Private House, Burneside

Cumbria, UK

This recently converted farm building sits on a valley shoulder with the morning sun rising over the Yorkshire Dales in the east, and setting sun behind the Lake District hills to the west.

Frustratingly, these views were compromised inside the house, and while the owners were happy enough to be outside, it rains 200 days a year, which is not ideal for taking in the views. Furthermore, the single storey element to the north of the building was a converted garage with low ceiling, cold, and difficult to get to, past a WC and utility room.

The project quickly became known as ‘Project Light’ - how to make subtle changes to the layout and fabric to maximise light in and views out. At first floor we introduced four new rooflights - one over the stairs, and three more over bedrooms, which, along with bathrooms were re-fitted and decorated.

The single storey element was to become a multi-use space - a study for working at home, a work room for sewing, again with rooflights above and rooms made taller by removing the ceiling and building into the roof. Larger windows and French doors were also expanded or added. A discrete utility room (again toplit) re-used the existing kitchen cabinetry, appliances and fittings; and a small WC were relocated to this end of the house. Finally a ‘cat tunnel’ through half a metre of external wall for the newly acquired rescue cat was installed.

The front entrance already consisted of a large glazed door and window, although this was slowly rotting and replaced, and entered into a small lobby. A wall was knocked through to the dining room and out the other side with another large set of French doors creating views through the width of the house. The kitchen was extended into the former utility room and a log burner was installed (which also additionally heats the upstairs bedroom).

The owners can now sit in the house and take in the views to both sides almost anywhere on the ground floor. The work room is now warm and cosy and the first floor is flooded with light.

Structural Engineers:
RG Parkins

Planning Consultants:
Kate Bellwood Associates

Photography:
Photography by Ward

A rustic stone cottage with a slate roof, surrounded by greenery and a well-kept garden. Large windows and doors open to the outdoors, and the sky above is partly cloudy.

A cosy room with wooden stairs, an upholstered armchair, large glass doors, and a scenic view of green hills and countryside buildings outside. Light wood flooring and natural light create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

A modern, open-plan kitchen and dining area with wooden flooring, a central wood-burning stove, bar stool, outdoor patio visible through glass doors, and large windows overlooking a green landscape.

Modern kitchen with neutral tones, a centre island with two wooden stools, a wood-burning stove with a fire, and a cat lying on a chair beside the stove. Large windows provide views of greenery outside.

Modern kitchen interior with two built-in ovens, beige cupboards, a white worktop, an electric hob, and glass vases on a shelf above a splashback with a subtle floral pattern.

A cosy modern dining area with wood flooring, a round table with chairs and a bench, a burning wood stove, a fur-covered chair, and an orange cat sitting on the floor near glass doors to the outside.

A wooden door is partially open, revealing a bright dining area with a tall wooden table and chairs. On the table, there is a potted green plant and a cloth labelled BERGAMOT.

A bright, modern living room with a brown leather sofa, a skylight, white walls, a map on the wall, a desk with shelves, and a dining table with wooden chairs and a potted plant.

A bright dining area with a wooden table and chairs is set beside glass patio doors, offering a view of a stone wall, garden, and green hillside outside. A potted plant decorates the table.

A cosy home office with a brown leather sofa, a desk with a lamp, a small potted plant, shelves with books, a window with a rural view, and a wall clock showing 9:20.

A cosy bedroom with a wrought iron bed, white bedding, exposed wooden beams, skylight windows, and a small bench at the foot of the bed. A low window with a blind offers a view of green grass outside.

A cosy bedroom with a double bed covered in a white quilt and patterned pillows, wooden floors, a small bedside table, a wooden chair, and skylights letting in natural light. Shelves and books decorate the space.

A cosy bedroom with a double bed, grey carpet, pink feature wall, and two wall lamps. The bed has white bedding and a grey blanket with dog patterns. A small window and a framed picture are on the left wall.

Bright, cosy bedroom with a white bed, grey blanket, wooden beams, carpeted floor, desk with mirror, hanging lights, and two windows letting in natural light. A painting and small plant add decor.

A large stone house with a slate roof stands on a gently sloping grassy lawn. A big rock sits in the foreground, and rolling green hills with trees are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

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