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…
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At Crosby Granger Architects, we pride ourselves on delivering thoughtful, sustainable, and technically rigorous solutions for historic buildings. Appointed by The Woodland Trust, we were privileged to lead the sensitive repair and adaptive reuse of three traditional barns in the remote and beautiful Snaizeholme valley, Yorkshire Dales National Park.
This project was more than a conservation challenge—it was a mission to breathe new life into a historic rural landscape while preserving its authentic character. The barns, integral to the valley’s agricultural heritage, were deteriorating yet held enormous cultural and architectural value. We were tasked with transforming these buildings into practical spaces supporting conservation efforts by the Woodland Trust staff and volunteers.
Working closely with The Woodland Trust, we provided a comprehensive suite of services through all stages of the RIBA Plan of work.
Our approach embodied our core principles: technical leadership, understated excellence, unwavering commitment, rich experience, specialist expertise, and hands-on dedication. We carefully balanced retaining original materials with necessary repairs, specifying traditional techniques—lime mortar, local sandstone slate, cast iron rainwater goods—while introducing subtle upgrades to meet functional needs, including welfare facilities, drainage, and communications.
Undertaking construction in Snaizeholme brought its own challenges. The valley is renowned for its extreme weather, from heavy rain to biting winds and deep snow. We have the deepest respect for the contractors and craftspeople who worked tirelessly through these harsh conditions to deliver the project to the highest standards. Their resilience and skill were vital in preserving these buildings for future generations.
This project exemplifies our expertise in bringing together conservation sensitivity with practical reuse. We believe historic buildings can remain vital, working assets, woven into the ongoing story of the landscapes they inhabit. The Snaizeholme barns now stand ready to serve the Woodland Trust’s important environmental work while safeguarding the architectural integrity and heritage significance of the valley.
At Crosby Granger Architects, we deliver more than conservation—we create enduring legacies that balance tradition, sustainability, and function. Whether working with rural farmsteads, listed buildings, or landscape-scale conservation projects, we bring meticulous attention, technical skill, and a deep respect for history to every commission. If you are looking to unlock the potential of your historic property, we would be delighted to help shape its future.
We’re proud to share that our Whole Estate Plan for Higham Estate was endorsed by the Lake District National Park Authority on 10 June 2025. This makes Higham only the second estate in Cumbria to achieve WEP endorsement!
Working alongside the new owners and in partnership with the National Park Authority, we created a holistic, long-term strategy for the next 20+ years - one that balances the estate’s need for economic resilience with the Park’s duty to safeguard this exceptional landscape.
This endorsement marks a significant step toward a future where Higham Estate enhances the landscape, supports local people and businesses, and contributes to the wider aims of the National Park.
#WholeEstatePlan #LakeDistrictNationalPark #HighamEstate
May 13
Join us at Holker Hall for an insightful event exploring how Whole Estate Planning is helping rural estates build long-term resilience through sustainable growth, environmental stewardship and meaningful community engagement.
Chris and Luke from Crosby Granger Architects will share our holistic approach to estate planning, alongside insights from CSX Carbon on the financial and environmental opportunities presented by Biodiversity Net Gain strategies.
The day will also include networking opportunities, lunch, an overview of the Holker Estate and a panel Q&A featuring representatives from the Lake District National Park Authority.
Whether you are a landowner, estate manager or rural professional, this event offers valuable insight into the future of sustainable estate management.
Spaces are limited, both CLA members and non-members are welcome.
📍 Holker Hall, Cark-in-Cartmel
📅 Tuesday 2 June 2026
🕙 10am–2pm
🎟 £35 + VAT
Link in our bio for more info & to book your place!
#RuralBusiness #EstateManagement #BiodiversityNetGain #LandManagement #Sustainability #WholeEstatePlanning #CLA
May 13
Introducing Higham Estate 🌿
Nestled in one of the world’s most admired landscapes, Higham Estate spans 1,170 acres in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now under new ownership after over 100 years, Higham is entering a bold new chapter.
Last year our team were entrusted to create a Whole Estate Plan, a 20-year vision to secure a sustainable, thriving future for the estate, its people and the environment. And it`s finally time to share the results!
This is more than a plan - it’s a commitment to preserve heritage, enhance biodiversity, support the local economy and create inspiring experiences for visitors.
Stay tuned as we share how Higham Estate is shaping the future of sustainable land management in the Lake District.
#LandManagement #StrategicPlanning #EstateOwners
May 12
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…
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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…
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Last week we did something a little bit different! We were thrilled to be guest sponsors at The Gather Networking event at thevenuebbb in Kendal,…
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