Merlewood, Windermere Road, Grange-over-Sands
Merlewood was designed in 1853 by George Webster, then in retirement at Lindale, to “oblige a neighbour.”It is suggested that further work to complete the commission was undertaken by Miles Thompson under the style Thompson and Webster but this is yet to be confirmed. Sadly, Mrs. Binyon died six months after the foundation stone had been laid while on holiday in the Pyrenees, and Alfred Binyon himself died three years later and only 18 months after moving into his new home.
Alfred Binyon was born in Manchester in 1800, but he already had a family connection with the South Lakes as his grandparents Benjamin Busby Binyon and Ruth Wakefield were married in the Friends Meeting House, Kendal, in 1760. Following his marriage to Lucy Hoyle in 1828 he was made a partner in his father-in-law’s calico printing firm, Thomas Hoyle & Sons, of Mayfield Printworks, Manchester. After being heavily involved with the firm for the next twenty years or so, he acquired a small estate near Grange-over-Sands, possibly from his half second cousin John Wakefield of Sedgwick, who owned 150 acres of Eggerslack Woods. On the 19th May 1853 Alfred laid the foundation stone of Merlewood, which had been designed for him by George Webster, then living in retirement at Eller How, Lindale.Alfred Binyon died from heart disease on 21st August 1856 at Merlewood, and is buried in the churchyard at St Paul’s Church, Lindale. (J Beckett)
GRANGE IN CARTMEL - This delightful summer resort is gradually becoming known and appreciated by the lovers of nature as well as those in search of health, and may shortly vie with more favoured localities in the number and beauty of its villas. An impulse has been given by Alfred Binyon Esq., of the eminent firm of Thos. Hoyle and Sons, Manchester, who has recently become proprietor of a small estate in that neighbourhood, with a view of erecting a family residence, to be called Merlewood, the first stone of which was laid by Mr Binyon in the presence of a few friends, on Thursday, the 19th inst. The situation chosen for the mansion is in every respect delightful, commanding most varied and interesting views of "flood and fell". The ceremony of laying the first stone was accompanied by a short but feeling speech by Mr Binyon, to the effect that he anticipated much pleasure from a residence in that beautiful neighbourhood. The Lancaster Borough Band, while on a tour through the country, arrived very opportunely, and enlivened the scene agreeably, playing the National Anthem and other airs with much good taste. Mr and Mrs Binyon, and friends, partook of luncheon upon the ground, after which all the workmen in Mr Binyon's employ were regaled with bread, cheese, and ale to their hearts' content. It is sufficiently low on the slope to be sheltered from the blasts that may sweep over the ridge behind, and is still so high as to command the most varied and extensive views that can be obtained in the neighbourhood; looking on the one hand over the valley that extends to the north, and on the other to the bay and towards Grange. When its plantations and shrubberies shall have grown up, and time shall have more matured its gardens and given a softer and more velvet-like aspect to its lawns, it will not be surpassed in natural and artificial beauty by any rural seat in the neighbourhood. Happy must be the man of business, we are disposed to think, who can withdraw from the smoke and noise - from the anxiety and bustle - of Manchester life, to the clear atmosphere, quietness, and loveliness of such a scene as this, and has taste enough to hold fellowship with nature. We hope that our townsman may long enjoy, with his family, the pleasant change of circumstances which he has sought, and maintain the character which he has gained for intelligence, benevolence, and usefulness, in the locality. [Ulverston Advertiser, 1853]
TO BUILDERS AND CONTRACTORS - To Be Let, shortly – The building of a Mansion House, Stables, and Offices etc. at Grange, near Cartmel for Alfred Binyon Esq. Plans etc for all the above may be seen, and other information obtained by applying at the offices of Messrs Thompson and Webster, architects, Kendal; or at their office Eller Howe, Linsdale in Cartmel; and at the office of Mr Frank Webster, solicitor, Kendal and Eller How. [Builder 12 February 1853 page 110]
Following Alfred Binyon’s death in 1856 the house was purchased by Mrs Eliza Horrocks of Preston. Mrs Horrocks died in 1872, and the house was let for some three years before being purchased by her nephew William Pitt Miller. It became his family’s principal residence and some alterations were made in 1881 when a prominent tower was added to provide additional bedrooms for children and servants and a bay window added to the right-hand gable on the south front. William Pitt Miller died in 1893 but his widow remained at Merlewood until her death in 1930 after which the estate was offered for sale by auction. It opened as the Merlewood Hotel in 1938. Two years later it was requisitioned by the War Office and used as a training centre by the Army. It reopened in 1947 continuing as a hotel until 1951 when it was bought by the Nature Conservancy In 2003 the decision was taken to move to Lancaster University, and Merlewood was bought by the Holiday Property Bond Company.
Reference Ulverston Advertiser, 1853
