On the trail of John Ruskin in Coniston

John Ruskin’s reputation is taking a battering in the ‘Desperate Romantics’ series on BBC2, Tuesday nights. Portrayed as an impotent egotist in the paint-spattered bonk-buster, his undoubted genius and own artistic merits are somewhat overlooked!

For a different view of Ruskin, head to the tranquillity of the Lake District where Ruskin lived for 30 years at Brantwood, overlooking Coniston Water.

The house - now a museum – is stuffed with Ruskin’s personal belongings and his own paintings, including architectural studies of Venice and exquisite drawings of natural history subjects.

The extensive gardens offer a variety of walks and there are exhibitions, talks and concerts each month. Admission to the house and gardens is £5.95.

Where to stay while exploring Coniston? Cumbrian Cottages is highlighting Fisherbeck Fold, a typical Lakeland farmhouse with a self-contained first-floor apartment, Fisherbeck Nest. The house also overlooks Coniston Water, set virtually opposite Brantwood in an equally lovely spot.

Both ‘Fisherbecks’ have bags of character with original 17th century beams, panelled doors and sloping floors. Each sleeps four people, and each is fully-equipped with TV, DVD and music system, with a washing machine, dishwasher and all mod cons in the kitchens as well as modern bathrooms.

A week in either holiday home costs £500 for the weeks starting 19 and 26 September and 3, 10 or 17 October.

Other Ruskin sites include his grave in St Andrew’s church and the Ruskin Museum with the world’s finest collection of ‘Ruskin Lace’, both of which are in Coniston.

For more information, see cumbrian-cottages.co.uk.