The Small House: Big in character. A lovable and relaxed go to retreat in the heart of the Lake District

As part of a wider restoration commission at The Heaning Estate, The Small House concept created the opportunity to present a Luxury Lake District Retreat with a more casual personality from its larger counterpart, The Big House.

Nestled in a beautifully historic setting just inside the gateway to the Lake District National Park, this once modest back-of-house building has been re imagined as a warm, welcoming and subtly playful space, designed for comfort, calm and contemporary living.

This project, part of our three-phase interior design brief for the estate, blends bespoke heritage detailing with a youthful energy, positioning it as an ideal retreat for families, couples or business traveller’s looking for privacy and modern luxury within a historically rich setting.

A Refined Approach to Rural Design

The brief for The Small House was to create a more casual, relaxed space that complements the elegance of The Big House without directly mirroring it. Spaces that can add to the flexibility of the accommodation for larger parties as well as a retreat of its own.

From the moment you enter through the cobbled courtyard and oak-planked back door, there’s a shift in tone, charming and full of personality, this space immediately feels like a home away from home.

Inside, original flagstone and timber flooring lay the foundation for a warm and characterful interior. The entrance practical boot room leads into a cosy farmhouse-style living space, complete with a wood burning stove, and a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen with a breakfast island that encourages connection and flow. French doors open out to breath taking views across the fells, reinforcing a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Space, Light and a Sense of Play

Upstairs, the layout posed a number of challenges, but we embraced the higgledy-piggledy character of the rooms as part of The Small House’s charm. Quirky levels, narrow staircases and irregular proportions offered the chance to get creative. Working closely with our client, we delivered design solutions that added not only comfort, but a true sense of intrigue.

The result is a space that draws you in and up, every turn reveals something new, from split-level en suites to clever lighting schemes that accentuate the flow. It’s luxury design, without stiffness or formality.

Mid-Century Influence Meets Lakeland Practicality

To complement the building’s structure, we introduced traditional painted joinery, contrasting beautifully with original flooring. Furnishings nod to mid-century and Scandinavian farmhouse style, combining relaxed forms with bold pattern and tactile materials. Surfaces were chosen for durability and ease, especially important for a luxury rental property. We used local Lakeland stone, natural softwoods, and slate to create a grounded, tactile feel. The result is both practical and elegant, built to last, and ready for anything from a romantic weekend to an extended family stay.

Layered Comfort in Every Detail

The bathroom schemes across The Small House continue the celebration of period charm, updated for modern comfort. We specified traditional chrome fittings and anthracite radiators, a subtle nod to original cast iron, alongside contemporary, frame less glass enclosures and brass ware for a sleek finish. Floors are laid with en caustic-inspired tiles in soft tones, adding colour and pattern without overpowering the space.

Throughout the house, we layered soft furnishings, loose lighting, and thoughtfully curated artwork to create a space that feels deeply personal. Richly coloured leathers, durable upholstery and natural textures bring vibrancy and warmth, supported by light-filtering window treatments and a playful use of wall coverings and accents.

Nature at the Heart of the Design

As with all of our Lake District interior design projects, the landscape outside plays a vital role in shaping the interiors. At The Small House, we made the most of its elevated position by opening up views through expansive picture windows and French doors, allowing natural light and scenery to flood the living areas.

Each room offers its own unique perspective of the fells, and with trails just steps from the door, the connection to nature is immediate and ever-present. Our design ethos is rooted in celebrating this connection, using tones, textures and palettes inspired by the surrounding landscape to promote well being and a sense of place.

A Collective Effort

With over 20 years of experience working in the Lake District National Park, we’ve developed invaluable relationships with local artisans, trades and suppliers. Their craftsmanship is the backbone of our work, ensuring every detail meets the standards expected of high-end interior design.

Their skills, combined with the considered vision of our client, made The Small House not just a successful project, but a joyful one. The collaborative spirit behind this property is part of what makes it so special, and a great example of how commercial luxury design can still feel personal, relaxed and completely in tune with its environment.

A Property with Investment Potential

More than just a retreat, The Small House is also a thoughtfully positioned investment property, designed to perform within the high-demand Lake District luxury hospitality market. Its ability to function independently or as part of a larger estate offering makes it highly versatile, appealing to families, couples, and corporate groups alike.

From material choices to layout planning, every element has been curated to ensure longevity, appeal, and operational ease for short-stay or extended guests, delivering long-term value for both lifestyle and return on investment.

Ready to explore more of The Heaning Estate?
Discover Part One: The Big House, a grand and timeless restoration blending classical luxury with Lakeland elegance.

You can also find more of our work on out Projects Portfolio page