Alistair W Baldwin Associates worked closely with planning and architecture practice Rural Solutions to gain planning consent for the conversion of a beautiful field barn into boutique holiday accommodation in a prominent elevated position on the Hutton John estate in the Lake District National Park.

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We carried out a thorough visual and character analysis of the landscape in which the barn lies, at both micro and macro scales.  By walking, photographing and studying the character, topography, visual framework and evolution of this stunning estate we presented a strong case for the field barn to be brought back into sensitive use.

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The barn is special due its original placement as an 'eye-catcher' on the historic carriage drive into the estate - part functional agricultural building, part folly.  Its bold placement, at the head of a long section of carriage drive along the contours of the valley, was a statement by the family on their commitment to the noble art of farming the land.

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Our photographic and written studies, along with sensitive designs for a new access track from the main road and discrete break-out spaces accompanied the planning application, and consent was granted for the conversion of the barn.  Work is to commence shortly on its transformation.

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All photographs © Alistair W Baldwin