Tent Lodge, Coniston, Lake District, LA21 8AA

Home:
* Built in 1806
* Private lake frontage and lake access
* Panoramic views of Coniston water and
fells
* Freehold
* 6 bedrooms
* Large and high-ceilinged rooms with
original features
* Beautifully presented throughout

Services:
* Mains electricity
* Mains water
* Oil central heating
* Private septic tank

Grounds and Location:
* Extensive grounds - including woodland, landscaped garden, field and lake frontage with lake access
* Lots of parking
* South-facing courtyard
* Coniston centre is just over a miles drive
away
* Ambleside is about a 6-mile drive away

With over 200 metres of private lake shore, acres of grounds and a litany of famous former residents, landscape, literature, and lakeside living combine at Tent Lodge, an utterly unique and historic home overlooking the shores of Coniston Water.

Arrive through the gated entrance and onto the driveway where there is plenty of parking in addition to a detached garage. Traditional Lakeland planting of colourful rhododendrons and azaleas softens the grand Georgian symmetry of Tent Lodge, offering a screen of privacy from both the road and nearby neighbours.

Stepping inside the impressive arched transom, above the period front door, spills light through into the entrance hall with its high ceiling. Where curved walls create a comforting and cosy ambience upon arrival.
Immediately ahead, views captivate through the grandly proportioned sitting room where floor-to-ceiling windows, capture picturesque scenes over Coniston Water and to the high peak of The Old Man beyond. A breathtaking panorama: one that could be easily mistaken for a watercolour painting.

Situated in the four corners of this bright and beautiful sitting room are arched Georgian alcoves, brimming with shelving: a unique, octagonal element to this home. The Laura Ashley 'Josette' wallpaper is a timeless classic, as is the ornately carved mantel that proudly surrounds the open fireplace. A special room sure to inspire conversation and camaraderie.

Turning left from the sitting room, admire the original features where classic fanlights connect spaces and draw light, before opening the broad door on the left and entering the dining room.

Feast your eyes on this formal and elegant room where the curved walls feature prominently on either side of the large bay to the right. Here, french doors offer a view out to the verdant Northern gardens, rhododendrons adding bold pink colour in late spring. The preservation of original features is remarkable, with curved window shutters still in working order, hidden within the frames.

A marble surround houses another open fire, whilst French doors to the end of the room frame spectacular views over Coniston Water and The Old Man of Coniston; a sight to savour over dinner. A deep, built-in cupboard features shelving, ideal for dinner services and crystalware.

Storage is another element Tent Lodge delivers on a grand scale, with a deep, walk-in understairs storage cupboard to be found as you leave the dining room on the left.

Making your way back through the entrance hallway from the dining room, arrive at the kitchen, where classic beech cabinetry befits the country stylings of the setting. Travertine flooring is robust underfoot, perfect for walking boots and muddy paws, whilst exposed beams in the ceiling add character.

Warmth emanates from the oil-fired Aga nestled within an inglenook, as light subtly plays on the iridescent sheen of the splashback tiles. Sociably designed, a salad sink is set within the central island, itself laden with drawers and storage, whilst breakfast bar seating looks down over the large enamel sink and preparation surfaces of the practical area of the kitchen. Appliances include an undercounter fridge, dishwasher, single oven, and hob. Pendant lighting is suspended above the kitchen table, where we are offered another delicious view over Coniston Water and The Old Man. A door from the dining area of the kitchen connects back to the sitting room for fantastic flow.

A series of practical spaces opens up off the kitchen. A utility room offers further space and storage, with plumbing for appliances, a sink and integrated fridge-freezer.

The kitchen porch affords space to hang coats and doff and don footwear, as well as access to the handy downstairs W.C. From this porch, steps also lead down to the partially vaulted cellar which features an original well and is ideal for wine storage. Through the porch is the main access out to the enclosed courtyard and onto the house terrace, both perfect for alfresco dining.

Also accessed from the kitchen is a separate lobby, again offering direct access out to the walled courtyard and leading to a second house staircase.

Returning to the main entrance hallway, sneak a peek at another storage room. Ascend the original handsomely carved staircase, with its uniquely scalloped detailing up to the first-floor landing, illuminated by high windows on the turns.

Overhead an elegant chandelier showers down light, making your way right onto an inner landing, where the twin bedroom awaits on the right. Light and bright, views extend out through the tall conifers to the fields and fells of the Yewdale Valley towards Tarn Hows. This bedroom has Jack 'n' Jill access to a large ensuite bathroom, tiled underfoot and furnished with a generously sized walk-in shower, twin vanity unit wash basins and WC. A shuttered window invites lake views inside.

