Lake District Cottages

designed in cumbria

Over the years we have had much rustic dining and living room furniture from John Purcell at Out of the Woods in Staveley. More recently we used his contemporary styles as part of the redesign of several cottage interiors. www.outofthewoodsinteriors.co.uk	A key feature of the recent design transformation of Monkhouse Hill has been our extensive use of the best of Cumbria's designers, artists and craftsmen. We have done this for several reasons: to add to the local authenticity of holidays here; to support the many small design based local businesses ; and finally because of the sheer quality of artists and craftsmen now working across the county. Alison Tordoff, one the most exciting interior designers in Cumbria (and indeed the UK) has given an updated, contemporary feel to Monkhouse Hill, whilst retaining and enhancing the traditional architectural features of each cottage. Visit www.fidgetdesign.com to learn about her philosophy and other commissions. You will also find here some of the artists who have contributed to the Monkhouse Hill's distinctive new look - their websites demonstrate the considerable wealth of Cumbrian talent with whom we have been able to work.

Rachel Kelly, who is Cumbrian based but now in demand nationally, has created the stunning tree which grows across the wall by Raven Howe stairs, and also a smaller but equally distinctive piece over the stairs in Chapel Beck. www.interactivewallpaper.co.uk

June Stock specialises in a unique and very unusual style of colour matched tapestry artwork. She has worked with Alison Tordoff to create an individual piece or pieces for each cottage, coordinated with the different design schemes. www.junestock.co.uk

Jo Vincent is an award winning bespoke glass designer. She has produced the superb glass bowls to complete the dining tables in Brae Fell, Chapel Beck and Raven Howe cottages. www.jovincent.com

The dramatic curved balconies to Raven Howe, Round Knott and Cloven Stone were designed by Unwin Jones Architects of Carlisle, specialists in the hospitality sector, and built to the highest standard by Carlisle joinery contractors Chris Brown. www.chrisbrown-joinery.co.uk

Almost all curtains and soft furnishings have been replaced over the last year. Most have been made by Carol Bolton of 'In Stitches', who works from home in nearby Caldbeck.



Other local craftsmen featured include blacksmith Lucy Sandys- Clarke who has created feature iron handles for the wardrobes in Brae Fell, and Iain Worthington who designed and made the wonderful mirror in Fisher Gill living room. www.lucysandysclarke.com www.lightwooddesign.co.uk		Even our mattresses are made in Cumbria! All double and most single beds now have the super luxurious 'Pillow Honister', a medium firm 'Posture Tech' spring system mattress with a pillow top layer for added comfort - from the Sealy factory a few miles away in Aspatria.

A major element of the development work recently undertaken was to redesign and refit seven bathrooms to a contemporary high standard. This was carried out by Complete Interiors of Carlisle, with design input from Alison Tordoff.


	Thanks to the 'Tourism Connect' grant scheme (operated by Cumbria Tourism and North West Development Agency) and to the Clydesdale Bank for supporting our mission to place Monkhouse Hill amongst the elite of UK self catering providers.
Other artists featured include Julie Ann Scott , whose impressionistic landscapes adorn the dining area of Round Knott, and John Kershaw whose distinctive wheel-thrown pottery appears in Great Calva. www.julieannscott.com www.kershawpottery.com

Andrew and Jennifer Collard, Monkhouse Hill, Sebergham, Caldbeck, Cumbria CA5 7HW Tel:016974 76254 cottages@monkhousehill.co.uk www.monkhousehill.co.uk

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