Fellside Studios

A truly unique village, full of vernacular architecture in a perfect Lakeland valley setting

Almost all the buildings in Troutbeck are original stone-built farmhouses, cottages and barns dating back to the sixteenth and seventeenth century

Widely recognised as one of the most unspoilt villages in the Lake District, Troutbeck is really a collection of tiny hamlets strung out for about one and a half miles, following a line of ancient wells high above the Troutbeck valley floor.

Within the village itself there are two famous traditional inns, a well-used and recently refurbished village institute, a beautiful Lakeland church, and a highly-regarded village shop and post office.

But although highly popular with tourists, Troutbeck has no official car parks, tourist shops or cafes; most visitors arrive on foot via its network of footpaths and bridleways. Fellside Studios sits quietly about 100 yards below the village centre (where there are often hens and ducks on the road) and there is little noise or traffic.

The surrounding landscape is exquisite. The peaks of Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick and Thornthwaite Crag rise steeply over 2500 feet to dominate the head of the valley. Below these the Trout Beck runs through woods and farmland and then plunges through steep ravines before finally entering Lake Windermere at the valley foot.

Man's early imprint on the landscape is still easily visible. Unlike Britain's cities, where history has often been concreted-over, the ancient pattern of drystone walls, bridleways and farm buildings is almost totally unchanged since stone settlement was begun in the early sixteenth century.

Here are a few of our favourite places that help us imagine what life must have been like in this once-remote valley.

Exploring Troutbeck's Vernacular Architecture

Traditional Cottages and Farms
Troutbeck Village consists almost entirely of original stone-built farmhouses, cottages and barns – almost all the buildings in the village date back to the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. All except Townend are private, but you can wander for hours along the many footpaths and bridleways that connect the village to Jesus Church, admiring unique bank-barns, crow-stepped slate roofs, massive circular chimneys, oak mullioned windows and slate porches.
• To explore Troutbeck on foot you can follow one of our suggested Troutbeck Village Walks.
• If you stay with us ask to see our copy of Susan Denyer's excellent book 'Traditional Buildings and Life in the Lake District.'

Townend Yeoman Farmer's House
This unique National Trust property is just a five minute walk from Fellside Studios' front door. Modest in size, Townend gives an atmospheric insight into the life of the Browne family who lived here for almost four centuries. Built in 1626, it's full of intricate original oak carved furniture and panelling, wide oak floor planks and built-in spice cupboards. National Trust volunteers are often on hand (sometimes in authentic costumes) to explain Townend's many fascinating stories.
• A 5-minute walk from Fellside Studios.
• Entrance charges £3.80 adults, £1.90 children.
• Open 31st March to 28th October, daily except Mondays and Tuesdays, 1 pm to 5 pm or dusk if earlier.
• Tel: 015394 32628
• Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Jesus Church, Troutbeck
There's been a church on this site since 1506; it was re-built in 1736 using many of the original oak roof beams, and its famous and very beautiful east window was designed by Edward Burne Jones, Ford Maddox Brown and William Morris. The churchyard lies in a perfect valley setting, overlooked by ancient yew trees. Peaceful, light and colourful, the church is open for quiet viewing throughout the year. Unmissable, whether you're religious or not.
• Just 3 minutes walk from Fellside Studios.
• Open 9.00 am until dusk, every day of the year.

Studio description

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Map and directions

About Troutbeck

The village gem of the Lake District

Beautiful walks direct from your doorstep

Toutbeck's traditional inns and posh restaurants

The Best Of The Lakes

Our favourite beauty spots

Inspiring places to visit

Our favourite Lakeland restaurants