Client: Private

Location: Barnsley

Status: Planning

What does it take to save the future of a grand Grade II* listed property and historic architectural asset? Flexible use, delicate detailing, teamwork and determination - oh - and a whisper of a ghost story never goes amiss. We successfully applied for Listed Building Consent and Change of Use to help breathe new life into Darley Cliffe Hall.

Detailing a secret

We obtained Listed Building Consent for internal modifications to improve the connection and circulation within the house. We designed a hidden bi-fold door with careful attention to the formation of the existing mid-18th Century wall panelling of the dining room. A channel guide is cunningly fitted behind the ceiling cornice and ball-bearing casters are recessed into the base of the skirting board, to make them barely visible.

Saving Darley Cliffe Hall’s future

We obtained a temporary Change of Use permission to allow Darley Cliffe Hall to operate as a holiday let. This allows it to be enjoyed by others and generates vital revenue to financially support the up-keep of a property of this age and significance. To address the concerns of the neighbours and meet the demands of Barnsley Council Planning Department, we outlined the proposed methods of operation and management of the property to ensure an enjoyable experience for guests whilst respecting the amenity of neighbours.

The legend of the Blue Lady

Many of those who have wandered the grounds of Darley Cliffe Hall claimed to have witnessed the ghost of the Blue Lady. Said to have lost her lover at battle during the civil war, she roams the grounds and Kingwell Woods in search of him.

Design Process: the finer details

We meticulously surveyed the interiors needing modification and used 3D computer modelling at all scales. On this project it was used at detail level to design traditional joinery items to seamlessly fit with the existing historic fabric.