Part of former Wordsworth estate turned into £1m eco getaway

Part of a Lake District estate once owned by the son of Romantic poet William Wordsworth has been transformed into an eco getaway.

A £1m investment turned a derelict stable block on the Stepping Stones estate, located near Ambleside, into Riverside Terrace.

The scheme comprises three self-catering holiday homes that blend with the surrounding World Heritage landscape.

Each home features walls crafted from Lakeland green slate, underfloor heating and hot water from air source heat pumps, and water provided by a bore hole and natural spring.

The properties overlook the stepping stones at the River Rothay, long associated with the history of English Romantic Literature.

To support the development, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking provided a £300k funding package.

Owner Kevin McCarten said: “We believe that Riverside Terrace is one of the most eco-friendly properties in the Lake District.

“It has been carefully designed to visually blend into the natural environment and it was vitally important to us to use local materials and authentic craftsmanship to bring the project to life.”

He continued: “This development is so much more than a business to us. We love the Lakes and we wanted to create something which resonates with like-minded people who can sit in awe of a landscape which has inspired writers and artists for centuries.”

Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking business development manager David Eaves commented: “The Riverside Terrace is a stunning property, and Kevin and the team have worked hard to ensure that the building reflects the beauty of its surroundings.

“Tourism contributes more than £2.9bn to the region’s economy every year, so it’s vital that firms have the tailored support they need to prosper.”