Property Summary
A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional Grade I Listed mansion house occupying a convenient position on the west Cumbrian coast, set within beautifully landscaped grounds. Dating from 1620, the property has been extended to the rear and has most recently operated as a successful hotel.
Importantly, this is not simply a hotel opportunity. The property could also make an exceptional and highly individual family home, subject to the necessary consents. With its substantial accommodation, generous grounds, period features and impressive entertaining spaces, it offers the scale and flexibility to create a truly unique private residence.
The property is approached via a sweeping driveway, with attractive gardens surrounding the mansion to create a private and picturesque setting. To the side is a substantial summer house, which could provide an excellent entertaining space, home office, studio, gym or additional leisure area. A walled paddock to the eastern boundary provides further land and potential, subject to planning.
The main house retains a wealth of charm and character. A grand entrance hall and reception area leads to a newly installed bar on the right and a spacious dining room to the left. A commercial kitchen is also installed, while an original wooden staircase provides access to the upper floors.
Currently configured as a hotel, the property offers 13 generously proportioned en-suite guest bedrooms, including three impressive four-poster rooms. There is also potential to create a further two bedrooms on the top floor, potentially forming a substantial family suite, subject to the necessary consents.
Over the past three years, the restaurant, bar and many guest areas have been extensively refurbished, while a number of the bedrooms have also been updated. This provides a fantastic foundation for a purchaser looking to continue the existing hospitality use, explore an alternative commercial venture or, subject to the relevant permissions, transform the property into an impressive family residence.
EV charging facilities have been installed to the rear for hotel guests.
The whole site is held within two separate Land Registry title numbers, with the relevant title plans available within the property particulars.
About this property
TENURE
Freehold
Location
Whitehaven, with a resident population of approximately 25,000 with Workington, approximately 8 miles north, is one of the main population centres for West Cumbria.
Whitehaven is the predominant town in the Copeland Borough Council area (now Cumberland Council incorporating Carlisle and Allerdale) and is the nearest population centre to the Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Plant, the largest employment site in Cumbria, situated approximately 10 miles south. The town provides a good range of local amenities, plus the relatively recent town centre office development - Albion Square.
The subject property is located immediately off the A595, approximately two miles north of Whitehaven and 12 miles south-west of Cockermouth and close to the Lake District National Park.
Services
The property is connected to mains water, drainage, electricity and gas. Various meters and boilers serve the building currently.
Current Planning Use Class
Currently use class C1. Other uses may be possible subject to consents; contact the Local Authority for enquiries.
Application 4/26/2187/0L1 is at final stages, seeking five 3–4 bedroom houses to the rear (north) of the hall and three holiday lets in the existing barns (potential for a fourth).
Final comments and agreement are being addressed ahead of a decision. Latest information available on request.
Sale Price
The freehold property and business, Moresby Hall Country House Hotel Limited (Company Number 14810799), are offered for sale at £1.25 million.
The sale includes Title Number CU122208, fixtures and fittings, trade name, goodwill and stock. Plus the adjoining land to the rear, held under Title Number CU162234, and may offer future development potential, subject to planning.
Business Rates
The Valuation Office Agency website describes the property as Hotel and Premises with a 2026 List Rateable Value of £13,000.
The Small Business RHL Non-Domestic Rate multiplier for the 2026/27 rate year is 38.2p in the £.
Interested parties are advised to make their own enquiries with the local authority to confirm the rates payable.
Energy Performance Certificate
The property benefits from an EPC showing an Energy Rating of C-62.
VAT
We understand VAT is not payable on the purchase price.
Costs
Both parties will bear their own legal and professional costs involved in the transaction.
Viewings
Strictly by appointment with the joint agents, Carigiet Cowen and Grisdale’s, via prior arrangement.
Further Information
For further information, please contact:
Ben Blain
T: 01228 635002
bblain@carigietcowen.co.uk
Scott Freeman-Wooding
T: 01900 829977
scottfreemanwooding@grisdales.co.uk
Agents Notes
Important Note: Please note that all information and measurements have been taken from the design plans prepared for The Developer and therefore may be subject to variation within the construction process. Photographs and graphics used are not, and may not, be of this particular plot and may include computer generated images but are representative of The Developer. The sales brochure does not constitute a contract, part of a contract, or warranty.
The Consumer Protection Regulations 2008
Please contact us before viewing the property. If there is any point of particular importance to you we will be pleased to provide additional information or to make further enquiries. We will also confirm that the property remains available. This is particularly important if you are contemplating travelling some distance to view the property.
Moving With Grisdales
Moving is an exciting time but only if everything proceeds smoothly. Whether you are selling, letting, buying or renting, we understand that moving home can be a very stressful and daunting prospect. That's why, at Grisdales, we work together as a team, giving dedicated support and advice every step of the way to help your move run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Free Market Appraisal
If you are thinking of moving, we offer a completely free market valuation and appraisal of your existing home. We will advise you upon an asking price which accurately positions your property in the current market place, maximizing viewings and your sale prospects.
Mortgage Advice
Grisdales works with The Right Advice Cumbria (Bulman Pollard), part of The Right Mortgage Ltd, one of the UK's fastest-growing Networks, offering expert professional advice to find the right mortgage for you. We have access to thousands of mortgages from across the whole market in the UK. Our advice will be specifically tailored to your needs and circumstances which could be for your first home, moving home, re-mortgaging or investing in property.
To find out more about how we can assist you, just call your nearest Grisdales office.
Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. Some forms of Buy to Let Mortgages are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You may be charged a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend upon your circumstances.
