Much care was taken to preserve and enhance the patina of everything old and new. Materials from site were retained and re-used, even to the extent of jacking leaning walls back upright. Second-hand stone, pantiles and slates were sourced, and new construction is clearly differentiated with larch boarding.

The former Steading, part of a working estate, is B-listed and dates from the 18th century, though the four sides were built and altered at many different times. During the detailed survey it became clear that the structures were also built for very different uses: accommodation for farmworkers and miners, livestock, to store hay and fodder, and as a milking parlour.

Due to a limited budget the work was split into several phases and started, with consolidation work to reduce further deterioation to the cottage and the farmyard itself.

An eye-catching continuous theme was provided by the woodwork being painted in estate ‘Luftblau’. New finials in the same blue took their cue from the word Fountain in the name.

The name ‘Grieve’ refers to the Scottish word for a farm manager. The internal spaces were designed to be integral, with a bespoke dresser made of the same timber as the cladding, and carefully considered chamfered details for the new Scottish oak beams and painted pine stair. The clients chose wallpaper by Edward Bawden for the living room and one of the bedrooms. The cottage is now well insulated and new double-glazed timber windows and doors were fitted throughout.

The farmyard and all wallheads have been cleared of weeds and self-seeded trees. A fine hardcore gravel unifies the courtyard ensemble and five new Hawthorn trees provide a focal point in the centre. The sensitive repairs and alterations help provide a unique and characterful get away.

Click here if you are interested in staying at The Grieve’s House