Working with Harland Builders, this project showcased some really novel practices in these times. Given the listed status of the building, there were tight restrictions on what could be done. We have worked to use this in our favour, using hot-lime plaster and limecrete underfloor heating slabs ; a relatively uncommon practice but offering excellent thermal performance and breathability to this historic site. The site also housed plank and muntin partitions, which underwent significant restoration prior to being reinstated in their original position. These now form an incredible feature between living room and dining room in the Farmhouse, a luxury four bedroom holiday let. Mill Farmhouse boasts two en-suite bedrooms, one of which is downstairs, a first floor house bathroom, and a downstairs WC.
A former piggery was sensitively converted, opening up where permitted by the National Park Authority, but retaining and preserving where possible. This is now The Byre, a luxury one bedroom holiday rental. Again, limecrete and hot lime have been used throughout the site, ceilings have been vaulted to create a sense of space, and the mid section has been divided in order to provide a half depth entrance hall with bedroom to the left, behind which is the ensuite shower room.
To the south of Mill Farmhouse, further buildings have again been sensitively restored to provide a local occupancy residential let, and a newly developed village shop. Given the rural locality, the local occupancy house has been designed with access to the shop and provides on site accommodation for the head shop keeper.
Completing the site is the Oak Barn complex. Whilst the stone agriculatural buildings were sensitively restored, the Oak Barn replaces a pre-existing steel framed structure. Whilst it's most obvious purpose is as a car port with electric vehicle charging, the Oak Barn plays a crucial role in the redevelopment of the wider site, housing the plant room for all the accommodations, allowing us to maximise living space within the buildings. The Oak Barn also provides ample storage for the holiday lets and the village shop, and the roof space houses a vast open flight bat loft.
We worked closely with Harland Builders, and Jessica Brook Design for the interior design.
Both The Byre and Mill Farmhouse are available to book via Farndale Cottages.
The full list of regional winners and highly commended projects in the 2024 LABC Building Awards can be found here.
