Bridge House

Bridge House is a late 17th to early 18th century property owned by the National Trust and is a popular tourist attraction. The small bridge was constructed to connect the house and gardens of the former Hall with the orchards on the opposite side of the stream, and the house itself was built atop the bridge as a summer-house. It is a tiny square building made of stone rubble with a slate roof and a small chimney, featuring two very low storeys. Each floor has one tiny room facing the stream, with timber lintels and slate sills. The house is situated on a depressed segmental stone arch with a span of about 15 feet, and the building measures approximately 10 feet square. There are slate steps leading down to the stream bed from the front of the house. The front facing Rydal Road has two boarded doors; one is accessed by two steps, while the other requires a spiral flight of eight steps, with a slate landing that forms a porch for the lower door. The house features deep overhanging eaves supported by old timbers. Inside, there are low ceiling beams and an iron fireplace with an oven and grate. For further context, refer to the general group description under Rydal Road.