Kirkbeck House and Waverly 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 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 26 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 last year 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.
Kirkbeck
House 