Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria

KEY POINTS:

• Conversion of historically significant building
• Lake District National Park Authority
• Vernacular materials and traditional techniques
• RIBA Stages 1 – 7

Working closely with the client and the Lake District National Park, all of the existing farm buildings were completely renovated and restored utilising traditional building skills and natural materials sourced from the surrounding area. The new facility includes the main distillery, a shop, bistro and visitor centre. The secular and gothic themes of, ‘faith, hope, luck and love’ were inspired by some of the original stone quatrefoil details that have permeated the core values of the distillery project.  These details and shapes were retained and embraced throughout the scheme.

Located next to Bassenthwaite Lake, The Lakes Distillery opened in December 2014.  It is the now the largest whisky distillery in England, producing malt whisky, gin and vodka. Their brands have already won prestigious international awards, and are marketed throughout Europe and Asia

The project has won a number of RICS and LABC regional and national awards including Conservation Award, Best Small Commercial Building and Best Change of Use to an Existing Building or Conversion.