“Coatehow” as it was known derives from the word “cote” meaning shelter.

It was here in Roman times where a lookout post was situated serving visitors using the old Roman road and ford over the river Rothay.
In 1875 Cote How was sold to the Le Fleming family for £850, when it was let as two cottages and served as the first Rydal Sunday School.

From 1901 – 1907 the local artist Frederick Yates lived here and it was in the Rydal suite where he painted his great friend and often visitor to Cote How – Woodrow Wilson – US President.

Woodrow Wilson

The Rydal Suite is one of our oldest rooms in our house and was the studio of local artist Frederick Yates around the turn of the Century.

It was in this room that ex American President Woodrow Wilson had his portrait painted, beneath the North facing skylight.
The skylight has just been renovated and on a clear night offers fabulous views of the stars!