Beatrix Potter's former Lake District home is now available to rent in Ambleside, Cumbria, on behalf of the National Trust.
Castle Cottage is a charming Grade II listed property where the famous children's author lived after her marriage to solicitor William Heelis in 1913. Sitting in a secluded corner of the quaint village of Near Sawrey, the property has five homely bedrooms, three bathrooms and an extension with French windows — designed by Beatrix herself.
Remaining a time capsule to her life, the cottage is bursting with original treasures perfect for Peter Rabbit fans to enjoy. Some of the features include a pantry, utility room, a delightful drawing room, various outbuildings, plus William Heelis' bureau, bookcase, coffee table, and a Grandfather clock purchased by Beatrix.
"When Beatrix Potter died, she left Castle Cottage to the National Trust, along with 4,000 acres of land, 14 farms and flocks of Herdwick sheep," says Jennifer Dixon from Savills Carlisle. "The Trust has continued the author's conservation work and now owns 91 hill farms in the area, some of which still have traditional Herdwick flocks.
"Without Beatrix Potter's practical and tireless support, it is uncertain whether the Lake District would have remained the place of spectacular beauty it is today. Living in this beautiful home with its plentiful history is a rare privilege and we will be working closely with the National Trust to carefully select the next tenant."
While Beatrix wrote most of her stories at Hill Top Farm (the home she bought in 1905), it's believed the glorious country gardens at Castle Cottage embody the character that inspired some of her classics works. With luscious lawns, flower beds, shrubs, pathways and south-facing seating areas, we imagine the author spent hours soaking up the stillness here.
David Towler, National Trust Estate Manager, adds: "Castle Cottage is a significant part of Lake District history, set in the surroundings that inspired some of Beatrix Potter's most beloved tales but also her love of the landscape and desire to protect it."
Tempted to follow in the footsteps of the famous children's author? Castle Cottage is available to rent on behalf of the National Trust through Savills for £1,750 per month.
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12 eco-friendly Christmas crackers for your festive table
Kate Sproston Design Woodland Reusable Christmas Crackers
Made from natural linen and embroidered with satin thread, each reusable cracker is also finished with a pretty green ribbon. Fill them with special gifts, or use them as a place marker at your Christmas dinner table.
You can choose an individual cracker, or opt for a stylish set of six.
The Little Green Cracker Company Eco Christmas Crackers
Along with all the sustainability credentials, these crackers come with gifts your guests will actually use — including a mini soap bar, organic teas and flower seeds. We love the frosty foliage design over this green base, too.
Lakeland’s crackers are made from glitter-free, foil-free, fully recyclable card, and contain a ‘Who Am I?' game to play over dinner. A reusable felt crown and storage bag are also included, so everything can be safely packed away for next year.
Forever Crackers Reusable Cracker
Forever Crackers' reusable designs are pricey (a six pack starts at £155) but they'll add a little luxury to your Christmas table.
They're made from linen and come ready to fill with your own gifts — although there is the option to pre-fill them for an additional charge — and a smart fabric crown.
For an extra £5, you can add a gift tag with your loved ones’ initials.
Dog lovers, these adorable crackers are for you! Part of Dunelm’s fun (and fully recyclable) Merry Friends range, it features pooches looking suitably festive in Christmas hats and jumpers. For just £6, they're a total bargain too.
Inside, you’ll find the traditional hat and a joke — but also a fun snap game to play with the family.
Encased in these beautiful Christmas crackers sit an assortment of sweet metal gifts. Plus, Tom Smith is supporting the Trussell Trust, a charity focused on putting an end to hunger and poverty throughout the UK, so you’ll not only be helping the environment but this fantastic cause, too.
M&S Christmas Crackers & Charade Game
For just £7, this twelve-pack of crackers is great-value — and they’re ideal if you’re hosting the whole family. Each cracker comes with a fun charade game that can be enjoyed post-Christmas dinner.
LatterLux Personalised Eco Christmas Crackers
These handmade crackers can be personalised with a name or message in a choice of six different colours. These are fill-your-own so you can add in something you know your loved ones will appreciate.
You can purchase up to 20 crackers, or buy them individually for £8 each.
These linen crackers are perfect for those who prefer a more minimal table setting. Each one features ribbon bows and delicate gold bells. There’s an option to add name tags, too.
Act fast if you're tempted though, as they're selling out quickly!
Fortnum's has long been our go-to for luxury Christmas crackers and this year's selection hasn’t disappointed. In the brand’s signature Eau de Nil colouring, this set will bring a touch of elegance to any dinner table.
The gifts are sweet too: each cracker contains a recipe from Fortnum’s debut cookbook, along with a mini kitchen utensil to help you whip up a feast.
John Lewis Twelve Days of Christmas Crackers
Inspired by the classic carol, these 12 Days of Christmas crackers depict everything from turtle doves to french hens. We're wooed by the whole set, thanks to the quaint illustrations and thoughtful metal gifts (including nail clippers and a yoyo).
John Lewis, which has committed to plastic-free crackers since 2020, has lots more charming designs on offer.
Sophie Allport Festive Forest Christmas Crackers
Each one of Sophie Allport’s recyclable crackers contains a hat, joke, and a green or blue paper tree decoration. We love the festive design and delicate bows on this deep olive set — perfect for adding a pop of colour to your Christmas tablescape.
