The Forest Side is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1853

The Forest Side, LA22 9RN
01539 435 250 | www.theforestside.com

Built using typical Lake District slate and stone, The Forest Side is a Victorian mansion that dates back to 1853. The Forest Side was originally built on the site of an earlier farm in the magical Lake District for notable Manchester solicitor Stephen Heelis as a statement of position and wealth. He didn’t stint on the gardens, planting extensive pleasure gardens with rhododendrons as the dominant planting scheme, the very height of fashion, with rare and exotic specimens brought back to these shores from China and the Himalayas by some of the great Victorian plant hunters.

There are a number of other original Victorian features dotted about in the grounds, including an old fernery based around a small pool fed by a mountain stream, which over time will be restored to its former glory. Just off the main entrance driveway, you can see a collection of huge limestone monoliths. This folly in the form of a stone circle is also a bit of a fashion statement and marks the Victorian interest in the ‘Celtic Revival’.

All the bedrooms have been designed by interior designer James Mackie, who has used the same luxurious materials in every room so that everyone can have the full Forest Side experience. As with the bedrooms, every bathroom has exactly the same high-quality fixtures and fittings.

Celebrate in style
Inside the property’s principle dining room, it transforms into an idyllic space in which to host your intimate wedding celebration. This light and airy room, with its beautiful vistas, high ceilings and direct access to the garden terrace and the landscaped grounds beyond, offers the perfect setting for your special occasion. You can rest assured that the award- winning chefs will be on hand to create the perfect seasonal menu just for you, using only the finest of ingredients from the Cumbrian landscape and, of course, from the kitchen gardens, perfect for wowing your guests and their taste buds.

The two wedding ceremony rooms comfortably accommodate up to 50 of your nearest and dearest and should you wish to celebrate with additional friends and family in the evening, you can enjoy the company of up to 80 guests.

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The Forest Side accommodates 40 overnight guests on an exclusive use basis in the 20 appointed bedrooms.