Tarn End Cottages
Development of Tarn End Hotel, Cumbria into residential units.
The Tarn End Hotel had been vacant for several years and was in very poor condition when acquired for conversion into 12 residential units. Located within a Country Park adjacent to the North Pennines AONB, the proposal required a sensitive response to its setting and status as a valued non-designated heritage asset.
Working with the Local Authority and client team, I developed a design that restores the building’s character while providing 12 new homes and revitalised gardens. The approach focused on repairing the existing structure, with minimal internal alteration.
A key element of the scheme was the restoration of the northern façade to its original form, reinstating its character and prominence overlooking the lake and parkland. The attached agricultural barns were retained and sensitively incorporated, maintaining their character and integrating large arched openings within the overall design.
Planning permission was granted in 2017, with the development completed between 2019 and 2021.
The completed scheme secures the long-term future of an important local building, delivering new housing while preserving its character and enhancing its setting.
Project Details
In collaboration with the Local Authority and the client, I developed a design that restored the historic building’s character while providing 12 new housing units and revitalising the surrounding gardens. The design included extensive repairs to the existing building, with minimal internal alterations.
Maintaining Character
The most significant aspect was the restoration of the northern façade to its original state, allowing the building’s original character and presence to be reinstated as it overlooks the lake and country park. The design preserved the attached agricultural barns, maintaining their character and incorporating large arch openings to enhance the overall housing design.
Continued Enjoyment
Planning permission for this design was granted in 2017, and it was subsequently developed by Geltsdale Properties Ltd. with minor alterations from 2019 to 2021. The completed project sensitively restored an important local landmark, provided new housing, and ensured that visitors to the area could enjoy this historic building and its restored gardens for future generations.
