Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens in Keswick, Cumbria, United Kingdom | Building

Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens is a family run historic house open to visitors to enjoy its strong literary connections, live piano music and children's activities.

Its grounds which stretch from Dodd Wood to Bassenthwaite Lake include four woodland playgrounds and a heather maze for children and grown ups alike to enjoy in all weathers.

Set in the heart of the North Lake District in the United Kingdom, three miles from Keswick, its other attractions include the poetry walk, rhododendron tunnel and bee garden.

The Old Sawmill Tearoom specialises in excellent Cumbrian cooking such as Cumberland sausage, homemade cakes and puddings and Farrers coffees.

The Earl of Derby built Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens 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 Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens was lived in by one large household. Now the house and surrounding Buildings have been adapted for several households so Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens remains home to a substantial number of people. The present owner's father came here in 1961 and found the house in a poor condition. Since then many repairs have been made to both contents and structure including tackling two severe outbreaks of dry rot.

In 1981 the decision was made to open the ground floor of Mirehouse Historic House & Gardens to the public.

Besides an interesting collection of furniture and portraits there is a very unusual display of manuscripts. These include James Spedding's collection of Francis Bacon's works as well as letters from Wordsworth, Tennyson, Southey, Thomas Carlyle and John Constable: all friends of the family.

Visitors often say 'We could live here.' The live piano music contributes to the relaxed atmosphere. Children are actively welcomed. There is an owl hunt for the younger ones, a history quiz for the slightly older and many things for them to find and do. Many children return again and again. Members of the family are usually here to welcome and help look after visitors.