Cumbrian house that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter gets listed status

The house that inspired Beatrix Potter to create her iconic characters – including Peter Rabbit and Squirrel Nutkin – has received listed status.

Potter spent her summers in the house and grounds of Lingholm in Portinscale, Cumbria. Today the culture minister, Ed Vaizey, announced the house had been given a Grade-II listing. The architect Alfred Waterhouse designed Lingholm, which was built between 1871 and 1875. His other work included the Natural History Museum and the Manchester Town Hall.

Nick Bridgland, an English Heritage designation team leader, said it was a “splendid example of the work of the renowned Victorian architect”.

“Beatrix Potter’s tales are loved and cherished by people young and old around the world and Lingholm as the inspiration for so many of these classic children’s stories deserves to be protected,” Mr Vaizey said.

The location is said to have inspired stories – and provide the source of many of the author’s characters – including Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Benjamin Bunny.

The population of red squirrels in nearby woods are believed to be a “direct inspiration” behind The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.

Potter published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902 and would write a total of 23 novels, with her last, The Tale of Little Pig Robinson, published in 1930. She died in 1943 at the age of 77.