Blindcrake Conservation Area
We have carried out an Appraisal of Blindcrake Conservation Area. The draft Appraisal assesses the special qualities which justify its designation and helps to determine whether any alterations in the boundary need to be made. A draft Management Plan has also been prepared outlining the measures for the preservation and enhancement of the area.
We would like comments on the draft Appraisal from local residents, local stakeholders and interest groups.
Why is Blindcrake special?
Blindcrake is an historic village with medieval origins located on a quiet rural road. Special qualities include:
- Rural setting between Moota Hill and Clints Crag on a low ridge above the Derwent Valley;
- Distinctive linear settlement pattern comprising a series of 18th century farmhouses, barns and cottages laid out beside a mile-long main thoroughfare;
- Fossilised medieval strip field farming pattern to the west of the village, later enclosed with hedges and a few stone walls, described in 2008 as “undoubtedly the finest example of its type in the Lake District”;
- Unspoiled surviving relationship between historic village and medieval strip field pattern;
- Majority of buildings have architectural and historic interest, seven of which are grade II listed buildings, and many others which make a positive contribution to the area’s historic character and appearance;
- Well-preserved examples of local Cumbrian stone-built vernacular architecture, both domestic (usually rendered) and agricultural (usually stonework exposed);
- Several well-preserved examples of vernacular longhouses meaning conjoined farmhouses and barns. For example Low Farm, High Farm, Main Farm, Croft House and barn, and Grange Farm, all dating from the 18th century:
- Good examples of 19th century provincial dwellings such as Greenbank (1832), Crabtree Cottage (1836), Meadow View (1847), Mountain View (around 1850) and Woodlands (1876);
- Extensive views to Skiddaw and the Buttermere Fells;
- Trees and small copses that enhance the setting of historic buildings and soften the streetscene, giving parts of the village a sylvan atmosphere;
- Attractive village green with a backdrop of mature trees and expansive southward views;
- Roadside grass verges;
- Prevalent use of local limestone and red sandstone as a walling material, under greenslate roofs, reflecting the underlying geology of the area;
- Surrounding countryside presses right up the side of the area’s spine road and to the rear of roadside plots;
- Small items that add to Blindcrake’s local identity and recognisable sense of place, such as village well, stone-walled pound, horse troughs, village iron finger post, datestones, cobbled street surfaces;
- Strong sense of quiet and tranquillity.