{"id":25161,"date":"2025-11-12T10:42:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T10:42:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/?p=25161"},"modified":"2025-11-15T14:40:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-15T14:40:30","slug":"restoring-a-lakeland-vicarage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/renovate\/restoring-a-lakeland-vicarage\/","title":{"rendered":"Faith in Design: Restoring a Lakeland vicarage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Restoring a Lakeland vicarage wasn&#8217;t something businessman Mark Ellis had expected to do, until a family get-together changed the direction of his life.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wanted a luxurious property, where I could get three generations of my family around the same table,&#8221; recalls Mark.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I started to think maybe it would be a good idea to buy somewhere myself.&#8221;<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25174 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3.png\" alt=\"dining table and stone built chimney\" width=\"1228\" height=\"795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3.png 1228w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-250x162.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-700x453.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-768x497.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-120x78.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/3-1200x777.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1228px) 100vw, 1228px\" \/><\/p><div class=\"gdmag-content\" id=\"gdmag-2421332575\" data-cfpa=\"20295\" data-cfpw=\"20295\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper mobile\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline mobile\" data-ad-type=\"primary-mpu\" data-ad-label=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizemapping=\"primary-mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250],[300,600],[320,480]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20295 );<\/script>\n<h2>Off the Beaten Track<\/h2>\n<p>Mark&#8217;s search took him to Eskdale, in the idyllic, but lesser-known, western Lakeland in Cumbria.<\/p>\n<p>Far from the \u2018madding crowd\u2019, it&#8217;s the place to go for hiking, wild swimming, cycling, and outdoor adventures of all kinds.<\/p>\n<p>For those in the know, Arthur Wainwright called it &#8220;one of Lakeland&#8217;s loveliest valleys.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>What was less lovely was the condition of the late Victorian vicarage Mark discovered.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-content-2\" id=\"gdmag-352410305\" data-cfpa=\"19928\" data-cfpw=\"19928\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><!-- code from Primis - granddesignsmagazine.com -->\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" language=\"javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/live.primis.tech\/live\/liveView.php?s=116493&schain=1.0,1!grv.media,65,1\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- code from Primis --><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 19928 );<\/script>\n<p>Set a stone&#8217;s throw from the hamlet of Boot with a 12th-century church, the vicarage&#8217;s &#8216;back garden&#8217; is ten acres of Cumbrian fells.<\/p>\n<p>Two rivers with natural bathing pools mark the boundaries.<\/p>\n<p>The vicarage was not grand, but a solid, stone-built property that had been empty for some time.<\/p>\n<h2>Potential to Improve<\/h2>\n<p>&#8220;It was covered in horrible grey pebble dash and ivy was growing through broken windows, but I only saw potential,&#8221; says Mark, who admits his imagination started to run away with him.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I wanted to create something special; a luxury escape for my family, and this property is the stuff of childhood dreams.&#8221;<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-primary-mpu\" id=\"gdmag-3479369267\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>Happily, Mark found architect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.richardfosterarchitects.co.uk\/.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Richard Foster<\/a> to work with him on a project to restore the vicarage and extend, both to the rear and at the side.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t want the front to be changed too much, and the side extension is unobtrusive,&#8221; says Mark.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We re-used stone from the rear where we removed a wall for the extension there, clad the side with cedar, and roofed it with local slate.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To the rear of the vicarage, Mark took down the original wall and extended it outwards.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu\" id=\"gdmag-3615485486\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>&#8220;I wanted to make the most of the fabulous views, &#8221; says Mark, who framed those views with huge sliding aluminum-framed windows.<\/p>\n<p>Inside, the new extension here has created a vast, open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, with a double-sided chimney to zone the different areas.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25175 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11.png\" alt=\"The master bedroom suite boasts a copper freestanding bath and views of the fells.\" width=\"1222\" height=\"805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11.png 1222w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11-250x165.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11-700x461.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11-768x506.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11-120x79.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/11-1200x791.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1222px) 100vw, 1222px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Sustainability Matters<\/h2>\n<p>This chimney, like some of the cladding, is built from stone that has been taken from the house and re-used.