The stunning home in Cumbria where Beatrix Potter spent many of her summers is to be given Grade II listed status. The announcement was made by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport last week.
The home served as inspiration for many of her famous children’s books, including the Tales of Peter Rabbit. The woods nearby are also said to have inspired her Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.
The house itself is a beautiful building said it be of ‘special architectural or historic interest’ which would rule out any future ‘unauthorised demolition, alteration or extension’. The culture minister Ed Vaziey said of the decision:
“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 Lake District setting, richly decorated interiors and period features such as timber sash windows are architectural features that were also important to the decision. The house was built in the Victorian period by famous architect Alfred Waterhouse and is a stunning example of the period.
Nick Bridgland, from English Heritage, said: “Lingholm is a splendid example of the work of renowned Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse.”
He added: “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.”
The listing status protects many of the finest buildings in the UK for future generations. It is administrated and organised by English Heritage and covers around roughly half a million buildings in the UK currently.
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