A TRADITIONAL Westmorland farmhouse with 69 acres of meadow and pasture land is to go under the hammer later this month.

Helmside Farm, at Underhelm Lane, Stainton, near Kendal, is situated on the east side of The Helm. It is to be offered for sale by auction in two lots, and then as one lot, by North West Auctions.

Lot 1 comprises the stone-under-slate farmhouse which is "unmodernised" and offers a wealth of original features; a range of outbuildings; and just over seven acres of meadow.

The three-storey house with its Westmorland-style porch, stone-shelved pantry and dairy is described as "in need of refurbishment and modernisation".

Mains electricity is not connected, and there is a private water supply from a well in the living room by way of a pump.

Features include an oak staircase, original wooden doors, sash windows, a sitting room with log burner and stone hearth, living room/kitchen with water pump, four oak-beamed bedrooms, oak panelling, stone-flagged floors, an attic, and an outside privy and garden.

The house was re-roofed around 20 years ago, and the cost of connecting to mains electricity has been quoted as £28,624.70 including VAT.

The stone-built outbuildings are described as being "in various states of repair" and have potential for conversion, subject to planning consent. They include a three-bay barn with loft, shippons, a lean-to store, loose box and old stable.

Lot 2 comprises land to the south and east of the house and farm buildings, and extends to just over 62 acres of "sound and productive" meadow and pasture land. Access is from Underhelm.

The boundaries are described as well maintained and are a mixture of hedges, walls and stock-proof fencing.

The auction of Helmside Farm is to take place on May 29 at the Damson Room, the Exhibition Hall, J36 Rural Auction Centre, Crooklands, at 7pm prompt.

For more, visit www.nwauctions.co.uk or call 015395-66222.