Brantwood

With one of the finest lake and mountain views in England, Brantwood is arguably the most beautifully situated house in the whole of the Lake District. Brantwood was famously the home of John Ruskin, one of the greatest figures of the Victorian era. After many visits to the Lake District, Ruskin purchased Brantwoodin 1871 at the age of 52, and remained there until his death in 1900. Set in 250 acres of enchanting woodland gardens on the shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was renovated and expanded by Ruskin.

Brantwood is filled with Ruskin's drawings and watercolours, along with much of his original furniture and personal items, and one of the outbuildings now houses a fine restaurant and craft shop.

The most luxurious method of getting to Brantwood is on the National Trust's steam yacht Gondola, which departs from Coniston Pier.