A former Lake District parish school, converted into a bunkhouse, is on the market for £575,000.
Lumley Fee is in the stone-walled grounds of St John the Evangelist’s church, a mile from the village of Brigsteer and five miles from Kendal.
It was built in 1853 as a school and teacher’s accommodation, and is now a luxury bunkhouse with five en suite bedrooms, a lounge/dining room, a kitchen and a laundry room.
Helsington parish records show that the main school building now called Lumley Fee was erected next to the church in 1853, with a house for the school master following in 1861.
In 1903, the then Westmorland County Council took over the running of the school until its closure in 1965.
From 1966 the old school was used as a residential children’s and community centre until its conversion to a bunkhouse in 2014.
Lumley Fee is for sale by private treaty through the H&H Land & Estates’ Staveley office at a guide price of £575,000.
H&H Land & Estates associate director Rachel Bagshaw said: “It retains many of its original features, including stone mullions and leaded light windows, and would lend itself to a new chapter in its long life as a continuing business or perhaps as a private piece of Lake District paradise with the necessary consents.
“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.”
Lumley Fee stands in a 0.21-acre plot enclosed within its own stone wall, with a private driveway and off-road parking, and a lawned garden to the front and rear. On the first floor at the back of the building there is a balcony and an external staircase that serves as a fire escape.
