A LITERARY house which was part of a successful World Heritage bid is now on the market.

Nanny Brow was built in 1903 by the architect Francis Whitwell, who having committed his idea for his perfect house in a painting, then chose the site at Clappersgate, near Ambleside, on which to build his family home.

According to the Whitwell’s granddaughter, the family were great friends of Beatrix Potter and regularly picnicked with her on Loughrigg Fell.

Nanny Brow was showcased in the book The Arts and Craft Houses of The Lake District and named as one of the significant properties in The Lake District for the successful bid for UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2017.

The home, on the market for £4,950,000, has 14 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms and eight reception rooms.

Nanny Brow has been restored by the current owners to enhance and preserve the period features: Oak floors and panelling, leaded windows and carved oak fireplaces.

The plasterwork ceiling friezes in the main reception room depict large flowers and plants, typical of the period, with an unusual additional frieze of small birds, frogs, rabbits and snails.

Off the main house are two annexes, each with very flexibly arranged accommodation, and individual access.

A large extension was added in the 1980s; the current owners have made use of the extensive accommodation to run an exclusive B&B.

The house itself sits high above the Brathay Valley. The front of the house faces South West with westerly views down the valley looking towards the head of the Langdales, with Wrynose Pass in the far distance.

One side of the house faces towards Brathay Church and in the direction of Lake Windermere, while the other side faces down into the gardens and over to Ivy Crag. The crag that the house sits on is called Nanny Brow, hence the name of the property.

If you are interested in this property, call estate agents Strutt & Parker on: 01244 988409