If you’ve ever walked towards Slater’s Bridge in Little Langdale, you might have spotted a rather distinctive pink house along the way. But this pretty little house has a story that’s a little more interesting than you might expect.

Known as The Bield, it was once home to Josefina de Vasconcellos, a celebrated sculptor whose work can be found in churches, cathedrals and public spaces across the country.

Born in Surrey in 1904 to an English mother and a Brazilian diplomat father, Josefina discovered her love of sculpture at a young age. She went on to study art in London, Florence and Paris, developing a style that often explored faith, humanity and our connections with one another.

In 1939, Josefina and her husband, artist Delmar Banner, bought The Bield and made their home in Little Langdale. It became a place to live, create and raise their two adopted sons, with Josefina working on her sculptures in a studio overlooking the surrounding fells.

Her best-known work is Reconciliation, a moving sculpture of two figures embracing. Copies can be found at places including Coventry Cathedral and the Hiroshima Peace Park in Japan. It’s a powerful message of peace, and a lovely example of how her work reached far beyond the Lake District.

And the pink house itself has had its own moment in the spotlight. In 2023, The Bield was advertised for around £2 million, with a collection of historic artworks included in the sale. It wasn’t simply a beautiful home in a stunning location; it was a house with a remarkable artistic history woven into it.

Although Josefina left Little Langdale in 1988, her artistic legacy remains scattered across Cumbria. And if you fancy discovering a little more of her story, head to Rydal Hall Gardens, where you’ll find The Angel, a limestone sculpture by Shawn Williamson, one of Josefina’s artistic protégés. Carved from stone sourced from York Minster, it was created as a tribute to her and is a lovely way to connect the two places.

It’s a reminder that the Lake District doesn’t just inspire artists — it has been home to some pretty remarkable ones, too.

If you’re visiting Slater’s Bridge, keep an eye out for The Bield as you walk through the valley. You can admire it from the public footpath, but please respect the privacy of the people who live there today.