BRANTWOOD & GARDENS

Brantwood and Gardens
Brantwood was the home John Ruskin from 1872 until the death of Ruskin in 1900. The house is situated on the east side of Coniston Water [opposite Coniston itself] and is regarded as one of the finest houses within the Lake District with Brantwood offering excellent views of the mountains over Coniston Water.

Brantwood used to be the home of William Linton who was a printer and engraver, his wife writing Victorian novels and the house being built around 1797 and being little more than a large cottage.

Ruskin purchased the house without seeing it , his thoughts on seeing it was "dilapidated and dismal" he paid the sum of one thousand five hundred [£1,500] pounds for Brantwood, but he did say "On the whole, the finest view I know in Cumberland or Lancashire".

He moved into Brantwood with his cousin Joan Severn and set about repairing the house. The first addition to the house was the bedroom turret, which had some excellent views. Over the coming years the house was extended, with Ruskin also purchasing land to add onto his estate.

While he lived here, he filled the house with priceless art and treasures. You can see Ruskin's drawings and watercolours, along with his furniture, books and his personal items. You can also see a video presentation and special displays which provide a fascinating insight into Ruskin's work and the way he lived in the house.

When Ruskin died he left the house to his cousin Mrs. Severn and her husband. In 1924 when Mrs. Severn died, her husband moved back to London, to a house that was given to them by Ruskin, and began sell off the treasures of Brantwood which included the Turners along with the best items from the house.

Fortunately a wealthy collector J.Howard Whitehouse went around buying back all the Ruskin possessions he could find and he also founded the Birmingham Ruskin Society and a boys school in Bembridge, Isle of Wight in 1919.

There is excellent bookshop where you can purchase Ruskin literature and related art or you could have something to eat and drink at Jumping Jenny's with the restaurant being licensed.

Take a walk through the gardens and woodlands that cover over thirty [30] acres. In early spring wild daffodils and snowdrops can be seen and later on in the season the figs and vines that have ripen can also be seen. Gardens include the Fern Maze, Moorland Garden, Professor's Garden, Zig Zaggy, and more...

Through out the year there are various Exhibitions, Events and Study Courses held, for more information please E-mail them or visit their Web site see below:

To make an excellent visit to Brantwood, why not take the steam yacht Gondola or on a Coniston Launch and make it a day to remember from Coniston.

It is advisable to contact Brantwood prior to your visit if there is something specific you wish to see or any alterations have been made to the Opening times and the attraction itself. Disclaimer

+44 [0] 15394 41396