Lake District villa that inspired Beatrix Potter鈥檚 children鈥檚 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 , who is best known for designing the and , 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:
鈥淏eatrix Potter鈥檚 tales are loved and cherished by people young and old around the world and 鈥楲ingholm鈥� as the inspiration for so many of these classic children鈥檚 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.鈥�
The house and grounds of 鈥楲ingholm鈥� in Portinscale, Cumbria are said to have inspired stories including 鈥楾he Tales of Peter Rabbit鈥�, 鈥楳rs Tiggywinkle鈥�, and 鈥楤enjamin Bunny,鈥� 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 鈥楾he Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.鈥�
Nick Bridgland, English Heritage Designation Team Leader, North said:
鈥淟ingholm is a splendid example of the work of renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse. The quality of the building鈥檚 design, responding to its Lake District setting, its richly decorated interiors, as well as its intimate connection with one of England鈥檚 best known children鈥檚 authors mean it is absolutely right that 鈥楲ingholm鈥� should be recognised with listing at Grade II.鈥