Broad Leys on Windermere

Built in 1899 and home to Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club since 1950, the house retains much original design and features, with close links to guests from Beatrix Potter to Sir Donald Campbell – and even Hercule Poirot.

Broad Leys was built in 1899 and originally designed as a private country house for Arthur Currer Briggs, a Victorian industrialist from Wakefield and his wife Helen.  It’s a superb example of Voysey’s design and is located on Windermere in the English Lake District.  According to Pevsner it is Voysey’s masterpiece, with extensive front terraced gardens and three distinct large curved bay windows, stretching from the ground up to the first floor, providing magnificent views over the lake.

The house was purchased by the Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club in 1950 who continue to race on the lake.  There are three en-suite bedrooms with lake views and three bedrooms with bathrooms close by. The house has been preserved as closely as possible to Voysey’s original designs inside and out, and offers residents the opportunity to experience the delights of being entertained in what is the only Voysey country  house that it is possible to do so.  In addition to the very comfortable and authentic bedrooms, the sitting room now has the addition of a small bar, and the dining room, main hall and staircase have features that have been preserved to maintain the very essence of what Voysey sought to achieve in simplicity and style.

The extensive grounds provide access the lakeshore, a tennis court and croquet lawn.  The house is primarily used at weekends by members for dinners and events, but the bedrooms can be booked Monday to Thursday for bed and breakfast or for an inclusive packages including dinner, a tour of the house, the southern lakes and opportunities to visit other architectural gems such as Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house less than a mile away.

Prices start from £160 per night per room for bed and breakfast.  Minimum stays of two nights.  Arrangements for those travelling with dogs can be made at local kennels.  Dogs are not allowed into Broad Leys.  Some weekend dates are also available when the club is not hosting events for its members.

As a historic listed building we are sorry that the bedrooms and bathrooms at Broad Leys are not accessible by wheelchair or suitable for people with significant mobility restrictions.  The ground floor is accessible by wheel chair and there is a single unisex toilet with some facilities for those with disabilities, but access by wheelchair is limited.

For details of rooms, packages and availability please visit our web site www.wmbrc.co.uk or contact the manager at club@wmbrc.co.cuk.  Historic Houses Association members enjoy a 10% reduction on accommodation costs.