One of the most iconic houses in Keswick has come on the market – with an asking price of £1.5 million.
Town Head House on St John’s Street is a Grade II listed property and is regularly photographed by tourists visiting the popular Lake District town.
“It’s a beautiful house,” said Nick Elgey, property sales and marketing consultant for Hackney and Leigh, who is managing the sale.
“It’s rather like a little bit of Knightsbridge has come to Keswick.
“For a decade or so the owners have been receiving letters from tourists who have seen it during their visits to the Lakes asking if they will sell it.”
The property was built some time between 1840 and 1860 and its first owner was Robert Broatch, whose family was involved in running Keswick-based law firm Oglethorpe and Broatch.
It was occupied by various members of the Broatch family until 1961, when it was bought by Norman and Muriel Temple, tobacconists of Station Street, Keswick.
In 1989 it was bought by Robert Jonathon Smeaton and at one stage the main house was used as a dentist’s surgery.
The present occupier, Ken Routledge, has described why it is such a special house.
“It occupies a prominent position in the central part of town,” he said.
“You have the benefit of living in the hub of the town but the large garden means it is also very tranquil.
“The property has retained many of its original features, including high ceilings, cornices, original fireplaces, bay windows, shutters and cast-iron gutters and downpipes.”
The accommodation includes five bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room, dining room, study, conservatory and a large kitchen complete with a gas-fired Aga.
Outside there is an electronically-controlled gate to the driveway, a range of outbuildings including a large garage and ample off-street parking.
The extensive gardens feature mature trees, shrubs and flowers and the house has views of Skiddaw, Latrigg and Blencathra.
