1900 BLACKWELL, CUMBRIA BY MACKAY HUGH BAILLIE SCOTT

Baillie Scott’s design is one of the best examples of Arts and Crafts architecture in the UK. Built as a holiday home for Manchester brewery owner Sir Edward Holt, this welcoming retreat is nestled on the picturesque Lake Windermere in the Lake District. The Grade Ii*-listed building is a marvel of decorative details: rare hessian wallhangings in the grand dining room, leaf-shaped door handles, stained-glass windows and intricate carved-wood panelling by fine furniture maker Simpson of Kendal make every room a feast for the eyes. Scott also created much of the furniture himself, including the famous semi-circular oak-and-ebony ‘Barrel’ chair. Open all year round ( blackwell.org.uk).