inspired by an empty building

Once home to William Wordsworth, and later to National Trust founder, Cannon Rawnsley, Allan Bank was rescued from the ravages of fire in 2011. Now partially restored and undecorated, the Trust has taken the inspired decision to open it to the public, giving them the chance to make suggestions as to how the house should be restored.

We took the short walk to the house from the village of Grassmere, arriving at the front door as a visitor was wandering into the grounds with a cup of coffee. Having signed in, we were invited to wander around the building and grounds and help ourselves to a drink in the kitchen. Visitors of all ages seemed preoccupied - admiring the stunning view, painting what they saw, reading books, or, like us, just wandering quietly from room to room.

We were encouraged to write our thoughts and ideas on notice boards, walls and luggage labels which were hung on the branches of a tree. I was staggered by the sheer volume of artwork and messages displayed in a building which was only opened to the public less than a year ago.

Dave and Jill expressed my feelings when they wrote on a luggage label two weeks ago, 'What an amazing place. Awesome almost beyond words. However this is the place to be inspired'