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.
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 Making Practice category!
The project was developed through a close partnership between Crosby Granger Architects and the @lakedistrictnpa, creating a long-term vision for a rural estate that balances landscape stewardship, biodiversity, heritage and economic resilience.
We had a fantastic evening celebrating planning projects from across the region. One of the highlights was hearing poet Tony Walsh perform a selection of poems inspired by places across the North West, including the Lake District - a fitting reminder of the connections between landscape, heritage and community that underpin so much of the work recognised on the night.
Congratulations to all those recognised on the night🌟
Jun 25
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
