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…
Read more
Crosby Granger Architects has been appointed to support the Holker Estate on a series of projects, including vital restoration work at Holker Hall – the residence of the Cavendish family for the past 400 years.
Water damage has impacted parts of the house open to the public, affecting silk wall linings, wallpaper, decorative ceilings, and timber panelling in the Drawing Room and the Duke’s Bedroom of this Grade II* listed building.
Crosby Granger Architects is overseeing these intricate repairs in collaboration with Holker Hall’s in-house estate team, which includes land agents and building surveyors, as well as Lilian Touhy Main, a newly appointed scholar from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). The initial focus is on addressing the source of the water damage, after which specialist repair and restoration experts Hirst Conservation, along with skilled craftsmen and women such as weavers, decorators, and wallpaper makers, will proceed with the next phase of restoration.
In addition to this work, Crosby Granger Architects is exploring options to enhance office space above the Courtyard Café, adjacent to the Visitor Services area. To achieve this, applications were submitted for change of use and Listed Building consent to create a new opening into one of the residential flats. This will enable the full first-floor U-shape of the Visitor Services building to become fully accessible internally.
These enhanced office facilities will free up other buildings on the estate for potential development, reducing the risk of these properties sitting unused and generating no revenue.
Last week at Holker Hall...
It was great to bring together landowners, estate managers and rural professionals to discuss how Whole Estate Planning can support long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, including our fellow speakers, panel members and attendees, for sharing valuable insights and contributing to some thought-provoking discussions around Biodiversity Net Gain, estate strategy and the evolving opportunities facing rural estates.
Thank you to @holkerhall for hosting us in such a beautiful setting.
Jun 9
We’re delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 RTPI North West Awards in the Excellence in Plan Making Practice category for the Higham Whole Estate Plan!
Developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the Lake District National Park Authority, the plan sets out a long-term vision for a 1,170-acre rural estate. Bringing together landscape, heritage, biodiversity and rural enterprise, the WEP demonstrates how strategic planning can support resilient rural communities while safeguarding landscapes and enhancing what makes them special.
The project demonstrates the value of collaborative, landscape-scale planning in helping to shape rural places - identifying opportunities for sustainable change and lasting community benefit.
We’re proud to see this work recognised and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project.
Jun 4
Creating community engagement for an estate 🤝
Community engagement is one of the three core pillars of sustainable estate management. Our Whole Estate Plan ensures the estate is aligned with local aspirations.
We begin by listening to the community to understand their needs, concerns, and hopes for the area. This helps us identify opportunities to enhance connectivity, create employment and improve visitor access, all while respecting the character and tranquillity of the Lake District.
By aligning estate plans with community priorities, Higham can support a thriving local economy while ensuring a sense pride among residents.
#WholeEstatePlan #LandOwners #LakeDistrictNationalPark
May 29
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…
Read more
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…
Read more
Crosby Granger Architects is beginning a new chapter as co-founder Paul Crosby steps down to pursue new adventures. After 11 years of his leadership and…
Read more