Crosby Granger Architects were awarded the project to carry out the analytical architectural investigation, costed condition survey and feasibility study for development of the fortified house of Burneside Hall South Lakeland and the Ruinous Gleaston Castle, Cumbria.
The project’s aim was to carry out full historical assessments of the sites in order to better understand the significance and their social and political history within the region between the 14th and 16th Century. Full condition surveys and structural surveys were also carried out, which included costed recommendations for repair.
The project also required Crosby Granger Architects to appraise the repair costs and produce a feasibility study for the appropriate conservation and if appropriate, the sustainable reuse of each site in order to ensure their removal from the Heritage at Risk Register. Options appraisals for both sites were carried out, with costed plans put forward in a final recommendation report to assist with grant funding.
The feasibility study of the sites explored the future management and development, taking into account:
• Historic, architectural and archaeological significance
• Repair and development costs
• Funding options
• Planning constraints/opportunities
Crosby Granger are now working directly for the owners to review the schemes and look towards applying for grants to assist with essential repairs initially, followed by major proposals for redevelopment.
DISCIPLINES COVERED IN COMMISSION:
• Site evaluation and historic building assessments, including condition and structural surveys,
• Assessment of historic, architectural and archaeological significance,
• Undertaking options appraisals and feasibility studies for the sympathetic repair and conservation of the buildings,
• Identification of funding streams,
• Stakeholder engagement and developing proposals that enable the sustainable management of each site.
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
Architectural analysis, condition surveys, and feasibility studies at Burneside Hall guide a conservation strategy for this fortified medieval house. Understanding its unique structural challenges allows for informed decision-making regarding repairs and potential adaptive reuse. Carefully planned conservation work ensures the hall remains a significant and sustainable heritage asset for the future.
We were appointed to carry out the historical research, assessment, and strategic management review, and develop and publish a Conservation Management Plan for Furness Abbey and Piel Castle, both in the Guardianship of English Heritage.
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.
