The History of Kirkbeck House
Kirkbeck House and Waverley next door, were built in the 1850s by
two brothers who were local builders. They and their families lived
in the two houses for many years.
Kirkbeck was sold in 1904 to the Brantwood Trust (this was some time
after John Ruskin’s death). For a number of years John Ruskin’s
niece - Miss Violet Severn - was reputed to have lived at Kirkbeck.
John Ruskin had close connections with the Isle of Wight and during
the 2nd World War both houses, Waverley and Kirkbeck, were used as
evacuation accommodation for children from the Isle of Wight.
A local respected family, Dr and Mrs Parson with their children
moved into Kirkbeck in the early 1950s. They rented the property
from the Brantwood Trust until 1979,when the house was sold to my
mother and my brother.
Kirkbeck became the family home, that at one time housed three
generations. Phyllis Leeson (mum), brother Peter, myself and my
three small daughters, Rachel, Shona and Vikki.
For 23 of the 31 years we have lived here, Kirkbeck has been a small
and successful B&B. We have enjoyed having many guests over the
years, many of whom are now old friends.
I retired from the B&B in 2005 and decided I really wanted to keep
our family home and open the doors of Kirkbeck House for others to
enjoy.
After buying Kirkbeck from my brother, it has been a family project
to lovingly and sympathetically restore the house retaining its
original character.
We hope you and your family and friends enjoy this character and
warmth as much as we have; and that over a period of time you too
can feel that it is a home from home in this most beautiful area of
the Lake District.
Ann Potter