Hutton in the Forest

Definitely a hidden gem. This delightful family home welcomes visitors on guided tours of the interior on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, as well as Bank Holiday Mondays. Group visits are welcome by arrangement. Grounds are open daily and include stunning topiary, a woodland walk and a walled garden with elegant, bespoke metal gates and mature fruit trees.

There is something for everyone, whether it is architecture, Arts and Crafts, furniture, horticulture or even spinning wheels, Hutton-in-the-Forest can cater for all tastes.

The house, home to the current Lord Inglewood and his family, boasts architecture ranging from the 1350s Pele Tower (built to protect from the Border Reivers), through extensions built in the 1600s and Victorian towers, built using the local pale pink sandstone. The outside looks almost like a fairy-tale castle with extensive views over to the north Pennines, including Cross Fell the highest point in this range of hills.

Inside, visitors are treated to an eclectic mixture of treasures and favourite pieces collected by the family over the years. There are early examples of wallpaper produced by William Morris, some of the designs are still available today, highlighting the enduring nature of his work; furniture by the famous Lancaster company, Gillow & Co (later Waring and Gillow), as well as tapestries from the Mortlake Tapestry Works established in London in the 1600s. Alongside these historic items sit modern collections of pottery, pieces chosen from Pot Fest in the Park, an annual event held in the grounds usually in July. There is also a striking chandelier, commissioned especially for the dining room to celebrate the new Millennium.

Family portraits tell how individuals have contributed to political and cultural life over the centuries, while other portraits highlight some of the guests the house has hosted over time. Lady Anne Clifford was one such guest, but rather than bringing her host flowers or other small gift, she was wont to donate a very large lock and key for the front door! However, it is said that she also kept a key so if she visited again, she could let herself in.

Floors have been lowered, windows blocked up or moved, ceilings raised and staircases realigned – all helping to tell the story of this fascinating property, tucked away just north of Penrith, in what was once one of the largest royal hunting forests of its time in England. Today, the area is managed quite differently and visitors are welcome.

Once you have explored the house and grounds, why not call in at The Cloisters Tea Room for a refreshing drink and maybe sample some of the homemade cakes or scones, quiche or soup on offer?

A final note to remember is to have a warm jumper or coat with you as many of the rooms do not have central heating; sometimes it will be warmer outside than in, even in the summer!

For more information please visit www.hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk