When you see Castle View, it is hard to imagine it any other way than the contemporary and unique cottage it is today. However, the original design plans for this place were far from a holiday let. At first, this place was to be converted into a bike shed, then later an art studio; which of course would need a sink and a chair and maybe a sofa bed to accommodate guests. Before long, the prospect of a studio was abandoned and the idea of converting the space into an Airbnb arose, and so the plans were made to build a cottage amongst the already hectic building site around the (now completed) Marshrange.
With help from Harrison Pitt Architects and JT Constructs, a floor plan was drawn up and construction was soon underway. They all did a fantastic job on Castle View, and even managed to bring my idea of “bed in a cupboard” to life which worked perfectly on limited space and achieved a minimalistic yet bold look to the place.
They all did a fantastic job on Castle View, and even managed to bring my idea of “bed in a cupboard” to life
We also found that the shortage of space could be used to our advantage in order to give Castle Views’ signature cosy feel and innovative layout, complete with an authentic fireplace and sheepskin rugs. However these traditional touches in Castle View also mix with more modern features, such as a flat screen TV, Loaf furniture and remote control blackout blinds.
And the cottage’s quirks do not stop at that. Upcycled scaffolding planks have been used as floorboards, and the sawdust from the scaffolding wood was mixed with PVA glue to fill the gaps. Stone from our old garden porch was even used to build the very walls of the house along with bricks from a recently demolished church in Rossendale. The cottage also takes pride in sporting locally sourced furniture and upholstery such as the window seat tweed fabric from Pendle Hill.
As you can see, Castle View is well worth a visit and I hope you will love staying there as much as we loved designing and building it.
Lottie Natusch. Age 13.
