Potter's career as a children's author and illustrator was launched in 1902 with the release of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit". She continued to publish, and, in 1905, bought Hill Top, a farm in Lancashire (now Cumbria), with the sales profits from her books and a small legacy from an aunt. Her tales then took inspiration from the farm, its woodland surroundings, and nearby villages. Work began on "Tom Kitten" in 1906 and its setting became the Hill Top farmhouse. Illustrations depict the interior of the house and the gardens, paths, and gate at the front of the house.