Trifter

THE northern counties of England were a disputed border area for over three centuries and many of the stately homes began life as fortified dwellings. Hutton-in-the-Forest, near Penrith is a typical example of these strongholds turned homes.

Hutton-in-the-Forest is a family home that has been constructed around the original peel tower. Successive generations of the Inglewood Family have altered the house and added a series of changes, which have left the building with a wide range of architectural and decorative styles from the 17th Century to the present day on both the inside and the exterior of the building.

This home of Lord and Lady Inglewood since 1605 is a beautiful historic house set on the north-eastern edge of the Lake District. Hetton-in-the-Forest is surrounded by the magnificent woodlands that form the last remnants of the once vast medieval forest of Inglewood.

An ancient legend claims that it was once the castle of the mythical Green Knight from the Arthurian story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

The house has a gallery, which is a rare household feature in the north of England. It dates from the 1630s and contains some fine early furniture and portraits.

The hall, dating from the 1680s, is dominated by the Cupid Staircase that leads to a suite of mid-18th Century rooms, that includes the magnificent Cupid Room. Dogs are admitted, but only on lease.

The 19th Century interiors form an interesting feature as they cover the entire period of Queen Victoria’s reign. There is the Drawing Room, which dates from 1830 and the Library going back to 1870. The Lady Darlington’s Room is decorated in the Arts and Crafts style. Many people consider that it is unusual to find so many different decorative styles in one building.

The beautiful Walled Garden was built in the 1730s. It is a wonderful setting for the massive collection of herbaceous plants. Gardeners originally laid out the terraces surrounding the house in the 17th Century. The Topiary and the Low Garden, which is based on a pattern of interlocking stars, were laid out in late-Victorian times. A woodland walk has been formed through the fine specimen trees and the 17th Century Dovecote.

Hutton-in-the-Forest stages a range of special events throughout the year. The two most popular ones are the Gamekeepers Walk and Meet the Gardener.

The garden hosts an open day in support of the Red Cross and there is the Annual Plant Fair and openings as part of the National Garden Scheme.

Illyria have given an open-air performance of Macbeth. The historic Vehicle Show is held hers as well as Pot Fest (the International Ceramics Festival) and the British Horse Society Cross Country Event.

Delicious home-made light lunches, sandwiches and teas are available in the Cloisters Tea Room from 11:00 to 16:30 on the days when the house is open, while special menus can be arranged on request.

The house is open from 12:30 to 16:00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and bank holidays between April and October. The gardens, grounds and woodlands walk open from 11:00 to 17:00 from Monday to Saturday during the same months. Groups are welcome on most days, but only by prior arrangement.

Hutton-in-the-Forest is on the B5305 road, two and a half miles north west of Junction 41 on the M6 motorway.

Further information can be obtained from 01768 484449.