Whitewell Recognised As Best Place To Live

The Duchy of Lancaster’s Whitewell Estate sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is widely acknowledged as one of the most spectacular and unspoiled landscapes in the whole of the British Isles.

Thought by some to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s ‘Shire’, Whitewell in the heart of the Ribble Valley offers breath-taking views over a wide range of landscapes and habitats. It has always been popular with those interested in outdoor sporting activities and country pursuits. Recently however it has been shortlisted by BBC Countryfile as one of the UK’s Best Holiday Destinations and national newspapers have identified it as one of the best places to live.

‘It’s hard to know where to put down roots in the Ribble Valley,’ writes the Sunday Times. ‘Wherever you choose, you won’t be far from magnificent scenery, with sweeping views over rolling green fields to the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill.’  The Guardian agrees: ‘No printed description can ever do this Lancastrian treasure justice. Turning off the M6 you are soon into a natural landscape and the beautiful wilderness of Bowland and its stone villages.’

 The Duchy’s 6,000-acre Whitewell estate includes nine main working farms, around 24 commercial lettings, and almost 40 residential properties in and around the villages of Whitewell and Dunsop Bridge.  Many of the historic buildings available to let from the Duchy in Whitewell have been fully refurbished and redecorated in line with its new design standard and quality specification.

Commenting on the appeal of Whitwell, Duchy Head of Rural Christopher Sparrow said: “Whitewell is a secret which has been jealously guarded by those in the know – but now it looks as though the secret is out! The spectacular beauty of the countryside is not all it has to offer, either. There are a significant number of gastropubs, farmers’ markets and award-winning eateries here, including the world-famous Inn At Whitewell.

“It really is a wonderful environment in which to live, work and play and it’s no surprise that many of our tenants have remained here for several generations.”

If you would like further information on the Duchy properties available to let or coming soon on the Whitewell estate, please contact the Rural Team at our Lancaster Castle office (01524 237310).