Thwaite Farm is a working farm located near the hamlet of Howgill, approximately 3 miles northwest of Sedbergh, and located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The farm consists of a collection of buildings surrounding a yard that is approached from the east. The Grade II listed farmhouse sits to the north of the farm track, with modern farm buildings to the south. To the west of the site is the collection of interconnected traditional barns which are the subject of this report.
The barn complex consists of a large central Hay Barn running east-west, with a traditional Bank Barn adjoining its east end, forming an L-shaped plan. Various other later lean-to structures have been added to the central arrangement. The Bank Barn appears to be the oldest of the structures. All the barns are constructed of local rubble sandstone and field stones, and some retain their original locally quarried carboniferous sandstone (gritstone) ‘slate’ flagged roofs. Some have been re-roofed in artificial cement slates, and others have roofs of profiled steel sheeting or corrugated fibre cement sheeting.
The building was closely inspected internally and externally and a visual assessment of condition made. No invasive or destructive testing was carried out. Inspection was carried out from ground level and ladders.
The defects found were recorded on the survey drawings, the Building was also subjected to a full structural appraisal by a Conservation Accredited Structural Engineer.
The principal threat facing this building is that the water ingress, structural deformation, and timber decay issues outlined above will worsen if left unattended.
The proposed repairs sought to correct long-term defects in the building and undo damaging earlier interventions where necessary. The integrity of the rain-shedding surfaces is vital to the sustainability of the building, and the condition of the roofs is paramount to the success of the weatherproof building envelope.
It was proposed to strip the roofs entirely and replace the cement slates with new locally sourced Burlington blue Strong slates, traditionally laid in random widths and in diminishing course.
Beams, purlins, rafters, truss members, and lintels were replaced where necessary with selected air-dried oak, jointed by hand to match the existing work as closely as possible.
“We cannot thank you enough for all the hard work you have put into viewing, taking notes, drawing plans, setting up tenders and overall project managing of what became ‘quite an operation.’ I can honestly say it has been a ‘Phoenix rising from the Ashes’ moment. The barns are truly splendid, and I just walk up there, see the barns and smile.” Client
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.
We are conserving a late 17th-century Lakeland barn, an integral part of a Grade II listed farmhouse. Our restoration work retains as much historic fabric as possible, employing traditional techniques to ensure its longevity. This project exemplifies our dedication to preserving the vernacular heritage of the Lake District.
Revitalising a Sunderland landmark 🙌
Hutchinsons Buildings, known locally as Mackie’s Corner, is a Grade II listed Victorian building at the heart of Sunderland’s historic high streets. Built in the 1850s and shaped by fire, rebuild and change, it remains a defining feature of the city’s commercial quarter.
Now part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone, the building was carefully repaired and safeguarded for future use through a heritage-led regeneration programme with Sunderland City Council and Historic England.
Our work focused on sensitive repair, retention of historic fabric and targeted interventions, from stonework and roof repairs to reinstated shopfronts and improved drainage, ensuring this landmark can once again play an active role in the city ✨
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Jan 5
Along with Dominic Roberts, we lead a team of consultants to restore historic buildings in Burton-in-Kendal 🙌
The Partnership objectives were:
🔸 Restore and repurpose heritage buildings, boosting investment confidence and protecting the area’s environmental quality.
🔸 Enhance the public realm, improving floorscapes and visual character in The Square, the community’s central gathering space.
🔸 Promote heritage skills and community understanding, highlighting the benefits of building conservation, craftsmanship, and contextual design.
Working alongside Historic England, the team also developed a national housing exemplar, demonstrating how sensitive housing growth can regenerate rural villages and market towns while monitoring economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Through the Public Realm Improvement Plan, the project set a clear vision for The Square, combined stakeholder input into a cohesive scheme, incorporated community involvement via heritage training, and delivered works that truly reflect the local identity 👏
A great example of how design, heritage, and community can come together to sustain and enhance our built environment.
#HeritageDesign #Conservation #Architecture
Dec 28
We`re proud to act as Inspecting Architects for St. Helen’s Church, a Grade I listed gem recently added to Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register ⛪
Over two phases (2017–2019), we tackled critical masonry decay caused by inappropriate cement mortars and water. Works included:
👉 Re-roofing the chancel
👉 Stone repairs
👉 Mortar indents
👉 Friable stone stabilisation
👉 Traditional limewashing
With support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project also provided craft skills training, archaeological investigation and a new guidebook to celebrate and safeguard this historic site.
Swipe to see the before and after 👏
#HeritageConservation #Architecture #EnglishHeritage
Dec 22
