{"id":1385,"date":"2017-03-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelovers.cottage-search.com\/blog\/on-the-trail-of-arthur-ransome-this-farmhouse-is-the-place-to-start\/"},"modified":"2025-09-11T11:12:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T10:12:13","slug":"on-the-trail-of-arthur-ransome-this-farmhouse-is-the-place-to-start","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lakelovers.co.uk\/blog\/on-the-trail-of-arthur-ransome-this-farmhouse-is-the-place-to-start\/","title":{"rendered":"On The Trail of Arthur Ransome \u2013 This Farmhouse is the place to start"},"content":{"rendered":"

At the foot of Hallin Fell, surrounded by an idyllic patchwork of Lakeland mountains, close\u00a0to the stunning Coniston Water \u2013 it\u2019s no surprise that the Farmhouse inspired the famed author Arthur Ransome.<\/h2>\n

And, you\u2019ll not be surprised to discover that it has been a treasure of Bowyer family for 30 years too.<\/p>\n

The 400-year-old home stands proud in Atkinson Ground, a small countryside hamlet, dating back to the 1600s.<\/p>\n

And, in Ransome\u2019s much-loved children\u2019s book Pigeon Post \u2013 the 6th<\/sup> book of the Swallows and Amazons series \u2013 it becomes Atkinson\u2019s Farm. A place\u00a0 place of adventure for the Walker and Bleckett children.<\/p>\n

Featured in Ransome\u2019s Pigeon Post<\/h2>\n

In the timeless classic \u2013 published in 1936 \u2013 the SADMC (Swallows, Amazons and Ds Mining Company) hope to get milk at the farm in Atkinson\u2019s Ground, until they find that it is occupied by their enemy Squashy Hat.<\/p>\n

But, still the children stay around Atkinson\u2019s Ground, spying through the trees to the Atkinson\u2019s Garden, on Squashy Hat.<\/p>\n

The Farmhouse and\u00a0Atkinson Ground, along with a raft of the Coniston countryside, captured Ransome\u2019s imagination, so much so, that the imaginary places and characters in his Swallows and Amazon\u2019s series are based on real places and people.<\/p>\n

His stories tell the tales of the Walker children, who set out in their boat for an island adventure.<\/p>\n

All goes well until they meet the Bleckett kids \u2013 the Amazon pirates \u2013 their enemy until a truce is called and they become great friends.<\/p>\n

And, as a group they embark on every child\u2019s dream \u2013 sailing, swimming, fishing and camping under the stars.<\/p>\n

So, it is easy to see why Ransome included Coniston as a playground for the Bleckett and the Walker children.<\/p>\n

The Farmhouse\u2019s famous literary links don\u2019t stop there.<\/h2>\n

It was once part of the Monk Coniston estate, which was owned by Beatrix Potter \u2013 although she never resided there.<\/p>\n

But, it\u2019s a region of the Lake District that beckons adventure \u2013 whether walking up the nearby fells, sailing on Coniston water, meandering or zooming along the many off-the-beaten track cycle routes.<\/p>\n

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And, as well as its great history, the Farmhouse is a stunning home with a heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has been in the family for the past 30 years and it is a place we love,\u201d says owner Kathryn Bowyer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I love about it is the original creaky staircase, the huge oak beams and beautiful cottage style doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, when the two fires are roaring, it is very cosy and the perfect place for gathering around with friends or family.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As you can imagine, the picturesque patchwork of scenery surrounding the Farmhouse is breathtaking.<\/p>\n

Adds Kathryn: \u201cWith Grizedale Forest behind us and the lake just \u00bc-mile in front of us, there are lots of places for adventures close by.\u201d<\/p>\n

And what do guests comment on the most? \u201cThe view\u201d, says Kathryn.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is just the most amazing setting and our guests love it.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Lake District Beauty Wraps Around The Farmhouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Not only is the Farmhouse beautiful and full of charm, its location couldn\u2019t be better for a Lake District holiday.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s walking distance from the quaint and bustling Coniston village centre. And,\u00a0just a stroll away from the shores of Coniston Water.<\/p>\n

Dining in this charismatic home will form part of your wonderful holiday.<\/p>\n

But, for a night off\u00a0there is a great selection of local inns and eateries, including the famous Drunken Duck Inn<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You will have lots of fun discovering the locations of Ransome\u2019s stories and staying at The Farmhouse is the best place to start.<\/p>\n

So, why not get planning your Lake District stay and book this beautiful self-catering holiday cottage in the Lake District today.<\/p>\n

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On the Trail of Arthur Ransome<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\"Coniston<\/a><\/p>\n

Coniston Launch<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

To kick-start your Lake District adventure, here are some of the places in and around Coniston where your Swallows and Amazons journey could take you:<\/p>\n

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