In 1940 Yew Tree Farm came up for sale. The National Trust wished to purchase the Estate In order to protect it, however at the time they could not raise the funds. Fortunately, Beatrix Potter better known locally as Mrs Heelis, a supporter of the National Trust, did have the funds to purchase the Estate. An agreement was struck between the two parties and Beatrix Potter successfully purchased the Estate in 1930 with a view to selling half of the Estate to the National Trust as soon as funds could be raised.
Once in the ownership of the National Trust, the Farm was managed alongside the half of the Estate kept by Beatrix Potter, she acted as ‘Land agent’ for nearly ten years on behalf of the National Trust. It was during this time that Beatrix Potter helped the tenants set up a tea room in the parlour of Yew Tree Farmhouse, the room was furnished with her own fine furniture and a collection of curios that would be of interest to passing tourists. All these fabulous chattels are still in the house today, though she never actually resided at Yew Tree Farm.