A FORMER school site is on the market for around £1 million.

Built in 1856, Lowick Primary School once served families in the area but due to low numbers it closed in 2004. 

It has since taken on a new life as an outdoor centre run by family business River Deep Mountain High, with the family living on site in the old headmaster’s house – a traditional Lake District double-fronted slate cottage.

The family has put the site on the market and are hoping to start a new chapter, saying: "Our children loved growing up here, seeing the mountains every day, watching every kind of weather come through the valley, climbing trees and building bike tracks in the garden.”

“We love its location as we have doorstep access to the national park and can just as easily go play in sand dunes. 

"We can cycle to Coniston Water to jump off a jetty or can watch an amazing sunset over the mountains from the coziness of the lounge.”

Johan and Emma Hoving moved their business to the site in 2010 having run their outdoor pursuits company since 2003. 

The site had been empty since the school had closed but it offered enough office and storage space combined with parking space for instructor vehicles and canoe trailers. 

It had been difficult to find this combination anywhere in the locality especially trying to stay within easy reach of the outdoor venues they use, they said.

Once on site they got planning to add accommodation. 

Having provided outdoor activities for Stag and Hen groups for a number of years already, they knew there was a need for basic accommodation with good communal space for groups of around 16 to 20.

The site is 25 mins from the M6 and has easy access to Coniston, the sellers say. 

It is on the main road to the western Lake District including Scafell Pike and has access to useful amenities in nearby festival town Ulverston. 

For an outdoor enthusiast there are immense options available within 45 minutes drive – as well as the obvious fell walking and lake boating, there is kitesurfing, skiing, whitewater kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and open water swimming.  The area is a magnet for events such as the Great North Swim, Lakeland Trails and triathlons.

The property for sale consists of two parts: a three bedroom cottage and the old school, which is currently operated as an outdoor centre.

The cottage features wood-burning stoves, a double aspect lounge with view of the mountains, large gardens, ample parking, summer house and lots of scope for maximising its potential. 

It also features a beautiful ‘tiny house’ annexe cabin that is successfully let as part of the accommodation on site.

The old school consists of three bunk-bedded bedrooms plus a separate accessible en suite twin/double. 

It currently sleeps 24 and has versatile communal spaces including a kitchen/diner with mezzanine lounge, a separate lounge, dining patio and fire pit area. 

It also has storage sheds, office, staff kitchenette and WC alongside parking for more than 15 cars and trailers.

The old school site is on the market for offers in the region of £1 million with Corrie and Co estate agents.