Set within the Western Lake District National Park, Muncaster Castle is the seat of the Pennington family, and has been since 1208 when their residence was confirmed at the castle through a Royal Charter from King John. It is a Grade I listed castle, and the gardens are listed Grade II*. The present castle is the result of development and re-imagining by various Lord Muncasters, most notably in the 18th and 19th century, firstly through the Gothic romantic phase, then Victorian rustication.
Crosby Granger Architects is engaged as the Castle and Estate architects, researching, investigating, surveying, specifying and over-seeing works. Continual condition surveys of the different elements of the Castle itself, as well as over 100 Estate buildings allows us to assess the fabric, diagnose issues and specify urgent repairs for the in-house conservation maintenance team. The wider landscape is also considered and reviewed, including access and visitor flow.
The solid granite masonry construction of the castle and most of the estate buildings causes many issues, mainly due to the rigidity and lack of porosity of the stone. Historically the castle was rendered, but has since been stripped, allowing the vulnerable mortar joints to be exposed. As granite is not porous, it is essential that a ‘fat lime’ mortar is used at it is having to work doubly as hard to absorb and facilitate the migration of the water out to the surface. This is but one of the issues faced on the castle, which we are steadily managing through the use of hot-lime mortars.
As well as the on-going survey and essential repair works, there are also specific projects being discussed which will enhance the visitor experience at Muncaster. One of the most recent feasibility studies carried out is the potential repair of the North Service Yard and disused North Tower and its conversion and development. two options were considered; self catering apartments, or a textile conservation workshop and museum space. In conjunction with the client, we have prepared submissions for various different Grants and funding bodies for the later option of workshop and museum.
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.
Restoration at No.1 Long Houses prioritizes the retention of historic integrity while addressing necessary repairs. Traditional materials and skilled craftsmanship ensure interventions align with the building’s original construction methods. By maintaining the building’s historic character while ensuring its continued functionality, we reinforce the importance of thoughtful, conservation-led repair work.
Crosby Granger Architects have restored Low House Farm, a Grade II listed property comprising a house, bank barn, and long-house with outbuildings, located southwest of Littletown in the Newlands Valley, Cumbria. Our work focuses on preserving the historic fabric of these structures, employing traditional materials and techniques to ensure their longevity and continued agricultural use.
Crosby Granger Architects was engaged in the conservation and restoration of Morland Hall, a historic estate nestled in the Eden Valley. Our approach involves meticulous preservation of original architectural elements, such as stone masonry and timber structures, while integrating modern amenities discreetly. This ensures the hall's historical integrity is maintained, providing a harmonious blend of heritage and contemporary comfort.
We have been appointed architects for Muncaster Castle, and conducted a series of ongoing conservation work to protect this Grade I listed historic site. Our research, condition surveys, and restoration efforts ensure the longevity of this architectural treasure. This project highlights our expertise in heritage stewardship, maintaining the castle’s legacy while enhancing its visitor experience.
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.
Water End House is a striking, modern family home set within a private estate overlooking Derwent Bay 🌿
Tasked with replacing the storm-damaged original dwelling, we delivered a modern design that features full-height glazing at ground level, a zinc-clad timber frame upper floor, and locally sourced materials including Burlington stone and lime mortar.
The result: a breathable, sustainable home that balances privacy, beauty, and context - contributing a contemporary chapter to the estate`s rich architectural story.
If you`re looking to unlock the potential of your historic property, we would be delighted to help shape its future. Get in touch through the link in our bio 🔗
#Architecture #LakeDistrictArchitecture #ContemporaryDesign #ArchitecturalHeritage #LakeDistrict
Jul 8
We were proud to act as Project Architect and Contract Administrator for a sensitive and rewarding build at Tarn Hows, Coniston - one of the Lake District’s most visited natural sites 🌲
Tasked with creating an education shelter and toilet facility in a protected and ecologically important area, we responded with a design that treads lightly on the landscape. Built using larch, beech, and oak sourced from natural windfall on the nearby National Trust estate and finished with a green sedum roof, this project is a celebration of local materials, sustainability, and place-sensitive design.
A careful collaboration with the Lake District National Park Authority ensured a result that supports both nature and visitor experience 👏
#SustainableArchitecture #Architecture #ArchitecturalDesign #LakeDistrict
Jul 4
How can new design coexist with historical surroundings? 💭
Through thoughtful integration, modern design and heritage can work in harmony:
✨ Symbiosis - blending new forms with old foundations
🔍 Context is key - new additions should respect their setting
🏛 Adaptive reuse - preserving character while repurposing spaces
🛠 Structural integrity - honoring the past, building for the future
We help clients navigate this balance with expertise and care. Find out more about what we offer through the link in our bio 🔗
#Askthearchitect #Kendal #Architecture #Conservation #Architectadvice #ArchitectCareers
Jul 2
