Tags
Arts & Crafts, Blackwell, Coniston, Mountains, nature, Photography, Sheep, Travel, Ullswater, Windermere
Today we set off for Windermere once more, but this time via the Troutbeck road. There had been some rain earlier on but sun was promised for later.
Ullswater was looking lovely…
… and we headed south towards the Kirkstone Pass.
Just as we were approaching the summit there was a horrible crunch as a minibus coming towards us hit our farside wing mirror with such force that the glass disappeared as the mirror caved in. Peter stopped in a layby and walked back to see if he could find the mirror itself. He came back with a rather crazed version, followed by the driver of the minibus. He turned out to be a Scottish off-duty policeman! Details were exchanged but I was quite sure that the minibus had been at fault. Anyway… Peter managed to tape the remaining glass to the backing and we drove on feeling decidedly annoyed! If it was any compensation, the minibus definitely came off worse!
Our destination today was the Arts & Crafts House, Blackwell, poised scenically high above Lake Windermere where the steamer was leaving the quay.
It was designed by Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott in 1897 for the Holt family and contains some of the most beautiful Arts & Crafts originals we have ever seen. Here are just a few of the magnificent examples.
Reading up on Philip Webb!
Everything has been beautifully looked after and every well-known Arts & Crafts artist and craftsman is represented in the elegant furnishings and decoration.
In the attractive cafe (which had excellent and friendly service) we had fish chowder with toasted home-made bread, finishing with the lightest coffee and walnut sponge I have ever eaten! And the freshly made lemonade had to be tasted to be believed.
Outside, on the terrace, the sun had come out over the lake and everything looked gleaming and fresh.
Leaving Blackwell rather reluctantly, we drove further south and then northwards again beside Coniston.
Passing Ullswater once more, we couldn’t resist more photographs – what a difference a blue sky makes!
A fabulous day.
Tomorrow we leave the Lake District reluctantly and head up north. The weather forecast doesn’t sound too good!
Adventures with Bessie & Madge 
What a stunning house with amazing contents! I love the rounded chair. Hopefully Bessie is not too badly hurt and fortunately it was only the mirror that was damaged. The sun shining makes a huge difference to the feel of the photographs but even without sunshine they are magnificent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the house. It looks like you were the only ones there. Seeing the steamer on Windermere reminds me of when we went for a trip across the lake when Harry was a baby. I hope you can still see out of the wing mirror?
LikeLiked by 1 person
To wake up to the beautiful scenery and then the arts and crafts photos, and the sun is shining here – start to a good day. Now to research Mr Webb! Oh and I forgot the obligatory photo of food. You know how we worry if there isn’t one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am enjoying the Blog as usual – feel we are there with you. Lovely. Play going well a trip down memory lane for me. 38 years ago since we did Absurd Person Singular before!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The house looks brilliant, as does the weather!
LikeLiked by 1 person