The Renovation of A Fairytale Country Estate In The Lake District

If you’ve ever dreamed of swanning around a grand country house, antique-filled rooms bathed in golden light, then Eller How House is going to make you swoon. Nestled in 12 acres of Lake District woodland, this 1827 Regency beauty is a masterclass in how to restore an old home without losing an ounce of its soul.

Nina Ward, a photographer, mum and self-confessed antiques obsessive, has poured heart, style, and an impressive amount of elbow grease into bringing Eller How back to life. From painstaking renovations to an actually dreamy guest let, she’s created a space that feels as if it’s been plucked from the pages of an interiors magazine - yet still warm, welcoming, and totally liveable.

With its enviable arches, grand sash windows, and original mouldings, Eller How House is all about timeless elegance. But Nina’s take isn’t about stuffy stately-home formality. Instead, she’s layered in character through bold colour, collected treasures, and a healthy dose of charm.

Her love of antiquing is woven into every room—think exquisite 19th-century furniture, delicate china, and unexpected vintage finds that feel like they belong here. And then there are the skiffers. Yes, skiffers. If you haven’t heard of them, you will soon, because Nina is single-handedly making them a thing. These small, decorative brass castings protect skirting boards and wall corners from scuffs—and somehow, she’s turned them into the must-have finishing touch for interiors nerds everywhere.

Nina’s latest projects? A guest bedroom transformation in collaboration with Farrow & Ball, proving once again that paint is power. The rich, layered hues complement the home’s period details perfectly, striking that balance between history and modern luxury. The drawing room in the guest let also been given a serious refresh, thanks to Dibber, one of Farrow & Ball’s brand-new colours. “This change felt like a brave choice as I’m not normally one who goes with a darker colour," she says. "However, this room is huge, with high ceilings and faces south, so I thought I would give it a try.” Safe to say, it was a success.

And then there’s the bathroom. Gone are the cold, uninspiring “just get it done” reno vibes—instead, Nina has created a space that feels as indulgent as a boutique hotel suite. Antique mirrors, classic brassware, and an attention to detail that would make any interiors obsessive weak at the knees. That archway entrance to the shower? You'll never make up excuses to avoid washing your hair again.

If you’ve fallen in love with Eller How House, the good news is: you don’t just have to admire it from afar. Nina has opened up part of the home as a guest let, meaning you can actually stay in this dream Regency retreat. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, soak in the stunning period interiors, and pretend (just for a little while) that this is your own countryside escape. And if the house itself wasn’t reason enough, the surrounding area is a UK staycation dream. Set in the Lake District, you’re perfectly placed for scenic walks, cosy pub lunches, and bracing dips in Windermere. And if you’re a foodie? Cartmel—home to Simon Rogan’s three-Michelin-starred L’Enclume—is just a short drive away.

Follow Nina’s journey (and get serious interiors envy) over at @ellerhowhouse