THE famous farmhouse retreat which inspired Beatrix Potter’s love of the Lake District is seeing some special new additions, including a newly-acquired letter which offers an everyday insight into the life of the newly married writer and illustrator.

Exactly 110 years after her marriage to local solicitor William Heelis, a letter newly married Potter wrote in 1913 is going on display at the 17th century Hill Top, from Tuesday April 18.

It’s just one of the ways people can get a sneak peek into a world which provided the inspiration for some of her most famous stories, such as The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Tom Kitten and The Tale of Samuel Whiskers.

The house is filled with some of Potter’s favourite things and features subtle interpretation to bring it all to life, including the names she gave each room, what she did in them and key pieces of furniture.

Outside there are informal flower beds planted in the English cottage-garden style, with flowers and vegetables, and the independently run Joey's Café in Beatrix Potter’s orchard.

Hill Top is open seven days a week over Easter, then everyday (except Fridays) after the Easter holidays.

Entry is available through guaranteed, pre-booked time slots up to two weeks in advance.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/hill-top for more.

Or see www.visitlakedistrict.com/cultureinsouthlakes for further inspiration on arts, culture and heritage in South Lakes.