A traditional, luxury chocolate shop just outside the Lake District National Park has joined the market.

The Famous 1657 Chocolate House in Kendal, a popular tourist attraction and a ‘haven for chocoholics’ is for sale.

(Image: Newsquest)

Business sales company, CoGoGo are ‘delighted’ to welcome to this ‘extremely well established’ trading opportunity to the market.

Boasting an enviable reputation and many existing customers, it is advertised with an asking price of £79,999.

Originally believed to have been built as a private home in the 1630’s, the property on Branthwaite Brow has a rich trading history, previously operating as a bakery, antiques shop, travel agents and a ladies fashion shop.

The business has been trading for 40 years, since opening as a chocolate shop in 1984, and has built up an ‘excellent reputation’.

It was taken over by the current owners in 2019, who are keen to see the business’s continued success.

The estate agent said: “The business has now come to the open market due to our clients desire for a change of direction.”

This ‘highly rated’ establishment is internationally renowned with clients from over 40 countries.

Occupying a ‘prime’ trading position, the business benefits from ‘eye catching’ signage and receives a high level of footfall and passing trade.

As well as an ‘extensive’ range of 100 individual, loose chocolates to choose from and fill a personalised box with, customers can pop into the tearoom for a sweet treat.

The ‘popular’ eatery offers a ‘varied and interesting’ menu including hot chocolate, cream teas, puddings, desserts, cakes and sandwiches.

The ‘quirky’ premises stretches over three levels and is described as ‘ideally suited’ to the trade.

Steps from the cobbled street lead down into the chocolate shop, which features period details such as beamed ceilings and traditional timber windows.

A seating area provides approximately 20 covers, as well as a bespoke timber counter, glass display area and service counter, plus comfy seating with leather effect tub chairs.

The top floor provides seating for a further 12 customers.

Alongside all the fixtures, fittings and equipment, the sale will include the company website and social media accounts.

The business enjoys great visibility online and boasts ‘impressive’ reviews, CoGoGo said: “As seen by the online ratings and reviews, the business is extremely popular online and within the local area.

“Customers can order online or visit the shop. The business offers Click & Collect. Order by 12pm for same day collection.”

To improve, CoGoGo suggests launching an advertising and marketing campaign and extending the opening hours.