Levens Hall sits within a former medieval deer park, in an area of gently undulating pasture farming and woodland, just outside of the southern boundary of the Lake District National Park. The site is best known for its gardens, with the reportedly oldest topiary garden in the world, sitting within Lakeland stone walls to the South. The Hall and Gardens are open to the public during the summer months, with the Parklands and Cafe open to the public all year round. The Estate welcome over 30,000 visitors per year.
Attached to the Grade 1 listed West Wing was the former estate workshop used to house, repair, and maintain estate vehicles. In recent years the workshop had been left unused and had become alienated in the West courtyard which visitors frequently used. Crosby Granger Architects was appointed to redevelop the workshop into a new bakery creating a new use for the workshop whilst also alleviating pressure in the existing commercial kitchen at Levens Kitchen.
The existing workshop was built in the 1960’s and was constructed using unsuitable materials and construction methods isolating the building visually and physically from the surrounding listed buildings. As part of the development, the new bakery was fitted with new slim-line double-glazed windows and doors with the existing roof altered by adding sprocketed eaves, rooflights and natural wood-fibre insulation. These alterations ensured that the bakery sits comfortably amongst the surrounding buildings and is of appropriate quality to the wider Levens Hall Estate.
Crosby Granger Architects is honored to lead the restoration of Levens Hall's North Tower, a Grade I listed Elizabethan manor renowned for its historic topiary gardens. Our work includes replacing unsuitable cementitious render with traditional lime mortar, re-roofing with natural materials, and repairing internal plasterwork. These efforts ensure the Hall's preservation for future generations, reflecting our commitment to sensitive conservation and technical excellence.
Crosby Granger Architects is honored to have led the award-winning restoration of Eshton Hall, a Grade II* listed country house in North Yorkshire. Our work addressed previous substandard repairs, focusing on roof and guttering systems to prevent water ingress and structural damage. This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving historic estates through sensitive, sustainable interventions.
Appointed to work on the renowned St Oswald's Church in Grasmere, set within the idyllic village in the Lake District, Crosby Granger Architects is undertaking sensitive conservation efforts. Our focus includes preserving the church's historic features and ensuring its structural integrity, allowing this iconic place of worship to continue serving the community and visitors alike.
Crosby Granger Architects led the restoration of Thornthwaite Hall, a historic residence in the Lake District National Park. Our work includes addressing structural issues, conserving original features, re-rendering and updating its modest facilities to meet contemporary standards. By carefully balancing preservation with modernization, we ensure the hall's historical character is retained while enhancing its functionality for future use.
We’re proud to share that our Whole Estate Plan for Higham Estate was endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority on 10 June 2025. This makes Higham only the second estate in Cumbria to achieve WEP endorsement!
Working alongside the new owners and in partnership with the National Park Authority, we created a holistic, long-term strategy for the next 20+ years - one that balances the estate’s need for economic resilience with the Park’s duty to safeguard this exceptional landscape.
This endorsement marks a significant step toward a future where Higham Estate enhances the landscape, supports local people and businesses, and contributes to the wider aims of the National Park.
#WholeEstatePlan #LakeDistrictNationalPark #HighamEstate
May 13
Join us at Holker Hall for an insightful event exploring how Whole Estate Planning is helping rural estates build long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Chris and Luke from Crosby Granger Architects will share our holistic approach to estate planning, alongside insights from CSX Carbon on the financial and environmental opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, an overview of the Holker Estate and a panel Q&A featuring representatives from the Lake District National Park Authority.
Whether you are a landowner, estate manager or rural professional, this event offers valuable insight into the future of sustainable estate management.
Spaces are limited, both CLA members and non-members are welcome.
📍 Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
🎟 £35 + VAT
Link in our bio for more info & to book your place!
#RuralBusiness #EstateManagement #BiodiversityNetGain #LandManagement #Sustainability #WholeEstatePlanning #CLA
May 13
Introducing Higham Estate 🌿
Nestled in one of the world’s most admired landscapes, Higham Estate spans 1,170 acres in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now under new ownership after over 100 years, Higham is entering a bold new chapter.
Last year our team were entrusted to create a Whole Estate Plan, a 20-year vision to secure a sustainable, thriving future for the estate, its people and the environment. And it`s finally time to share the results!
This is more than a plan - it’s a commitment to preserve heritage, enhance biodiversity, support the local economy and create inspiring experiences for visitors.
Stay tuned as we share how Higham Estate is shaping the future of sustainable land management in the Lake District.
#LandManagement #StrategicPlanning #EstateOwners
May 12
