Bank House; Lake District; a Grade II listed farmhouse and barn carefully reimagined as a bespoke bed and breakfast and holiday retreat. Muse Architects led a heritage led design process, protecting farmstead character while improving guest comfort, operational usability, and long term stewardship.

The design began with what mattered most; retain the honest stone forms; celebrate existing rooflines; and maintain the courtyard relationship that defines the site. New interventions were shaped to read as contemporary insertions; clear and restrained; not pastiche. A glazed gable draws daylight deep into the barn; frames long views; and creates a generous double height living space. Internally, the plan supports real use; shared living and dining for groups; calm bedroom suites; and simple circulation throughout; supporting short stays and changeovers.

Material choices were deliberately limited; repaired and repointed local stone; traditional roof coverings; and crisp dark framed glazing to articulate new openings. Junctions were developed to respect the listed fabric; minimal visual clutter; a clear hierarchy between original walls and new elements; and services kept discreet. Wet areas and plant zones were located to reduce impact on historic masonry, with coordinated routes for ventilation, drainage, and fire separation.