Also sharing this bathroom, the gorgeous master bedroom offers space, comfort and sanctuary. Its defining feature is not the quaint original fireplace but the sublime, elevated views it offers over Coniston Water across to the Coniston Old Man. With its discreet his and hers fitted wardrobes, there is plenty of storage.

Turning right out of the master bedroom, arrive at bedroom three, another comfortable room, tastefully decorated and with its own ensuite shower room. Views are framed by a deep-silled window out to the trees and garden. Returning to the master bedroom, discover a second door leading to the second staircase landing. From here two other characterful staircases each lead to a quaint double bedroom where thick treacle-toned beams extend in the sloping ceilings and soft light enters through high windows. Deep storage is available in the eaves of one of these bedrooms.

Refresh and revive in the luxurious family bathroom, also located off this landing, where a freestanding bath with pillar tap and shower attachment is ideal for a rejuvenating soak. Fitted storage, a bidet, wash basin, heated towel radiator, WC and walk-in shower also feature.

Across from this bathroom, a sixth bedroom awaits, with show-stopping views over Coniston Water and The Old Man, where a shoulder-height window brings the lake and mountain to eye level for a totally new perspective. This bedroom also features a private ensuite with a WC and wash basin. Completing the easy flow of this fabulous home, the second staircase takes you back down to the kitchen lobby.

Outside, enjoy dinner alfresco in the sheltered, walled courtyard or on the elevated terrace where the sloping garden leads your eyes across the emerald meadow, stretching ahead to the private lake shore.
Take a turn about the mature gardens where established planting offers all-season colour and interest, with handsome rhododendrons and azaleas bursting into bloom in May.

Outstanding and unbroken views out over Coniston Water and incredible sunsets are your reward as the home sits on the Eastern shores of the lake. Enjoy the last rays of the summer sunshine as it streams through the break in the Coniston range, over Swirl Howe, radiating a rosy glow over the terrace until late evening.

Scenes were also forever captured by the inimitable brush strokes of William Turner, who painted Tent Lodge in later years.

The artistic associations of Tent Lodge extend further. Among its illustrious connections, Beatrix Potter was said to have once read tales to George Melly, the young relative of former Tent Lodge owner Miss Emma Holt. Famed author Lewis Carroll, then known as a mathematician by the name of Charles Dodgson, once visited as did poet Laureate Tennyson and his new wife for their nine-month residential honeymoon at Tent Lodge.

In more recent times, a young Arthur Ransome learned to sail on Coniston Water. It is rumoured that on his numerous visits, he was inspired by the sisters living at Tent Lodge and based two characters on them in his famous novel 'Swallows and Amazons'.

Out and about

Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, nature's playground awaits on the very doorstep of Tent Lodge. Take a kayak out on Coniston Water or indulge in a spot of paddleboarding. For more sedate lake fun, why not take a trip on the Victorian steam yacht, Gondola. Tent Lodge is perfectly positioned for walking and cycling from the door, with tracks and trails extending in every direction, including paths to Tarn Hows and cycle tracks into the Western side of Grizedale forest, five minutes away.

Experience the imposing delights of Wray Castle, take the children to Fell Foot in Windermere, or explore the World of Beatrix Potter attraction in Bowness, only 13 miles away. Beatrix Potter's beloved home, Hill Top, now left to the National Trust and preserved for visitors, is well worth a look. With its new title as the county with the most Michelin Stars, Cumbria is the culinary epicentre of England when it comes to fine dining, with 13 stars over 11 restaurants. From Simon Rogan's triple-starred L'Enclume in Cartmel to the newly appointed Michelin stars at Heft in High Newton, and The Old Stamp House in Ambleside, Allium at Askham Hall and Cottage in the Wood at Braithwaite to name but a few, there is a Michelin star to appeal to all palates in the Lake District.

Pay a visit to Brantwood and connect with local history whilst admiring the stunning autumnal maples in the estate gardens; discover more about Donald Campbell's daring feats on Coniston Water in Bluebird, at the Ruskin Museum, and look down over this charming village from the heights of Coniston Old Man. With hidden plunge pools, towering quarry walls and cascading waterfalls to be discovered, there is much to explore in and around the Coniston fells. Only 45 minutes from motorway links, Tent Lodge is secluded yet not remote; off the beaten track yet easily accessed. With its lakeside setting and panoramic views that have inspired some of the greatest poets, writers and artists of the age, Tent Lodge has a unique beauty that must be seen to be believed.

** For more photos and information, download the brochure on desktop. For your own hard copy brochure, or to book a viewing please call the team **



Tenure: Freehold