rights on 1.5 miles of the River Dee represent a rare privilege that elevates this property beyond typical countryside retreats. Direct access from your land means spontaneous casting sessions whenever the mood strikes. The River Dee, renowned among anglers for its wild brown trout and seasonal salmon runs, becomes your private pursuit. Whether you're an experienced fly fisher or learning the art, having this resource literally at your doorstep transforms the vacation home experience, providing endless hours of meditative recreation in some of England's purest waters.
Sedbergh itself, just minutes away, offers that perfect balance international vacation home buyers seek: authentic English market town character without tourist crowds. Known as England's Book Town, Sedbergh hosts numerous independent bookshops, artisan cafes serving locally roasted coffee and homemade cakes, traditional pubs with real ales and hearty Yorkshire fare, and weekly markets where local producers sell everything from organic vegetables to handcrafted cheeses. The town's calendar fills with country shows, literary festivals, and agricultural events that immerse you in genuine Dales culture.
The location's recreational opportunities extend far beyond your private acres. The Yorkshire Dales National Park, England's third-largest national park, surrounds you with 841 square miles of protected landscapes. The famous Dales Way footpath crosses your property, offering direct access to multi-day hiking routes that traverse some of Britain's most dramatic terrain. Nearby Cautley Spout, England's highest above-ground waterfall, makes an impressive day hike. The Howgill Fells provide gentler walks with equally rewarding views, while serious hikers can tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge from nearby staging points.
Seasonal variations create distinct experiences throughout the year. Spring brings wildflower carpets across the fells and lambing season in surrounding farms. Summer offers long daylight hours for exploration, with temperatures typically ranging 15-22°C—perfect for outdoor pursuits without Mediterranean heat. Autumn transforms the landscape into an artist's palette, while grouse shooting season brings activity to the moors. Winter, though cooler at 2-8°C, offers crisp, clear days ideal for brisk walks followed by fireside relaxation, and occasional snow transforms the Dales into a winter wonderland.
The adjacent barn with full planning consent for conversion into a three-bedroom detached property represents exceptional added value. This feature alone distinguishes this offering in the vacation property market. Convert it for extended family members seeking their own space during visits, create a luxury guest cottage that elevates your hosting capabilities, develop a high-end holiday rental generating year-round income while you're away, or maintain it as future expansion potential. Few vacation homes offer this level of development opportunity already approved and ready to commence.
Investment considerations merit serious attention. The property's established history as a successful holiday rental demonstrates proven income potential. The Yorkshire Dales consistently ranks among the UK's most visited national parks, ensuring strong rental demand from domestic and international tourists. Properties offering this combination—authentic period character, substantial land, fishing rights, and development potential—rarely reach the market. The location's accessibility, combined with its remote feel, positions this as a premium offering likely to appreciate as demand for genuine countryside retreats intensifies post-pandemic.
Accessibility balances remoteness with practical convenience. Sedbergh station connects to the national rail network, while the M6 motorway at Junction 37 sits just 15 minutes away, providing direct routes south to Manchester (90 minutes) and north to Scotland. Manchester Airport, serving international destinations across Europe and beyond, lies approximately two hours' drive, making this feasible for long weekend breaks from continental Europe. The Lake District's western mountains and lakes sit within 30 minutes, expanding your recreational options exponentially.
For international buyers, UK property ownership follows straightforward legal processes. No restrictions prevent foreign nationals purchasing British property, and established solicitor networks guide overseas buyers through conveyancing efficiently. The property's freehold status means you own land and buildings outright with no complex leasehold arrangements. Potential rental income can offset ownership costs, while the UK's transparent property market and strong legal protections provide security for international investors.
Key Features:
• Grade II listed 18th-century farmhouse with original stone walls and exposed beams
• 232 square meters across four bedrooms and three bathrooms
• Exclusive fishing rights on 1.5 miles of River Dee accessible directly from property
• Approximately 13.9 acres of pastureland offering equestrian or smallholding potential
• Principal bedroom with fireplace, high ceilings, and ensuite bathroom
• Second ensuite bedroom plus two additional doubles with family spa bathroom
• Spacious kitchen with countryside views and adjoining living-dining area
• Separate sitting room featuring wood-burning stove and character fireplace
• Adjacent barn with approved planning consent for three-bedroom conversion
• Large patio and lawned gardens with terracing potential for elevated viewpoints
• Direct access to Dales Way footpath crossing the property
• Established successful holiday rental with proven income generation
• Yorkshire Dales National Park location with panoramic Howgill Fells views
• 15 minutes to M6 motorway, two hours to Manchester Airport
• Peaceful Millthrop hamlet location moments from Sedbergh amenities
This farmhouse represents more than a vacation property acquisition—it's claiming your place in one of Europe's most timeless landscapes, where history lives in every stone and each visit renews your connection to simpler, more meaningful rhythms. Whether you envision family gatherings spanning generations, romantic retreats from urban demands, or an income-generating asset in Britain's premium countryside market, this property delivers exceptional value at £849,000. The combination of historic character, extensive land, unique fishing rights, and development potential creates an offering rarely encountered in today's competitive vacation home market. Contact Homestra today to arrange your private viewing and begin your Yorkshire Dales ownership journey. Your riverside sanctuary awaits.
