With its grand double frontage, sweeping gravelled driveway and beautiful landscaped gardens, Eden Bank is the quintessential English country house.
Nestled in almost two acres of grounds on the outskirts of Wetheral village in Cumbria, the property’s private position gives way to a magnificent vista of open countryside views that are utterly breathtaking to behold.
“We love the feeling of complete tranquillity,” says Rachel, whose family have owned the property for over four decades. “My parents bought this house when we were small. It’s a home that’s imbued with happiness.”
A handsome Georgian property, Eden Bank boasts lovely proportions, large windows and high ceilings. The stunning countryside views cascade from the gardens with the majestic River Eden glistening in the near distance.
Rachel and her husband Sean were married at Eden Bank and a generation later, the house provided a beautiful and elegant setting for their daughter’s wedding too. “There have been so many visitors to the house over the years,” says Sean. “And it’s always the same reaction when guests arrive. People can’t quite believe that such a private and quiet setting exists within a thriving riverside village.”
A Grade II Listed property dating from 1834, Eden Bank was constructed for a prominent wine merchant from nearby Brampton. It was the first large house to be built in Wetheral, influenced by the development of the Newcastle to Carlisle Railway which brought increased trade and prosperity to the area.
Today, the historic nature of the house is reflected in the grand sandstone ashlar construction and striking symmetry. The accommodation is truly impressive, with hugely spacious reception rooms, bedrooms arranged over the two upper floors and extensive cellarage.
The kitchen/dining room has a range of fitted cabinetry and a grand AGA within a stone inglenook with date inscription. “There are quaint servant bells throughout the house that ring here in the kitchen. Incredibly, they are still in working order,” says Rachel. “Yes, they’ve been rigorously tested by the 17 grandchildren over the years!” laughs Sean.
“My dad retired at 50,” says Rachel. “He spent the next 25 years enjoying and maintaining the house.” And it shows. The love and attention that has been bestowed on Eden Bank and its wonderful gardens is evident from every view point. The extensive landscaped grounds include manicured lawns and mature woodlands, along with a tennis court. Footpaths wind through the grounds, linking quiet seating areas and features such as an ornate pond.
“There’s a secret gate at the end of the garden,” says Sean. “It opens onto Wetheral’s quiet period train station and leads out to the viaduct beyond. Rachel’s Dad used to love the serenity of that spot. He loved strolling out onto the viaduct in the mornings, chatting with people and admiring the view. From here you can walk or cycle any of the numerous quiet routes in the Eden Valley.”
Standing on the lawns, the trees gently swaying around us and the river rippling in the distance, it’s hard to imagine a more magical start to the day. In a world that can feel overwhelming with its pace and chaos, there is nowhere we would rather be than home. And Eden Bank is one of those homes you can’t help but want to love and to cherish, to have and to hold.
Eden Bank | Wetheral | Carlisle | Cumbria – Offers Over £1,500,000