Mcknight & Son Builders Limited

A very unusual new build holiday accommodation designed to have the look of a castle.

Set in the grounds of Garth House a conservation area with a grade 2 listed buildings and long established gardens this property is split into a striking three storey three bed turreted Castle, Peel Castle, with an adjoining two bed self contained wing, Castlesteads.

Apart from the renowned gardens the site has royal connections , the Prince of Wales now King Charles 11nd once sent his head gardener from Highgrove to help establish a hedge in the existing chinese gardens, and it is believed to be the first castle built since King Charles ascended the throne (tongue in cheek!). It was important for Mcknights to get everything right for a property of this style.

Demolition of an unloved Victorian Farmhouse replaced by a five-bedroom distinctive family

home. Climate and environmental issues are important to the client and within the project the aim was to recycle as much as possible and use locally based products. The landscape incorporated several specimen centuries old trees which required preserving whilst at the same time being a working farm consideration had to be given to the animal welfare. Throughout it was important for the client and McKnights to ensure environmental sustainability and to maximise technology in the new build.

The Barn is a 400-year-old grade 2 listed building of rare clay dabbed construction largely only found on the Solway Plain. The work involved an extension to the property providing a new kitchen/day room and shower room at the same time refurbishing the old kitchen area to an office and utility room.

The timber and steel frame cedar clad extension adjoining at 90’ to the existing barn has flat resin roof and triple glazed windows. The client is going to add sedum roof in the future which was taken into account when designing the roof.

With the age and construction of the barn a high level of engineering input was required.