HILL TOP

HILL TOP can be found in Near Sawery close to Hawkshead and was purchased by Beatrix Potter with the earnings from her first book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" and also from a small legacy in 1905.

The next eight years she tried to spend as much time as possible at Hill Top a 17th-century farmhouse adding her favorite items of furnishings and at the same time gaining fresh ideas for many of her best loved children's stories from the old farmhouse, the countryside, animals and the various items that could be found.

The pictures she painted for the tales of Jemima Puddle Duck, Tom Kitten and Samuel Whiskers all show pictures of Hill Top and also her other classic tales also feature paintings from Sawrey and the areas nearby.

When Beatrix Potter married William Heelis in 1913 who was a solicitor with offices in Hawkshead moved into a cottage called Castle Cottage and Hill Top then became her studio, study and a place to relax.

Known now as Mrs. Heelis woman farmer, she began to devote more time to the sheep, farming and purchasing more farms with most of the farms being close to Sawrey. While doing this she was working closely with the National Trust and Cannon H. Rawnsley a good friend whom was one of the co. founders of the National Trust.

When Beatrix Potter died in 1943 leaving all her farms to the Trust so that they could benefit the people from around the world and also being preserved. Beatrix did stipulate that Hill Top should never be lived in again and that the house remained as it was along with the furnishings being untouched as they had been during her life.

Afterwards you can visit the shop to purchase or browse the Beatrix Potter gifts that are available, take in a meal or a drink at the Tower Bank Arms.

It is advisable to contact Hill Top 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 36269