<\/p>\n<p>Natural materials and sustainability are central to Mark&#8217;s vision for this restored Lakeland vicarage.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-2\" id=\"gdmag-3747640375\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>In addition to the natural cedar cladding and the re-used stone, the interior walls are finished with limewash.<\/p>\n<p>This helps the building to &#8216;breathe&#8217; and gives a soft, almost &#8216;cloudy&#8217; finish.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, Mark put the environment first in his construction choices when restoring this Lakeland vicarage.<\/p>\n<p>Insulation in both old and new parts of the building improves the energy efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Replacement, handmade timber sash windows in the original building have also &#8220;massively&#8221; improved the home, says Mark.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-3\" id=\"gdmag-793763392\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>This Victorian home is no longer draughty, and toes are kept cosy by the new underfloor heating system, run off a new, eco-friendly air source heat pump,<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is so efficient, I might even have to retrospectively add a mechanical heat ventilation system,&#8221; says Mark.<\/p>\n<h2>Challenging Times<\/h2>\n<p>As any renovator knows, tackling a substantial renovation of a period building like this vicarage always comes with surprises.<\/p>\n<p>For Mark, though, these were of the human variety.<\/p>\n<p>Having opted initially to work with a smaller local building firm, Mark quickly realised that the work simply wasn&#8217;t being done.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was clear the builder was out of his depth.<\/p><div class=\"gdmag-prop-in-content-mpu-4\" id=\"gdmag-806038384\" data-cfpa=\"20294\" data-cfpw=\"20294\"><div class=\"gdmag-adlabel\">Advertisements<\/div><div class=\"GRVMpuWrapper\"><div class=\"GRVAd inline\" data-ad-type=\"mpu\" data-ad-sizes=\"[[300,250]]\" data-ad-refreshmapping=\"always\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">;new advadsCfpAd( 20294 );<\/script>\n<p>&#8220;Ultimately, I had to cut my losses and let them go,&#8221; Mark says.<\/p>\n<p>For the next six months, the building site was a mud bath, and since the back wall was demolished,<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;There was just a tarpaulin, with rain going through the building and nothing happening,&#8221; says Mark.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25176 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1243\" height=\"775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8.png 1243w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8-250x156.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8-700x436.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8-120x75.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/8-1200x748.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1243px) 100vw, 1243px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, Mark then contracted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leckconstruction.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leck Construction<\/a> to complete the job.<\/p>\n<p>Normally focussed on commercial projects, the team at Leck was<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Fantastic, very professional and a breath of fresh air,&#8221; says Mark, who learned some valuable lessons from his experience with his original builders.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSpend a lot of time doing due diligence on your builder, plumber and electrician,\u201d Mark recommends.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Visit other properties where they have worked and talk to their clients. Don&#8217;t just rely on recommendations, testimonial letters or Google reviews.<\/p>\n<p>If you have any nagging doubts about their work or the claims they make or a gut feeling the job is not a good fit for them, don\u2019t work with them.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Keep looking for an alternative, even if the project is delayed as a result.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Yet Mark&#8217;s trials didn&#8217;t end there.<\/p>\n<p>He quickly discovered that some of the work carried out by the first builders was substandard.<\/p>\n<p>There were poor foundations \u201clike dust and chalk\u201d and even the newly built chimney in the wrong place.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was heartbreaking,&#8221; recalls Mark, who simply had to find solutions and move forward.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25177 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1284\" height=\"787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24.png 1284w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24-250x153.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24-700x429.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24-768x471.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24-120x74.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/24-1200x736.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1284px) 100vw, 1284px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Going Bats<\/h2>\n<p>However, there was one further twist of the knife when work began on the smaller coach house.<\/p>\n<p>Although Mark had diligently completed bat surveys at the start of the project, no mitigation measures were implemented for the bats found in there.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was vicariously liable, which was potentially devastating,&#8221; says Mark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt caused me many sleepless nights.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Mark was forced to stop work on the coach house for nine months, which threw the project \u201cmassively\u201d behind schedule, costing \u00a380,000.