Rusland Valley presents a superb opportunity to purchase two adjoining barns with planning permission to create a contemporary three-bedroom house in Cumbria designed by the acclaimed architectural practice TYPE studio. The plot of around half an acre, with uninterrupted south-facing views of the surrounding countryside, is located in the heart of the stunning Lake District National Park. It lies 10 miles north of Ulverston and sits between Lake Windermere and Coniston Water. Sustainability lies at the heart of the design, and within the garden, plans are in place to reinstate a mixed heritage fruit tree orchard and plant native boundary hedging.

Given the noteworthy location and specificity of the site, the permission has a local occupancy clause containing a range of occupancy options. Full details of the planning documents can be found here.

The Architect

Established in 2013 and based in London, TYPE studio pares back architecture to its most essential characteristics to affirm its importance in an ever-changing world. The partners draw upon influences that are contextual and location-specific, creating inspirational and utterly contemporary buildings that are also timeless. Sustainability lies at the heart of all their work, which ultimately is an architecture of light, freedom and nature merging seamlessly with structure, material and form.

TYPE studio’s Redhill Barn project won the AJ Architecture Awards 2021 best project under £500K. This was also short-listed for RIBA House of the Year 2021 and was highly commended in the 2020 Wood Awards.

The Tour

TYPE studio has overseen the plans for a regenerative architectural scheme that proposes the sensitive restoration and conversion of one of the stone barns and the demolition and replacement of the other. These contrast in height and form but are united by their scale and simple material palette. The design is guided by an understanding of the history of the barns and the surrounding area. The result will be a reimagining of the local agricultural vernacular to create a modest, elegant house in a rural setting.

Approached via a quiet country road, this bucolic plot occupies a secluded position just five miles south-west of Bowness-on-Windermere. A bold yet simple piece of architecture, the proposed house will echo and reinterpret the local rural vernacular while blending effortlessly with the dramatic local landscape. The plan layout will make the best of sweeping views across the surrounding fields, fells and woods.

In the planned design, the architectural integrity of the barns remains firmly intact, with materials for the new design carefully selected to mirror the local farm buildings. Stone walls will be sensitively restored or built from reclaimed blocks and will take on a dry stone appearance, subtly expressing their different periods of construction. New slate roofing will be of a colour and texture to blend seamlessly with the existing roof. Timber elements will be in locally sourced larch.

The main entrance will be to the replacement barn via a porch. A cloakroom will open directly to a sociable kitchen, where expansive sliding doors will capitalise on the beautiful views and allow light to flood into the interior spaces. Ceilings will rise with the roofline, and structural timbers will be exposed.

The living spaces will be located within the taller building. Retained as one open volume, this wonderful barn will be restored with modest modern interventions to become a perfect place to relax, eat and entertain.

Emanating from the kitchen will be a skylit hallway leading to a large en suite bedroom, two further double bedrooms, a family bathroom and a separate WC. A utility room and storage cupboards will occupy the remainder of the plan. The focus throughout is on ensuring each room is in harmony with its environment and is bathed in natural light.

Sustainability and a low carbon footprint lie at the heart of the design. The layout of the house and its fenestration has been carefully planned to allow morning and afternoon sunlight to stream into the living spaces, with external doors and windows positioned to capitalise on both intimate garden vistas and fantastic far-reaching open views. It is intended there will be high levels of insulation, an air source heat pump, photovoltaic roof panels and a rainwater collection system.

Outdoor Space

The plot extends across half an acre of open land, to be bounded by new planting of native hedging. The site’s ecological value and range of biodiversity will be enhanced through a gentle touch approach to the garden. The historic fruit tree orchard surrounding the barns will be re-instated, supporting the area’s rich wildlife and encouraging local species of birds and insects.

The terrace, immediately adjacent to the kitchen, will be an excellent position for eating outside in warmer months. There will be a levelled terrace for off-road parking.

The Area

The house will be conveniently located near the sought-aftermarket town of Ulverston, in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Rolling fields, fells, river valleys and woodlands offer a network of extensive walking paths and cycle routes, and there are many other outdoor activities nearby; sailing, golf and horse riding.

The site is also within easy reach of Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred restaurants, L’enclume,  Rogan & Co., and Henrock.

The sought-after town of Ulverston is 20 minutes’ drive away. Its facilities include a traditional market, high street shopping, and larger stores and supermarkets, including Booths and M&S.

Backbarrow and Ulverston have primary schools, and there are well-considered secondary schools also in Ulverston and Cartmel.

Thwaite Head is approximately 21 miles north-west of junction 36 of the M6. Good rail networks can be found at Oxenhome near Windermere and Ulverston, with direct links to Manchester Airport and London Euston.

Please note that all areas, measurements and distances given in these particulars are approximate and rounded. The text, photographs and floor plans are for general guidance only. The Modern House has not tested any services, appliances or specific fittings — prospective purchasers are advised to inspect the property themselves. All fixtures, fittings and furniture not specifically itemised within these particulars are deemed removable by the vendor.