Mirehouse Houses

Mirehouse has strong links with poets Tennyson, Wordsworth and Southey; it is a living family home, which has been sold only once, in 1688. It has the largest woodland adventure playgrounds in the area and in 1999 it won the award as 'Best Heritage Property for Families in the UK'.

The Earl of Derby built the present house in 1666. It has only been sold once, when he parted with it in 1688 to Roger Gregg. Since then it has passed by inheritance. It has been altered by succeeding generations for their own convenience. Until the middle of the last century it was lived in by one large household. Now the house and surrounding buildings have been adapted for several households so Mirehouse remains home to a substantial number of people.

Like any country house, Mirehouse cannot be considered apart from the estate that is linked with it.

A number of local fells, Ullock Pike, Dodd, Latrigg and Lonscale Fell form part of the estate as well as the lovely Brundholme Woods in the Greta valley. The south end of Bassenthwaite Lake is an important conservation area, home for all or part of the year to a wide range of birds. Most famously, Ospreys have returned to nest in this valley: the first in England for one hundred and fifty years.

Forty years ago, when the present owner's father inherited Mirehouse, much of the garden was overgrown. Mirehouse had become something of a 'Sleeping Beauty' unknown even to people living in Keswick. The work of restoration continues along with the change and development which are in the nature of any garden.

The long history of this garden is clear when we realise that the huge Scots Pines beside the drive were planted in 1784. Beneath them is a collection of Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas planted over the last hundred years.

The gardens, playgrounds, lakeside walk and tearoom are open daily from 10am to 5. 30pm.

The House has more limited opening because it is a family home and to conserve the sensitive contents. It is open on Sundays, Wednesdays also Fridays in August from 2pm to 5pm with last entries at 4. 30pm.

Group visits are possible at other times by appointment. Pre-booked groups of more than twenty are given a 10% discount The minimum group size is fifteen. .