“Lingholm” Derwentwater

THE ENGLISH LAKES – To Be Let Furnished up to the middle of July, an Elegant Modern Residence, built in the Swiss Gothic style by Mr Alfred Waterhouse, standing in a terraced garden, sloping down to Derwentwater Lake, with Boat-house and Boat. The gardens join extensive woods, and command beautiful scenery and views over Bassenthwaite, as well as Derwentwater Lakes. The reception rooms are wainscoted with old oak, and specially furnished, the large dining room being entirely hung with ancient tapestry. There are numerous bedrooms, extensive offices, stabling for four horses, and a manservant’s cottage. [Manchester Guardian 4 July 1874 page 2]

The estate was purchased in the early 1900s by Colonel George Kemp, grandfather of the current owner, Lord Rochdale (2012).

Lingholm is also famous for its literary connections. Between 1885 and 1907 the author and illustrator Beatrix Potter spent her summers at Lingholm - undoubtedly drawing inspiration for her renowned collection of children’s books including Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Benjamin Bunny. In fact the woods at the Lingholm Estate, with its population of red squirrels, were the direct inspiration for The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.