Exploring England #26
Beatrix Potter’s beloved home, Hill Top, is one of the most visited sites in the Lake District and I’d heard about long queues and timed tickets, which often sell out early in the day. But on an cool and overcast Sunday afternoon, there were just a few visitors in the pretty village of Sawrey and I almost had the house and its beautiful garden to myself.
Hill Top was purchased by Beatrix Potter in 1905 with the proceeds of her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It was the first of many properties she bought in the Lake District and was the place which inspired many of her stories and paintings. As I wandered along the garden path, it was easy to see where her inspiration came from. Late summer blooms perfumed the air and the lush greenery of the vegetable garden spilled over into the fields beyond.
The house, with its thick overcoat of vines, was a vision in green and the garden even came indoors; every room was decorated with simple floral arrangements.
It was easy to see why Beatrix loved this place, with its tranquil setting and beautiful country views. From an upstairs window I gazed out upon the surrounding farmland, and imagined her standing in this same place whenever she stayed here.
I felt her presence in the garden too, and expected to find her around the next corner, paintbrush in hand. I thought this robin was posing for me, but perhaps he was looking for Beatrix.
Looks beautiful. 😊
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It really was, Glenys. Mr ET and our daughter didn’t want to go in, so they explored the village and I had plenty of time to enjoy it all by myself.
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Looks lovely, I love all the roses and the photo of the wheel barrow. Lucky the house wasn’t crowded. Too many people and the experience in small space would be diminished considerably. Me thinks. Louise
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It wouldn’t have been nearly as enjoyable if the house and garden were full of people. I was fortunate to see it on this day.
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Beautiful post. A time to be thankful for a cool, overcast day. So peaceful. Love all the flowers.
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Yes, I was lucky to avoid the crowds. The garden was lovely.
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Isn’t this a gorgeous place? 💕 We fell in love with the house and the garden when we visited a rainy day a few years ago.
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The garden is so beautiful and I really enjoyed seeing the house and all Beatrix’s treasures.
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I’ve been meaning to visit here for so long! Beautiful photos x
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I hope you get to go soon, on a day when it’s not busy.
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I often find that less than optimum weather results in great experiences, with fewer crowds. What a lovely home and garden, and I can see how it inspires her books. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.
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The overcast weather and the lateness of the day made all the difference. It would be different if the house and garden were full of people. I had all the time I wanted to enjoy it all.
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Thanks for taking us along on this adventure. Your photos are wonderful, and I can certainly see her inspiration in such a beautiful place. 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Judy. I could imagine how beautiful it would be to live here, although winter might be a different story. 🙂
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I’ve never managed to visit, Carol, but I can see that I would love it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 🙂
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Jo, it’s not that far away from you. You should definitely go for a few days.
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No I know Carol. It’s just that we have so many places to go xx
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Put it on your must see list.
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That garden is beautiful and I love your photos, Carol. So nicely done xxxx
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Thank you, Dianne. I loved spending time here. My garden is never that green.
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Oh how lovely …really does look like something right out of a storybook!! The outside of the house is gorgeous, lovely photos….. and you had it all to yourself.
Peta
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Pretty much – there were a few other people but we spread out. It was a magical afternoon.
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I loved her books! Even today I buy her products to give to friends with babies as gifts hoping that their kids will find them as enchanted as I did 🙂
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Lorraine, you would have loved the little shop at the bottom of the garden. I find it very difficult to walk away without buying something.
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Such a lovely house and in a really gorgeous country setting. 🙂 Last year, I watched a delightful documentary celebrating her life.
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She was a remarkable woman.
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What a gorgeous place, so full of color and inspiration. Thanks for sharing it with us Carol.
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Even on an overcast day it was very pretty, Miriam. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Gorgeous photos. I love especially Your flower photos. Thank You.
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There were so many beautiful flowering plants, even though it was late summer.
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Absolutely gorgeous place to ramble about!
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I loved wandering through this beautiful garden.
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Lovely pictures and account of a delightful place Carol
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Thanks Denzil.
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That fabulous house with its “thick overcoat of vines” is gorgeous. What a setting too. It must have been inspiring to be there. 🙂
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After reading all about this house, it really was a thrill to visit. The garden was so beautiful.
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