By Imogen Lepere
The Mount, a Grade II-listed country house in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, has a fascinating history and is currently on the market for £4mn. While one would expect the most notable stories to come from its 500-year past, this 12-bedroom property is most famous for being the inspiration behind Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel, The Wind in the Willows, published in 1908.
John Kellett, the current owner, fondly recalls his childhood summers spent at The Mount, where he and his siblings believed the characters from the novel actually lived. They enjoyed picnicking in the orchard, exploring the woods, and climbing the majestic century-old cedar tree that still stands in the formal gardens.
The Mount holds a special place in Grahame’s life as well. After the death of his mother in 1863, he lived at the house with his grandmother and siblings until they had to leave due to a chimney collapse in 1865. Grahame’s delightful memories of those years, filled with “trackless meadows” and afternoons spent fishing and boating on the nearby Thames with his uncle, David Ingles, heavily influenced the setting of his famous novel.
The connection to the arts doesn’t stop there. Nearby-born renowned painter Sir Stanley Spencer frequently visited The Mount, finding inspiration in the area for his artworks throughout his life. When Kellett’s parents bought the house in 1969, they discovered the very plants featured in Spencer’s 1938 painting, Cacti in the greenhouse at Cookham Dean.
Originally a hunting lodge, The Mount was transformed into a grand mansion at the end of the 19th century by diamond merchants Alexander and Arthur Levy. Noteworthy features, such as the bell tower and gabled roof, were added during this renovation. The house boasts eight bedrooms with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, accessible through a grand staircase.
Despite the changes made by the Levys, The Mount still retains numerous historic features, including a magnificent oak front door with a stained-glass window. The panelled drawing room and dining room both feature cavernous fireplaces with Delft tiling.
“It’s already a magnificent house, and someone with a vision will make it even better,” says Kellett. He particularly emphasizes the property’s lovely south-east-facing aspect, making the front rooms a delightful place to spend time.
The Mount holds a special place in both Grahame’s and Kellett’s hearts. It represents a symbol of happiness and innocence, inspiring Grahame’s writing even after he moved away. Kellett hopes that another family will buy the house and create magical memories for more children in the future.
Photography: Savills
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