Beatrix Potter's holiday home on sale for £1.25 million
The Lake District holiday home that inspired a young Beatrix Potter to draw and paint wild animals has gone on the market for £1.25m.
Ees Wyke is a magnificent country house that was rented by the children's author's London-based parents in the summer holidays.
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It was said a teenage Beatrix used the Lake District scenery surrounding the Georgian property to indulge her interest in exploring and drawing wildlife.
Her explorations at the 12-bedroom house are thought to have sparked her successful commercial career, which began after she sold a series of rabbit pictures as Christmas card designs aged 24.
One of her most popular books - The Tale of Peter Rabbit - was published a decade later in 1902.
Ees Wyke was also the property that made Potter fall in love with the Lake District. She later bought Hill Top Farm, which was just a quarter of a mile away in Near Sawrey by Lake Esthwaite.
The elegant house - built in 1742 - has in more recent years been used as a guest house.
A spokesman for Sotheby's International Realty said: "Ees Wyke is set in a stunning elevated position with breathtaking views over Esthwaite Water and the surrounding Lake District.
"The house also has an interesting history. Beatrix Potter stayed at Ees Wyke on several occasions when the house was rented as their country home.
"She later purchased nearby Hill Top Farm the setting for six of her books, the first being The Tales of Peter Rabbit.
"The house remained a home up until 1976, when it was converted into a guest house. The business receives commendations in the principal guides."
The property is spread out over four floors with a kitchen, dining room, laundry, sitting room and bedroom in the basement and a formal reception hall, kitchen, lounge, sitting room, dining room and study on the ground floor.
The first floor contains the main bedroom suite, guest suite, two further en-suite bedrooms, another bedroom and two bathrooms while the second floor hosts a large suite, three further bedrooms and two more bathrooms.
