Accommodation in Brief
Ground Floor
Porch | WC | Entrance Hall | Dining Room | Drawing Room | Sitting Room | Kitchen | Utility Room | Kitchen/Living Area | Pool Complex | Porch

First Floor
Landing | Principal Bedroom with Dressing Room & En-suite | Bedroom with En-suite | Landing | Three Further Bedrooms | Two Further Bathrooms

Lower Ground Floor
Potential Annexe/Store Area | Double Garage 

The Property
Ben Y Craig is a striking country house situated on the sought-after slopes of Skiddaw, with enviable, far-reaching views over Derwentwater and the surrounding fells. Located in the village of Millbeck, this beautifully appointed home combines period character with contemporary luxury, featuring a modern indoor pool extension. 

Ben-Y-Craig was designed by and built for Sir Percy Hope in 1931. Sir Percy was a prominent local architect best known for developing and donating the land that now makes up the popular Keswick landmark ‘Hope Park’. This unique house is designed to make the most of its spectacular setting. Large sash windows throughout the home flood the rooms with natural light and ensure that the stunning views are a constant presence.

The property is entered through a formal front door with beautifully crafted wooden panels, leading into a welcoming entrance hall that includes a convenient downstairs WC. From here, you pass a grand staircase—one of two in the home, with the second more modest staircase originally designed for staff.  

At the centre of Ben Y Craig is an impressive open-plan kitchen and living area. The kitchen is well-appointed with modern integrated appliances and includes an adjacent butler’s kitchen for added utility. The open-plan living area is an inviting space to relax and unwind, ideal for casual dining, and extends into a sunlit, glass-roofed space that opens onto the expansive outdoor terrace. 

Additional reception space includes a spacious drawing Room and sitting Room, along with a separate dining room for more formal affairs. Grand in appearance and a hallmark of the property’s architectural heritage, these rooms showcase high ceilings, decorative fireplaces, and tall sash windows, characteristic of the period’s design.  

A highlight of Ben Y Craig is the modern indoor pool area which spans 100sqm. Two shower rooms and a hot tub accompany this luxurious complex. 

The property includes five well-proportioned bedrooms, with the principal bedroom benefiting from an ensuite bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, walk-in dressing room and, of course, those spectacular views. Four additional bedrooms are well served by a further three modern bathrooms, each finished with quality materials and fittings. 

At lower ground level, the property features a double garage with electronic roller doors with a versatile potential annexe directly above, providing scope for guest accommodation, a home office, or studio space, subject to necessary consents. This annexe is accessible via a lift which connects the garage, annexe, and entrance hall of the main property. 

Externally
Ben Y Craig sits within approximately 1.74 acres of grounds, comprised mostly of woodland, providing absolute privacy. The expansive terrace is the crowning gem of Ben Y Craig, with its commanding position and outstanding views of the surrounding fells and Derwentwater. The terrace provides an exceptional outdoor entertaining space, while the surrounding woodland ensures both privacy and tranquility.  

Access to the property is via a private remote control electric gate leading to large, tarmacked driveway which provides access to the lower garage and continues upwards to the main entrance of the house. In addition to the double garage, which sits below the terrace, there are a further two detached garages within the grounds as well as several smaller outbuildings including one built into the rock face and offering ample space for storage or perhaps even a wine cellar.  

Local Information
Ben Y Craig is located in the tranquil hamlet of Millbeck, nestled on the lower slopes of Skiddaw, just a short distance from the popular market town of Keswick. Millbeck is surrounded by breathtaking countryside, offering a wealth of outdoor opportunities including easy access to the fells of Skiddaw, Latrigg, and the stunning Lake District National Park. For those who enjoy outdoor pursuits, the area is ideal for hiking, cycling, and water sports on Derwentwater and the nearby lakes. The highly acclaimed Lyzzick Hall Hotel & Restaurant is conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the property. Renowned for its exceptional dining experience, it is a favorite among locals and consistently receives excellent reviews. Additionally for leisure and relaxation, the fabulous, ‘Spa at Underscar’, is five minutes drive away.

Keswick offers an excellent range of local amenities, including shops, cafes, restaurants, and recreational facilities, as well as cultural attractions such as the Theatre by the Lake and the Keswick Museum. Additionally, the bustling town provides a hub for local markets and a wide array of independent shops. 

For schooling, Keswick School, a well-regarded secondary school, is nearby, and there are several excellent primary schools within the surrounding area. There are also respected private schools available slightly further afield, offering a variety of options for families. 

For commuters, Millbeck is well-positioned, with the A66 providing access to Penrith, where connections to the M6 can be found, allowing for easy north/south travel. The West Coast mainline services from Penrith provide excellent rail links to major cities including London, Glasgow, and Manchester, while Newcastle International Airport and Manchester Airport offer convenient international travel options. 

Approximate Mileages
Keswick 2.4 miles | Latrigg 1.6 miles | Derwentwater 4.0 miles | Bassenthwaite Lake 4.2 miles | Skiddaw Summit 3.7 miles | Penrith Rail Station 20.7 miles | Carlisle 27.0 miles | Windermere 22.8 miles

Services
Mains electricity, Water & Sewerage. Oil-fired central heating. 

Tenure
Freehold 

Wayleaves, Easements & Rights of Way
The property is being sold subject to all existing wayleaves, easements and rights of way, whether or not specified within the sales particulars. 

Agents Note to Purchasers
We strive to ensure all property details are accurate, however, they are not to be relied upon as statements of representation or fact and do not constitute or form part of an offer or any contract. All measurements and floor plans have been prepared as a guide only. All services, systems and appliances listed in the details have not been tested by us and no guarantee is given to their operating ability or efficiency. Please be advised that some information may be awaiting vendor approval. 

Submitting an Offer
Please note that all offers will require financial verification including mortgage agreement in principle, proof of deposit funds, proof of available cash and full chain details including selling agents and solicitors down the chain. To comply with Money Laundering Regulations, we require proof of identification from all buyers before acceptance letters are sent and solicitors can be instructed. 

Finest Properties also offer Residential Lettings services. If you have a property to let, please contact us to discuss how we can help.

Other services include Equestrian, Land & Farms Agency and Financial Services.