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 bordered by the River Kent to the North and West, and the A6 to the East. 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 is Grade I listed, as is the Parkland and Gardens associated with the Hall, as laid out by Guillaume Beaumont in the late 17th Century.
The estate is currently owned and occupied by the third generation of Bagot’s, Richard Bagot. The Hall and Gardens are open to the public during the Summer months, with the Parklands being an open resource for the general public all year-round. The Hall and Gardens welcome over 30,000 visitors per year.
The Hall is orientated with the principal elevation to the North, with the building on a North-South axis. The North tower, which is the subject of the proposed work, faces to the North, overlooking the principal drive. The Hall’s formal gardens are to the East and South, with the A6 highway, to the East, running parallel to the site. The Hall sits to the South-east of the Village of Levens.
Crosby Granger Architects have been appointed to repair the North Tower and make External fabric repairs, specifically:
Replacement of damaging cementitious render and pointing, with traditional lime mortar, to the North Tower. Traditional Limewash finish to follow the rough-cast coating. Associated repairs to the North Tower, including re-roofing the hipped slate roofs, parapet stone repairs, renewal of lead details and internal plaster repairs.
These works and any future repair proposals will ultimately ensure that this much-cherished Elizabethan Hall is repaired and maintained in a safe and proper manner, allowing it to sustain and secure its viable future as a private residence and publicly open tourist attraction.
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.
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.
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.
Revitalising and expanding a Lake District heritage asset 🌿
We crafted a spacious, dynamic and design-centric concept, involving the replacement of an outdated single-story kitchen and family room. Crucial to the project was the enhancement of panoramic views showcasing the breathtaking landscape - a feature overlooked in the original structure.
Additionally, the proposal prioritiwed the restoration of thermal and airtight efficiencies, which had gradually failed. The revitalisation effort extended beyond mere cosmetic improvements. A holistic approach addressed the property’s infrastructure, leading to the rewiring and replumbing of the original house.
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#Conservation #LakeDistrict #Architecture
Apr 20
Pre tender visit to Dallam Estate Three Towers 📍
We have been asked to prepare a tender for Historic England, who have been given delegated authority by Defra to support Historic & Archaeological Feature Protection Grants under Countryside Stewardship.
This is part of the Environmental Land Management scheme and provides financial incentives for farmers and land managers to protect and improve the environment, including the historic environment.
These grants are awarded via the Rural Payments Agency. The Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service has a remit to provide pre-application support, application assessment and post-award monitoring for the RPA.
A great opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our historic landscape 👏
#Architects #HistoricEngland #Architecture
Apr 17
Two of our Architects, Will and Luke, recently had the opportunity to attend a heritage skills training day at Levens Hall 🙌
The session was led by accredited Conservation-Restorer and Stonemason Brendan Teasdale, delivered as part of a grant-funded re-roofing project at Levens.
The morning began with an insightful presentation exploring the use of lime in building conservation. In the afternoon, they took part in a practical session focused on the application of lime mortar, learning how to prepare and mix it, before applying it to the Potting Sheds using pointing and wet dash techniques.
A brilliant day of learning and preserving traditional skills 👏
#Architecture #Conservation
Apr 16
