Episode 1

In this episode, the houses that became retreats, and places of inspiration, for three literary legends.

At Hill Top, the countryside escape of Beatrix Potter, a collection of over 70 miniature pieces under the roof of Beatrix's own dolls' house is undergoing major conservation before a new exhibition.

The tiny woodland cottage of Clouds Hill, Dorset, was a refuge for TE Lawrence, popularly known as Lawrence of Arabia. In the sparsely furnished upstairs room, a portrait of a young soldier on a Cornish beach has sparked debate on whether it portrays Lawrence himself.

Lamb House in Rye was the home of celebrated Victorian writer Henry James, who wrote many of his greatest later works in house's Green Room. Today, James’s writing room is looking a little off-colour, and a damp problem means the walls are in urgent need of replastering and repainting.