Wandales, (now Geltsdale) Plains Road, Wetheral, near Carlisle

WANDALE, (sic) the residence of Mr C. Ling, is situate about five miles from Carlisle, overlooking some of the prettiest country of the Eden Valley. The house is built of warm cream coloured facing stone from Lazonby with Prudham dressings; the walls are hollow, and are lined on the inside with brick. The joiners' work to the entertaining rooms, hall, and staircase on the ground-floor is executed in Dantzic oak; and the rooms on the chamber-floor are pitch-pine throughout. In the dining and drawing-rooms the walnut and oak mantels and over-mantels are noticeable features. They were made by the contractors for the carpenter and joiners' work, from the designs of the architects, in a first-class manner. The roofs are covered with tiles. The upper portions of windows are filled with painted glass by Messrs. Gibbs and Howard. The pavement, of German tiles, was laid by Mr L. Oppenheimer, of Manchester; and the granite concrete floors by Mr Brash, of Lancaster. Messrs Beaty Bros, were the contactors for masonry, etc. Messrs. W. and H Davidson for the carpenter and joiners' work, Mr. Ormerod executed the plastering, Messrs. Hill the painting and glazing, and Mrs. Johnson, the plumbers' work. A lodge and stabling have also been erected. Mr. Allan was clerk of the works. Messrs. Hetherington and Oliver, of Carlisle, were the architects, under whoso superintendence the works have been carried out. [Building News 11 November 1881 page 626]

Christopher Ling JP was a corn merchant and future mayor of Carlisle. With the arrival of the railway Wetheral was within commuting distance of Carlisle and Ling had built perhaps the grandest house in the village at a cost of £5,000, which he names “Wandales.”  Following the death of his wife, Ling refused to live in the house and rented it out. After World War II the house was re-named Geltsdale.

Reference           Building News 11 November 1881 page 626, with perspective, and floor plans