A professional carpenter and artist husband-and-wife team in Lancashire have generated a profitable business after transforming a derelict lean-to into a sophisticated urban eco-retreat in an area of outstanding natural beauty in Roughlee, East Lancashire.
The Rookery, a detached stone property with grass roof, has plenty of unusual features, as well as an outdoor six-seater hot tub with countryside views of the property’s rural position in the heart of Pendle district. The Rookery is this year celebrating its second anniversary since its launch with cottages.com.
The adventure began when Ben and Danielle Coates purchased six acres of land from Ben’s father, a local farmer in the area. Before the build, the secluded spot contained nothing but stunning views and an abandoned building, thought to have once been a very small farm dwelling. The couple demolished the small building, and in its place, using their combined creative skills in carpentry, art and design, built a magnificent holiday property.
The planning process started in 2014 and it took a year of applications, planning and building work before there was a complete structure. Original stones from the demolished lean-to were incorporated within the build – just one of many up-cycled touches to the property.
Husband, Ben, a professional carpenter, not only led the build of the property but personally hand-built the bespoke kitchen, bathroom, a staircase made from railway sleepers, and other design features throughout the property. Danielle, who has a BA in fine art and a background as an art lecturer, was responsible for designing the property’s stunning interiors.
The result – a beautiful and quirky eco and design-led space with some striking features using up-cycled materials, vintage items from auctions and freebies found by the pair.
Speaking of the success, Business Development Manager for cottages.com, Liz Minshull said “The Rookery really is unique: The two king-sized bedroom property combines bespoke craftsmanship with elements of rustic living, the industrial history of Lancashire and steampunk influences – all set amidst the breath-taking backdrop of unspoilt countryside. It’s synonymous with our ethos here at cottages.com, which strives to showcase stunning properties with alluring interiors.”
The are also various eco features that have been taken into consideration with the build, including solar panels on one side which generates enough electricity to run the entire house. The only additional external electricity supply used is to run the outdoor hot tub.
There are a plethora of other eco-credentials too. The Rookery uses a fabric first approach, the most sustainable and user-effective way to improve and maximise energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Where possible, materials have been chosen that are responsibly sourced such as FSC timber, recycled or reclaimed and insulation materials that have a Global Warming Potential.
The couple have benefited from a profitable letting partnership with cottages.com over the last couple of years, Danielle said: “We’re extremely happy in our partnership with cottages.com. I find the team very helpful on the phone and we always receive a brilliant booking response from them. It’s one less thing for us to think about!”
The Rookery is located in the village of Roughlee, close to the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in an area that is famous for its witches. The trials of The Pendle Witches in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history, and the statue of Alice Nutter can be seen in the village.
Guests can follow in their trail and take a walk up Pendle Hill or try some of the cycle routes in the area. There are several good pubs serving food within a few miles of the property, many of which welcome dogs. Barrowford, two miles away, has a good variety of shops and eateries as well as a wine bar, restaurant and small supermarket.
