Langdale Chase (Hotel) Windermere

WINDERMERE AND ITS HOMES. The interest shown by the citizens of Manchester in Windermere and the Lake District generally is no new thing. The American tourist has long been a well-known figure in Cumberland and Westmorland, but visitors from Manchester are quite as numerous. Not only does the beauty of the lakes attract those who merely desire a short holiday, but many of our wealthy citizens make it their home, either permanently or for long periods during the summer. While some prefer the bracing ozone of the sea, or the quiet and characteristic beauty of the Cheshire villages, others love the many charms of Windermere, the beauty of Rydal, or the attractions of Coniston or Derwent water. Thirlmere, too, is of great interest to Manchester men-apart altogether from its being the source of the city's future water supply.  But the largest colony of Manchester folk is at Windermere. Here the busy commercial man is not far away from the railway which will carry him to the roar and bustle of our work-a-day city. Certainly no more beautiful spot could be I chosen as a resting place after the labours of the day, carried on in the midst of smoke and grime. The most interesting feature of Windermere is its varied outline. From Lake Side to Ambleside the shore on either side forms a long line of jutting, tree-crowned promontory, and nestling bay. Channing, with his fine gift of language, speaks of the lake in well-known words: "Here the land gently swells into the lake, and there the water seems to seek a more deep repose in bays and coves which it has formed by a kindly-soliciting influence from the shore. There are occasional points of boldness to prevent tameness, but the land and water seem never to have contended for empire."

…. Almost directly opposite "Pullwyke" is another building growing rapidly to completion. This house will be the residence of Mrs Howarth. of Manchester, and is designed by Messrs Ball and Elce, also of Manchester, and Mr. J. Pattinson, of Windermere, the builder being Mr. William Grisenthwaite, of Penrith. While quite different in treatment from Mr. Crossley's house, Langdale Chase, which is of the Elizabethan type, has its own peculiar beauties. From the house views of the lake, Langdale Pykes, and the hills in the north and north-west may be obtained in infinite variety. When the grounds are planted and laid out there will probably be no prettier residences in the district. The house is built of two kinds of stone - the dark blue stone of the district and a white freestone. Approaching the house the porch is a striking feature, adjoining which is a beautiful mullioned window, with stone panels, on which our artistic Manchester sculptor, Millson, has carved the arms of various families. The hall itself is a charming part of the house. It is 21 feet in height, with a hand- some carved oak staircase and galleries, an is lighted by the mullioned window already mentioned, filled with choicely designed stained glass, bearing heraldic devices. Off the main staircase is a flight of stairs leading to the Ladies' Bower, a pretty room over the porch. Further on is a winding staircase carrying the visitor to the billiard room. Still higher are the bedrooms and corridors, from which peeps of the hall may be obtained through charmingly designed arcades. The drawing room has a five-lighted bay window which runs up as a tower at the angle of the building. Indeed, each room has its own peculiar charm. In connection with the work of erecting the house, an interesting ceremony was performed on Saturday last by the daughter of Mrs Howarth, who placed on the turret the finial stone of the tower. When entirely occupied the house will form one of the most beautiful, of residence-in the Lake District. [ Manchester Times 4 September 1891 page 8]

Reference           Manchester Times  4 September 1891 page 8