The Estate...

WILLESLEY LAKE AND FOREST HAS BEEN DESIGNATED A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF OUTSTANDING BEAUTY BY THE LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL.

The Willesley Estate comprises a total area of forty acres – the lake being twenty four acres surrounded by a mature forest of sixteen acres with a fast stream which drains the lake running through the woods. The Willesley Estate is regarded as an area of exceptionally attractive scenery within the Ashby de la Zouch neighbourhood, and is particularly splendid during the summer months when it is especially noted for its snowdrops, bluebells and rhododendrons which are plentiful in the woods.

Most of the perimeter of the lake itself has been secured by a path with several bridges which are strategically placed to prevent flooding where inflow and outflow processes occur. The path has been constructed using dark brown rustic materials so as to remain firm and dry during all seasons, and to merge well with the natural colours of the surrounding landscape. Several platforms or pontoons have been constructed, two specifically to allow fishing from a wheelchair, and also to enable these disabled fishermen access to convenient pegs from which to enjoy the beauty of the lake and its best fishing stock.

The Island in the centre of the lake provides a natural water bird sanctuary.

The Willesley Lake and Forest is situated in an area of the country designated as “The National Forest”; which is adding to the importance of the location as a tourist attraction. The effect of this woodland initiative is to apply upward pressure on local property prices as the area becomes more desirable.

The lake has its own spring water tap just inside the edge of the forest within twenty feet of the western shoreline.

The History...

The Willesley Estate was a large eighteenth century estate owned by the Hastings family. The original Willesley Hall was demolished in the fifties and the site of the Hall and some of the grounds have now become a Scout Camp and Willesley Golf Club. The lake was originally built as a boating lake forming part of the Willesley Estate over one hundred years ago – this means the fishing stock is extremely plentiful and the bottom of the lake a valuable source of bloodworm. The existence of two collapsed limestone boat houses around the lake indicates the likelihood that planning permission may be granted for a residence incorporating a boat house at the lake side.