Every time I walk along the riverbank at Sutton Bridge , I’m always fascinated by the Sir Peter Scott Lighthouse. Rising majestically above the fenland landscape, the building is steeped in history and never fails to demand my attention. It’s named after conservationist and artist Sir Peter Scott, son of legendary explorer Scott of the Antarctic, who made it his home between 1933 and 1939.
The lighthouse – and its twin on the opposite bank - was built in 1830 to celebrate the final stages in the drainage of the fens and is now listed Grade II*, which I understand rather impressively almost puts it on a par with Hampton Court Palace. Over the years it has been recommissioned by the army, used by the Fenland Wildfowlers, left derelict and transformed into a private home. More recently it’s been turned into a luxury holiday let, and I’ve often wondered what it would be like to stay there – on the edge of the last great wilderness, surrounded only by the birds, the trees and the Fenland breeze, and experience life as Sir Peter once did.
Thanks to a twist of fate, my family was offered that chance a few weeks ago and I was delighted to accept and spend a night there. It’s just a three-mile drive off the main A17, near the Cross Keys Swing Bridge, to reach the lighthouse, but because of its location at the end of a long driveway, it doesn’t come into view until you’re almost at the gate. Looking impressive in the early spring light the towering building didn’t d.