18th March 2026 ❘ Burnetts' News
Our Commercial Property team completes acquisition to secure the future of Rydal Mount
Image: Wordsworth Trust
Our Commercial Property team completes acquisition to secure the future of Rydal Mount
Our Commercial Property Partner Helen Hayward, with input from our Corporate and Employment teams, recently completed the landmark acquisition of Rydal Mount – the final home of the world-renowned poet William Wordsworth – by the Wordsworth Trust.
The historic property, which had recently been placed on the market by Wordsworth’s descendants, faced an uncertain future after the rising costs of operating the attraction in its current format became unsustainable. The purchase, by the Wordsworth Trust, working in partnership with The Julia Rausing Trust and the Charlotte Aitken Trust, ensures that Rydal Mount will be preserved for public benefit and protected for future generations.
Commenting on the purchase, Wordsworth Trust Director, Michael McGregor said: “We are delighted that there is going to be continued public access to Rydal Mount. The news of its sale came as a cautionary tale of how precarious the Wordsworths’ heritage in the Lake District has become. Having worked closely with the owners of Rydal Mount for many years we were able to have early and open discussions with them regarding its future.
“However, the purchase would not have been possible without The Julia Rausing Trust and the Charlotte Aitken Trust, whose generosity has enabled us to save and protect this important Wordsworth property for future generations. Acquiring Rydal Mount gives us an opportunity to tell a much richer story about the lives and works of William and Dorothy Wordsworth.”
“The team at Burnetts have navigated us calmly and expertly through a major acquisition process. We appointed them because of their wealth of knowledge and expertise in this area, but equally impressive has been their friendly, responsive and proactive approach. It’s been great to work with them!”
The Wordsworth Trust will be making further announcements in due course with regards to future plans for Rydal Mount. However, for the immediate future the house and grounds will remain closed to the public, while essential maintenance work is carried out. To find out more about the Wordsworth Trust please click here.
You can find out more about our Commercial Property team and services here.