Thornthwaite Hall, is an impressive grade II listed hall house near the village of Bampton near to Haweswater in the county of Cumbria. The large farmhouse comprises a late 16th century tower and hall, however, the hall had fallen in to disrepair by the late 20th century with part of it used as a bank barn. This was recently reinstated as part of the dwelling and the whole brought back to its former glory as a hall house. Despite these works to regain the status of the house, the building fabric was still failing to deal with Cumbrian weather and the extreme conditions of this isolated location; water continued to pour through the fabric making it unliveable.
The approach was to re-establish an equilibrium intended by the buildings original master masons, which that had been lost in the intervening centuries. Crosby Granger Architects proposed, organised and undertook exploratory materials investigations, traditional vernacular materials trails and ultimately roughcast the exposed elevations of the house in a lime mortar, protected with an ochre limewash.
This sympathetic re-rendering of Thornthwaite Hall has transformed the performance of the external walls stopping the ingress of water whilst minimizing the impact on the original fabric of the building. The hall house, its structure and its setting have been brought back to a physical and visual state that is both appropriate and pleasing.
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.
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.
Plummer House, a historically significant listed building, is undergoing condition assessments and careful repairs. Conservation consultancy ensures that interventions align with its heritage status while maintaining its architectural integrity. By combining technical expertise with a deep respect for historic buildings, we ensure necessary interventions preserve the structure while supporting its ongoing use.
