The Design Secrets Behind An Exceptional Lake District Retreat

The Heaning Estate : The Big House

After the completion of the renovation of our English Lake District client’s home, we were engaged for their next challenge – a three-part commercial interior design project. Our goal was to restore a remarkable period Lakeland property and its outbuildings. The main house, built in the 1860s, stands alongside charming cottages dating back to the 1700s. Each structure carries the charm of centuries past.

Stepping into The Big House for the first time, we could feel its unique story. The warmth and history within its walls made it clear that this was once a place of joy and love. While the property required updates for modern living, most of its period features remained intact. Our task was to honour its heritage while breathing new life into every space.

Nestled within its own grounds, this home holds a rich history and a strong local presence. Its significance within the Lake District National Park made this restoration both an exciting challenge and a responsibility. Every detail needed careful thought, ensuring the transformation respected its past while embracing the future.

The Design Brief

Our client’s brief was to design a bespoke interior that feels warm, welcoming, and comfortable. The goal was to create a hideaway that embraces its natural surroundings, offering visitors a true home away from home. This luxury retreat provides families, couples, and business professionals with a private sanctuary where they can relax and unwind.

With the trusted expertise of our local architect and contracting team , the wear and tear the building had endured over the years was dissolved. The property was expertly remodelled into suited bedrooms and living spaces. The Commanding front elevations of the main property remained serene but impressive with spacious areas for guests to cook, eat, sleep and mingle should they wish. At the same time having generous bedroom suites to relax and enjoy the calm. The relaxed but elegant Scandinavian meets Lakeland signature style delivered with practicality and classical comfort

Design detailing

The original rich oak period panelling, joinery and staircase was dominating on entry into the main hall of the Big House. Still very much intact and drawing your eye up to the floors above. As with any home away from home in our northern location, the importance of real fires crackling on arrival is paramount to how welcoming you are to your guests. Each property catered for this perfectly. In the Big House, we were able to make the most of existing fireplaces and hearths inviting our guests to gather around in comfort.

Highlights of the design delivery

With our clients shared vision, we enhanced the personality of the property by bringing light into its heart through painting the heavy woodwork in a soft grey palette. The tones of which acting as a canvas throughout all the spaces. It felt fresh, rejuvenated but still owning its original characteristics.

A contemporary lighting scheme was paramount. We used our signature wall washing method for discreet directional lighting. Plus accent decorative drops and pendants to enrich the feel of the spaces.

In the Big House there was an importance on a classical Lakeland “luxury” country feel, but nothing stiff,in line with our residential interior design styling. Flooring was period in styling and practicality, appropriate to area usage. However, also acoustically soft in the form of local Herdwick wool carpets and accent stair runners. Considered layering of textures, tweeds and accent pattern on furnishings create depth. Softly falling thick sheers at the windows enhanced our Lakeland natural light.

The Heaning Estate restoration offered guests a choice of individually considered styling lead by each building’s unique personality. Throughout, all furniture was reassuringly well manufactured and suitably eclectic to create interest. Always comfortable and enjoyably tactile to the eye and touch.

Inside/Outside concept within our local landscape

Every property should feel at home within its natural landscape. In the Lake District National Park, every project we take on is designed to reflect and embrace its surroundings.
Some locations are more exceptional than others. This “Gateway” to our National Park, the Heaning Estate is blessed with the most stunning views over hills and fells alike.

This property commands a striking position over the valley, overlooking the main route from south to north. It serves as a welcoming landmark for travellers entering the Lake District.

Where opportunity arose, we opened up the expansive picture frame windows and French doors facing south. This enhanced the property’s position and endless views. Each room had its own unique vista of the Lakes.

And for those fortunate visitors, all they need do is step outside to get lost in the stunning walks and trails available from the property.

Our interior design ethos at Nielsen House nurtured through years of passionate observation will always be to celebrate our relationship with nature and our natural environment. Bringing inside the textures, tones and colour palate admired outside. We strive to create Interiors to complement our locality effortlessly. With a true sense of place and healthy well being.

Design support from local artisans

We have been fortunate to enjoy over 20 years of re-modelling and designing property in the Lake District National Park.

We have come to nurture and rely on our local trades and suppliers alike. We live and learn together. Each brings their individual skill to the table and presents their workmanship with pride and integrity.

Without this conscious design and manufacture community, our work would be impossible to deliver to our exacting standards. Without our discerning clients we would be unable to explore new possibilities in finishing, architecture and design.

Read more about the Heaning Estate properties in our other blog posts Scandinavian design meets Lake District Luxury and warm hospitality