Lake District villa that inspired Beatrix Potter’s children’s tales receives listed status
A house in Cumbria where Beatrix Potter spent her summers has been listed Grade II
Beatrix Potter's former Cumbrian home - Lingholm
Built between 1871-1875, the house was designed by the renowned architect Alfred Waterhouse, who is best known for designing the Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall, and typifies his work for later 19th century industrialists.
The house has been listed due to its design quality and architectural interest, as well as its historic association.
Commenting on the listing, Ed Vaizey said:
“Beatrix Potter’s tales are loved and cherished by people young and old around the world and ‘Lingholm’ as the inspiration for so many of these classic children’s stories deserves to be protected. But as well as its historical association the house itself is remarkable for the quality of its design and the fact much of the interior remains intact.”
The house and grounds of ‘Lingholm’ in Portinscale, Cumbria are said to have inspired stories including ‘The Tales of Peter Rabbit’, ‘Mrs Tiggywinkle’, and ‘Benjamin Bunny,’ and were the source of many of her illustrations. The woods, with its population of red squirrels are said to have been the direct inspiration for ‘The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.’
Nick Bridgland, English Heritage Designation Team Leader, North said:
“Lingholm is a splendid example of the work of renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse. The quality of the building’s design, responding to its Lake District setting, its richly decorated interiors, as well as its intimate connection with one of England’s best known children’s authors mean it is absolutely right that ‘Lingholm’ should be recognised with listing at Grade II.”