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Quakers Swarthmoor Hall restoration culminates with opening of guest accommodation and café.

Swarthmoor Hall located in Ulverston unveiled its newly refurbished guest accommodation and café last weekend with a scheme designed on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends by local award winning architects BTP as part of their ongoing restoration of the Hall. 

Swarthmoor Hall is a 16th Century Grade II* listed house set in gardens and 130 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Ulverston.  The significance of the Hall is that it is known as the cradle of the early Quaker movement in the late 1650’s and today continues the Hall’s previous reputation for hospitality by welcoming guests to its historic rooms, bed & breakfast, cafe and to rural retreats and events. 

BTP were appointed by the Religious Society of Friends in 2006 by virtue of their extensive restoration and conservation expertise to work collaboratively with them to improve and provide facilities within the Grade II* listed Hall.  These facilities have included conversion of the stable block, new car parking, refurbishment of guest bedrooms and the creation of a new gardens.  

Rob Harrington, BTP Director, who worked on the project from the outset said, ‘Swarthmoor Hall is steeped in history and throughout the restoration we were mindful of its rich heritage.  We worked closely throughout with the Religious Society of Friends sharing in their vision for Swarthmoor and I am pleased the end result has turned out so well.  The ancillary buildings have been successfully converted to form a welcoming and vibrant visitor centre, rural retreat and comfortable sleeping accommodation’. 

Jane Pearson, Manager of Swarthmoor Hall, said ‘BTP understood our vision from the very first brief.  The team has extensive previous experience, which instilled a level of confidence that the restoration of Swarthmoor Hall would be treated sensitively.  We are most impressed with the final result that is set to welcome visitors for the retreats and hospitality for many years to come’.  

Swarthmoor is one of a number of projects BTP Architects has carried out on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends in recent years.  The firm has successfully delivered projects on their Stockport and Manchester Meeting Houses also.

New barn café.

Converted hall room.

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