Restored Georgian gem opens in the English Lake District
A little known Georgian Manor House - which was once the home of a pioneer seaplane builder who was immortalised in the Swallows and Amazons adventure books - is opening its doors as a luxury venue for large family holidays, house parties, weddings and corporate retreats.
Built in 1820 with stunning views of England’s largest lake, Lake Windermere, Silverholme Manor was formerly home to Oscar Theodor Gnosspelius, who designed and flew one of the first planes to take off from a body of water in the UK (a feat he achieved on Windermere in February 1912). As a friend of the author Arthur Ransome, Gnosspelius also advised Ransome on mining and prospecting for his sixth Swallows and Amazons book, Pigeon Post, and is widely believed to have been the inspiration for the character of Squashy Hat.
Silverholme Manor is part of the private 5,000 acre Graythwaite estate, which is also renowned as one of William Wordsworth’s favourite walking spots. The Graythwaite estate is owned by one of the Lake District’s oldest families, The Sandys, and working alongside a local architect, Camilla Sandys originally saw the ‘grand design’ for Silverholme come together in 2011. Building work started earlier this year and it has taken just ten months to complete.
Located on Lake Windermere’s tranquil western shore, Silverholme Manor has a private jetty and sleeps up to 18 people –16 in eight individually-styled en-suite bedrooms, and another two in the original Coachman’s Cottage in the gardens.
Each room has its own original character, blending period character and modern comfort. As well as an abundance of reclaimed furniture, there are furnishings and fabrics from Pierre Frey, Robert Kime, Manuel Canovas and George Spencer to name a few.
A unique experience
Guests at Silverholme can benefit from full catering and housekeeping services (or self-cater if they prefer!) The Silverholme team are also on hand to arrange an almost endless choice of fun, leisure activities including spa sessions, wine tasting, a cocktail masterclass, or a murder mystery themed dinner party to name a few.
Silverholme also boasts special access to a range of additional facilities on the Graythwaite estate, including Lakeland Segway, paintballing, clay pigeon shooting and even fly fishing on a private Lakeland tarn.
Ultimate romantic weddings
Fully licensed for weddings and civil partnerships of varying sizes both inside the house and outdoors, guests can also tie the knot within Silverholme’s grounds. The team at Silverholme can arrange flowers, cakes, photographers and wedding day catering. To complete the experience, they can also co-ordinate a specially tailored programme of activities and entertainment, from massage treatments and hot air balloons to croquet on the lawn and children’s entertainers.
Providing business inspiration
Alternatively, Silverholme is the ideal retreat to get the creative juices flowing. Its four impressive reception rooms include an enormous kitchen with lakeside views, phonelines and wireless internet capability (2G/5G), and can be used as informal meeting space or breakout areas. There will be a constant flow of teas, coffee and homemade cakes, with a catering team on hand to provide fresh, locally sourced meals if required.
The Silverholme team can also arrange organisational development specialists to help plan business development or change management events.
Or the main house can be used as a social space, with more formal business being conducted in a barn closeby, which is currently being renovated as a flexible, multi-purpose venue. Fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio and projection facilities for business presentations, this space is due for completion in May 2013 and can be arranged to suit events for up to 100 people.
For business or pleasure, Silverholme Manor is the ultimate new venue for relaxed luxury. For more information, visit graythwaite.com/Silverholme.
