We’re proud to share that the Higham Whole Estate Plan received a Commendation at the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan…
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Whitebeck Limekiln and Inman’s Bridge lie quietly in the Lyth Valley, but both have recently drawn national attention after being featured by the BBC for their rarity and fragile condition. Funding for Lake District cattle bridge and kiln repairs – BBC News
The limekiln, listed at Grade II and likely dating from the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, once produced quicklime for agricultural and construction use across the valley. Today, it is partly obscured by vegetation and shows signs of stone decay and outdated patch repairs that now need reassessment. Inman’s Bridge, though undesignated, is locally significant as one of the few remaining historic crossings over the River Gilpin. Originally built to move livestock across the floodplain, it has suffered erosion, undermining and water damage, and stands as one of the last surviving examples of its kind in the area. Both structures represent an important part of the region’s working heritage; understanding and securing their future now relies on careful investigation, coordinated expertise and a clear strategy for conservation.
Crosby Granger Architects are leading the feasibility study that will inform future repair and stewardship of the two structures. As conservation architects, we are coordinating contributions from structural engineers, archaeologists, ecologists, surveyors and heritage cost consultants to build a complete picture of their history, condition and potential.
Recent laser scanning carried out by James Brennan Associates has provided exceptionally detailed 3D models of both the bridge and the kiln, allowing us to record their form with accuracy and assess areas of movement, loss and historic intervention. This, alongside desk-based research, topographic survey, mortar and stone analysis and ecological assessment, will shape a repair strategy that respects original materials and methods while addressing structural decline and environmental pressures. Vegetation will be carefully managed, foundations and water impacts will be examined, and the long-term implications of weathering and use will be considered. Our work will lead to costed proposals, a maintenance plan and all supporting material needed for funding applications through Countryside Stewardship.
The wider aim of the project is to stabilise and conserve both structures so they remain part of the Lyth Valley’s historic landscape. By combining conservation-led design with specialist survey and practical planning, the study will enable the landowners to secure funding and tender works to skilled contractors. The project reflects our practice values: technically robust, quietly interventionist and grounded in collaboration with those who live and work alongside these places. With the right guidance and investment, both the kiln and the bridge can be safeguarded for the next generation.
Nestled in the Howgill Fells, the traditional barns at Thwaite Farm were deteriorating - until grant funding brought us onboard to help turn things around 🌾
Preserving their historic character was just as important to us as making them structurally sound. And while heritage conservation was the primary goal, the family needed them to remain practical, working farm buildings.
Watching these historic structures transform from vulnerable to secure was an emotional experience for the family - and we are so proud to have played a part in saving them for future generations.
This project is featured in our latest piece in Issue 52 of Conservation & Heritage magazine, alongside a look at how the approach used at Thwaite is now being applied across 21 further barns in Cumbria ✨
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation
Sep 7
Preserving a piece of Cumbrian history at Levens Hall 🏰
Sitting just outside the Lake District National Park, Levens Hall is famous for its Grade I listed parkland and the world’s oldest topiary garden. Welcoming over 30,000 visitors a year, this historic Elizabethan home requires thoughtful, traditional care to keep it looking its best.
So what repairs did we make? 🛠️
👉 Stripping away harmful cement render and replacing it with traditional lime mortar and limewash so the building can breathe.
👉 Re-roofing the hipped slate roofs and replacing lead details.
👉 Restoring parapet stonework and internal plaster.
Specialist conservation work like this ensures the Hall remains a safe, vibrant landmark for the public and the Bagot family for years to come.
#Architecture #HistoricBuilding #Conservation #LakeDistrict
Sep 2
We are proud to see our work featured in the latest edition of Conservation & Heritage magazine (Issue 52) 📖
Traditional barns are a fundamental part of the Lake District’s agricultural identity and World Heritage status. We are helping safeguard 21 agricultural buildings across the National Park through a major conservation initiative backed by the Lake District National Park Authority.
Preserving these structures not only protects our cultural landscape but also keeps traditional building crafts alive for future generations.
Read the full feature in Conservation & Heritage magazine (pages 70–73) ✨
#ConservationArchitecture #Heritage #LakeDistrict
Aug 31
We’re proud to share that the Higham Whole Estate Plan received a Commendation at the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan…
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Last week, we welcomed landowners, estate managers and rural professionals to Holker Hall for a thought-provoking event exploring the role of Whole Estate Planning in…
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Whole Estate Planning: aligning economic resilience, environmental stewardship and community engagement Private estates across the UK are increasingly adopting Whole Estate Plans (WEPs) to create…
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