<\/p>\n<p>Mark also found he needed to spend extra money on new bat mitigation measures.<\/p>\n<p>This was upsetting as the original measures were adequate, if they had been implemented.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the blame lying with others, Mark&#8217;s positive attitude means he has chosen to avoid that &#8216;negative energy&#8217; and, &#8220;Just face forward and do the best I can,\u201d Mark says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you have a dream, then go for it and keep going, whatever challenges are thrown at you. Don&#8217;t give up!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25178 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4.png\" alt=\"The bespoke kitchen was built by https:\/\/www.roominteriors.co.uk Photo: www.luxurycottages.com \" width=\"1308\" height=\"715\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4.png 1308w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4-250x137.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4-700x383.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4-768x420.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4-120x66.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/4-1200x656.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1308px) 100vw, 1308px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Nature-Inspired Design<\/h2>\n<p>Turning his focus to the interiors, Mark indulged his \u201cpassion for design\u201d and turned to award-winning interior designer Melinda Kiss of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.keyholeinteriors.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Keyhole Interiors<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n<p>Mark He describes the vicarage&#8217;s style as \u201ccool Scandi chic meets contemporary alpine,\u201d which is a blend of understated luxury and relaxed comfort.<\/p>\n<p>The finish throughout is exquisite, with a distinctive mix of modern polish and traditional Lakeland character.<\/p>\n<p>Every detail has been considered, from handmade furniture and a bespoke timber kitchen by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.roominteriors.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Room Interiors<\/a>, to wellie boot warmers and outdoor hot tubs for family gatherings.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">Mark says his style is \u201cnot cluttered or whimsical,\u201d but rather guided by the setting.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">\u201cI took inspiration from the building and its surroundings,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">The result is a palette that mirrors the landscape, creating a space that feels serene and restorative.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">\u201cIt\u2019s quite special,\u201d says Mark.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">\u201cI wanted to embrace the woodland outside with deep, vivid colour.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\">Stone floors, exposed beams and even a library ceiling papered with images of trees complete the effect.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"601\" data-end=\"1061\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-25179 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15.png\" alt=\"The coach house dining area also has nature-inspired wallpaper and huge windows.\" width=\"1248\" height=\"805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15.png 1248w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15-250x161.png 250w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15-700x452.png 700w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15-768x495.png 768w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15-120x77.png 120w, https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/15-1200x774.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1248px) 100vw, 1248px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Family Focus<\/h3>\n<p>Throughout this long and difficult project restoring a Lakeland vicarage, Mark has remained resolute and committed.<\/p>\n<p>His goal from the start was &#8220;to fill the home with joy and family,&#8221; and he has certainly done that.<\/p>\n<p>The high point of the entire three-year project was a family New Year celebration, when those three generations came together over a weekend of laughter, games, and shared meals.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I just love the feeling of total relaxation here, looking out at the stunning landscape and feeling like I&#8217;ve escaped to something magical,&#8221; says Mark.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis home\u00a0 recharges me and my family. We can relax, escape, laugh and unwind. The artwork hanging above the log burner in the library captures that. It simply says:<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My soul this place doth restore again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Copeland House is available to rent via <\/strong><\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/luxurycottages.com\/property\/copeland-house\/\"><em><strong>www.luxurycottages.co.uk<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Restoring a Lakeland vicarage wasn&#8217;t something businessman Mark Ellis had expected to do, until a family get-together changed the direction of his life. &#8220;I wanted a luxurious property, where I could get three generations of my family around the same table,&#8221; recalls Mark. &#8220;I started to think maybe it would be a good idea to&#8230; <a class=\"view-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.granddesignsmagazine.com\/renovate\/restoring-a-lakeland-vicarage\/\">View Article<\/a>","protected":false},"author":12312,"featured_media":25171,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-renovate"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.3 (Yoast SEO v26.6) - 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