From Past to Future: The Transformation of Whins Farm
They say the only time you should look backwards is to see how far you’ve come.
Before our new tenants move into Whins Farm’s new tenants at the beginning of October, we wanted to take a moment to look back at just how far this remarkable property has come since Addington Fund acquired it in August 2025.
When the Addington Fund team first entered Whins Farm, it was immediately apparent that the journey to bring the farmhouse into a suitable condition for a modern family was going to be vast. The property was in a dilapidated condition and needed to be completely stripped back to its stone shell before being carefully put back together, piece by piece, to create a welcoming family home.
Working with local builder Kevin Milburn and architects Mark and Catherine Deverill the farmhouse, barns and yard have since been completely renovated and refurbished, although not without a number of unexpected challenges along the way.
One of the biggest tasks was stripping and re-roofing the barn in the timeframe of October to March, working under the guidance of local ecologists, to ensure no disturbance of possible bat roosting activity. Surface water running directly from the fell towards the courtyard and farmhouse also had to be redirected, while the property’s electricity supply required significant upgrading.
The courtyard has been transformed from a mixture of cobbles, stone and grass into a practical and usable space, providing easy access into the barn. Inside, the barn and shippon have been cleared of debris, creating a blank canvas ready for the new tenants to make their own.
Sustainability has also been an important part of the renovation. Solar panels have been discreetly incorporated onto the front of the farmhouse, while a much larger array has been installed on the shippon roof. Although largely hidden from view, the array will provide a significant source of renewable energy for the property, supported by battery storage and a ground-source heating system.
Reflecting on his time managing the project, Mike Williams said:
“From the time of my initial viewing of Whins, I knew there would be challenges ahead. However, drawing on past experiences and with the cooperation of the team involved, Whins has been transformed into a magnificent opportunity for our New Entrant tenant and a ‘flagship’ for future opportunities.”
The final touch was added at the entrance to Whins Farm. A piece of stone discovered on the property was carefully incorporated into the wall, with the farm’s name hand-chiselled into it by local stonemason Pip Hall.
It is a perfect final detail to a project that has brought new life to a much-loved farm and created an exciting opportunity for the next generation of farming.
The Trustees of Addington Fund would like to extend their gratitude to everyone who has played a part in bringing this ambitious project to life. From the builders and architects to the local consultants, ecologists and skilled craftsmen, their knowledge, expertise and dedication have been invaluable.
In particular, we would like to thank Kevin Milburn and his team for their hard work throughout the renovation, alongside Susan Woof, who provided valuable administrative and office support, and Mark and Catherine Deverill of H.M. Architecture in Kendal for their architectural expertise.
What began as a challenging renovation has now been transformed into a beautiful, sustainable and practical family home and working farm — ready to begin its next chapter with Whins Farm’s new tenants.
And, perhaps most importantly, it marks the beginning of a new farming story.
