Hutton-in-the-Forest is a romantic irregular pink sandstone house set in beautiful gardens. The oldest part of the house, a 14th century pele-tower, was constructed in the ancient forest of Inglewood.
Today the forest has virtually disappeared and the house stands in pastorial countryside facing east towards the Pennines.
In 1606 the estate was purchased by Sir Richard Fletcher of Cockermouth and in 1641 - 45 his son added a wing to the right of the entrance courtyard.
The gallery over round-arched loggia was subsequently glazed in. In the 1680's the medieval hall to the south of the pele-tower was rebuilt with a classical facade designed by the local mason, Edward Addison.
In the first half of the 18th century Hutton-in-the-Forest descended from the Fletchers to the Vane family, who rebuilt much of the house in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the early-19th century the south-east tower and the south wing were remodelled by George Webster of Kendal and George Nixon of Carlisle with the assistance of Anthony Salvin, a friend of the family. Salvin later carried out further alterations to the interior.
From the Vane family the house has descended to the present owner, Lord Inglewood.
The interiors of Hutton-in-the-Forest mainly date from the mid to late 19th century and contain fine collections of furniture, paintings, ceramics and tapestries.
The splendid late-17th century staircase is the most architectually interesting feature of the house. This leads from the Hall to the impressive Jacobean Gallery. At the top of the stairs is a vestibule displaying 17th century Mortlake tapestries of 'Playing Boys'.
In the south-east tower is the Drawing Room. The Cupid Room has a plaster ceiling by Joseph Rose and the adjacent Blue Room has drawings. The Dining Room downstairs has William Morris wallpaper.
Hutton-in-the-Forest has outstanding grounds and gardens. The south range overlooks terraced gardens and a lake. A path leads along the west side of the house to a charming 18th century walled garden which is overlooked by the Jacobean Gallery.
2008: 20Mar-6Apr & 30Apr-28Sept: Wed-Thur,Sun & Bank Holidays, 12:30-16:00: Gardens: daily except Sat 20Mar-Oct 11:00-17:00
Tel: 017684 84449 Hutton-in-the-Forest Website
