Monk Coniston - HF Holidays

About

With a desirable address overlooking Coniston Water (the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons), this characterful Grade II-listed house delights with lakeside and woodland walks from the doorstep, décor that stays true to the period feel, and plenty of Beatrix Potter references. While the children's author and illustrator did not live at the Monk Coniston estate (her beloved home was Hill Top, bought in 1905 with the royalties from The Tale of Peter Rabbit), she campaigned with the National Trust to save it from development. She then purchased the entire estate in 1930 and as the new owner she immediately sold half to the organisation, bequeathing them the other half in her will.

Then & now at Monk Coniston

Known as Waterhead House and later as Monk Coniston Hall, the Gothic-stye property dates from the 1770s. Successively the home of the Harrison, Ford, and Knott families, the 4,000-acre estate was purchased by wealthy Leeds industrialist James Marshall in 1836. Not only did Marshall hugely extend and improve the property, but it was his idea to join three smallish ponds in a boggy valley to create Tarn Hows – now a Lake District classic. He spent much time at Monk Coniston, pursuing his life-long interest in geology and entertaining eminent friends such as Thomas Carlyle, Adam Sedgewick, Alfred Tennyson, John Ruskin, and Lewis Carrol. The house remained in the family thereafter. Leased from the National Trust, it has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 1945.

Nowadays, it’s the perfect base for exploring beauties such as Grasmere, the Langdales, and the Old Man of Coniston. You’ll find a hidden walled garden, a putting green and croquet lawn, ornate public rooms, a converted barn with exposed beams, and a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. There’s a minstrels’ gallery, a licensed bar, books and games to borrow during your stay, and a dining room for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Elsewhere, the house has 30 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, and Superior), extensive gardens, and an arboretum with a collection of conifers – some planted in the early 19th century. In the hallway at the bottom of the main stairs, the large oil canvas painted by Beatrix Potter's brother, artist Walter Bertram, is a nice touch.

Excellent value full-board breaks

Walking works up an appetite, so three meals a day are always included at our country houses, from hearty breakfasts and personalised picnics, to sociable dinners shared around large tables where conversation and camaraderie become part of the holiday experience.

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.