Near Sawrey Conservation Area
Why is Near Sawrey special?
Near Sawrey is a small village located on the historic trade route between Hawkshead and Kendal with attractive architectural and historic character. This includes:
- Rural location raised above the eastern slopes of Esthwaite Water
- Associated neighbouring village of Far Sawrey
- Settlement developed on the location of a number of springs
- Historic route (Stones Lane) extends northwards from the village to Moss Eccles Tarn and Claife Heights and southwards to crossings of the Cunsey Beck
- Dispersed settlement of farmsteads and houses surrounded by irregularly shaped fields
- Many buildings with architectural and historic quality, one of which is grade II star listed, and nine of which are grade II listed buildings. There are also many others which make a positive contribution to the area’s historic character and appearance
- Significant long views westwards to the Coniston Hills
- Buildings predominantly date from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and are good examples of the vernacular tradition, together with buildings in the Arts and Crafts and the Vernacular Revival styles
- Beatrix Potter lived in Near Sawrey and the village provided the settings for a number of her stories
- Palette of building materials reflects the underlying geology, carboniferous limestone and slatestone
- Domestic buildings either constructed from rubble stone concealed beneath a render coat, or from slatestone with ashlar dressings
- Grass verges along the lanes and fields enhance the relationship between Near Sawrey and the surrounding landscape
- Important areas of native hedgerow, individual trees and tree groups
- Network of public footpaths link the village to the surrounding countryside