About the cottage

July Flower Tree Cottage, (also known as Jolliver Tree on the Ordnance Survey map), was the original 17th century dwelling for one of the three farms in Finsthwaite. The other two are still working farms – Chapman House and Finsthwaite House. The neighbouring farmhouse was built about 50 years later and both retain features which are of architectural interest, hence their Grade II listing. An archivist in the village has a theory that it is named after an ancient apple. The whole area is full of woodland which supplied charcoal and wood for bobbins for the cotton industry.

There was a rumour that a princess was hidden in July Flower Tree Farmhouse, reputed to be the illegitimate daughter of Bonnie Prince Charlie, called Clementina Sobieski Douglas who is buried in the churchyard. The people of this area were staunchly catholic and supported the Jacobite Rebellion which is why it was considered a safe haven.

Many of the names in the area ending with -thwaite are of Viking origins – Haverthwaite, Graythwaite, Satterthwaite. It means clearing, so Fin’s clearing. The local dialect has a Viking heritage too, as do the Herdwick sheep.

The cottage has been in my family for 60 years. I’m not sure when it ceased to be a farm, but the previous owner had a farm in Scotland and was from an illustrious family. His ancestors were landed gentry, one ancestor called Charles Townley being a collector of antiquities and an English gentleman of private means!

Best Regards
Victoria

Features

• 2 bedrooms with king-size beds + 1 bedroom with bunk beds

• New fitted carpets

• New rainfall thermostatic shower

• Good speed internet/Wi-Fi

• Washing machine

• Fridge freezer

• Dishwasher

• Microwave

• 2 X wood-burning fireplaces

• Original features: flagstone floors, wooden beams, oak pegged doors and oak floorboards

• Private off-road parking

• Small back garden with garden table and chairs

• Self-check-in