The Property
Underwood House is a distinguished Georgian country house set within approximately 2.5 acres on the edge of Bootle, enjoying wide, open views across surrounding farmland to the western fells beyond. Built in 1836 for Captain Shaw, a local figure who served at Trafalgar before returning home, the house combines a remarkable sense of setting with a quietly assured historical presence.

Approached along a quiet country lane, gates open to a private driveway that curves around the house, with generous parking and open countryside views. Pillars frame the porch, where a sailing ship motif offers a subtle nod to the home’s early nineteenth century origins. Bespoke double doors lead into a wide, light filled hallway, warm timber flooring setting an inviting first impression.

From here, the principal reception rooms extend to either side. The drawing room has a quietly elegant atmosphere, its dual aspect sash windows bringing in soft natural light and long views over the gardens and surrounding hills. A decorative fireplace provides a gentle focal point, and the room lends itself naturally to quieter moments of the day.

Leading on, the formal dining room continues the sense of proportion, with high ceilings and a large sash window. Equally comfortable for everyday meals or larger occasions, it pairs naturally with the drawing room, allowing an easy flow from dinner to the fireside as the evening settles.

A discreet staircase beside the dining room leads down to the lower ground floor, arranged as four practical and flexible rooms. Ideal for storage, a gym or hobby spaces, this level adds valuable versatility to the house.

Returning to the hall, the sitting room lies opposite. Finished in Venetian plaster, the walls catch the light with a soft sheen, while decorative cornicing and a traditional marble surround add period character. The space feels both elegant and comfortable, well suited to conversation or relaxed evenings.

Beyond the formal rooms, the kitchen introduces a contemporary note. Centred around a substantial island, it is designed for both cooking and gathering, with sleek cabinetry, stone worktops and a walk in pantry providing practical storage. From here, a rear staircase gives direct access to the bedrooms and studio above.

The adjoining garden room brings a distinct architectural lift, with rooflights overhead and bi fold doors opening directly onto the paved terrace and lawns, creating a strong connection between the house and garden. Alongside, the breakfast room opens onto the covered slate veranda, a sheltered spot that works particularly well for relaxed meals with the garden close at hand.

Adjacent is a generous family room, relaxed and versatile, with warm timber flooring and  a wide sash window which brings plenty of natural light. With ample wall space for media and seating, it suits film nights just as comfortably as quieter evenings. An adjoining shower room with walk in shower, washbasin, heated towel rail and WC adds further practicality. 

Upstairs, the landing opens to a quiet reading corner beneath skylights before leading to a large studio, bright and adaptable, equally suited to creative work, play or reinstatement as two bedrooms.

Two further double bedrooms enjoy en suite facilities and far reaching views, both with access to plastered and lit loft spaces for additional storage.

A secondary staircase rises to a lantern room at the top of the house, a characterful and atmospheric space thought to have been created at Captain Shaw’s request so he could look towards the sea.

The remaining bedrooms are arranged around a broad landing. A spacious double with feature fireplace sits opposite the family bathroom, which includes a walk in shower and a striking stone bath.

The principal suite is a particularly impressive space, with sash windows drawing in the morning light and framing far reaching views across the surrounding countryside. The bedroom itself is generously proportioned and calmly elegant. A substantial walk in dressing room provides excellent storage, while the well appointed en suite is accessed separately from the bedroom and features twin basins, a bath and a separate walk in shower, creating a refined and luxurious private suite.

Externally
Set within approximately 2.5 acres at the edge of the village, the grounds form an integral part of Underwood House’s appeal. Stone walls and mature hedging create a strong sense of privacy, while the surrounding farmland and fells provide an ever present rural backdrop.

A private driveway sweeps past the front of the house towards the outbuildings, where there is generous parking.

The principal outbuilding includes a powered garage with ample storage and a staircase rising to a substantial upper level, offering clear potential for a variety of uses. Adjacent sits the former stable, now a useful garden store, together with two Victorian style greenhouses. The main greenhouse, dating from the 1980s, is fitted with tiled flooring, power, a sink, heating and automated roof vents, creating an ideal year round growing environment. A second greenhouse sits within the walled garden, surrounded by established fruit trees, soft fruit and productive beds.

Beyond, the grounds unfold naturally, with lawns, pockets of woodland and a fenced paddock providing both openness and shelter. Winding paths lead through the gardens to quieter corners and an arbour that frames a particularly attractive view back towards the house and the fell beyond.

It is a setting that offers equal scope for gardening, entertaining or simply enjoying the peace and space of the landscape.