Yorkshire Dales National Park

The brief

To many people, one of the defining characteristics of the Yorkshire Dales is the intricate pattern of stone walls and field barns strewn across the valley floor and sides. Simple in form, these buildings were crafted in local stone and slate to store the annual crop of hay and provide housing at the byre end for cattle.

Simon Harris, Director

The solution

In the 1980’s, this particular remote dilapidated field barn was converted into a modest 3 bedroom cottage. A minor single storey extension was constructed to the rear of the property to increase the basic level of accommodation and the house remained unaltered until purchased by our client in 2011.

To be successful, any extensions or external alterations would have to be sympathetic to the local vernacular and fit seamlessly with the cottage and the vast landscape. Working within a designated National Park demands high quality design, top quality materials and excellent local craftsmanship.

The Park Planning Authority had no issues with the proposed scheme, and the finished result has surpassed all of the requirements set out in the brief.

This is not the largest project we have been commissioned to – but is one of our favourites.