Circa 1890
The Limeworks has a fascinating history dating back to the 1800s. Originally a farmhouse, the area was renowned for its lime quarrying and burning industry, before transitioning into farming as the lime trade declined.
Locally, it became famous for its dairy herds and milk production. The property remained part of the wider estate until we acquired it in 2019, with the intention of preserving its historical charm while ensuring it thrives in the present day.
2019
James, having grown up in Northumberland, always planned to return and put down roots.
In early 2019, while visiting for a friend’s wedding, we decided to take a look at The Limeworks—initially out of curiosity.
From the moment we saw it, we were captivated.
The property’s potential was clear, and we immediately knew it could be transformed into a place where people could unwind and fully immerse themselves in the stunning beauty of Northumberland.
2020
We began the planning process with our architect, Studio North, and together we drew up the initial plans for the two properties. Our vision was to create a getaway that was architecturally impressive, while still preserving the charm and history that The Limeworks naturally held.
The collaboration with the architects was an exciting journey, allowing us to infuse our personal touch into every aspect of the design, ensuring the properties would be both stunning and reflective of the unique character of The Limeworks.
We also welcomed our dog, Hamish and our little boy, Arthur into our family in 2020 - a very busy year!
2021
Work began in 2021, starting with the careful removal of the old barn to create space for The Hemmel and clearing the land surrounding the properties.
As The Limeworks was our first self-build project, it was an exciting and challenging journey, and we worked closely with a local builder to dig the foundations and lay the groundwork for the project.
From the very beginning, we prioritised conserving the natural landscape and protecting the abundant local wildlife, making these values central to every step of the build.
2022 - 2023
We were committed to supporting the local community, working with skilled tradespeople from nearby villages—joiners, steel fabricators, stonemasons, electricians, and plumbers—and sourcing many materials from local merchants and suppliers across Northumberland and the North East.
Being hands-on with the project was important to us, and we built great relationships with the tradespeople involved.
With the properties on the same land as our house, the build was always on our minds. As it progressed, we could see our vision taking shape, making all the hard work worthwhile.
2024
We celebrated our wedding in the paddock at The Limeworks in June 2023, which also gave us our first chance to host friends and family in the two properties. Using them as our “crash test dummies” was invaluable, helping us refine the final details during the snagging process for the cottages.
The Limeworks officially opened for bookings in January 2024, starting with The Granary and followed by The Hemmel in the summer. Since then, we’ve been fortunate to welcome many amazing guests who have shared wonderful feedback, making all the hard work feel even more worthwhile.
Coming Soon
We’re not ones to stand still, so there are plenty of exciting plans in the works for The Limeworks.
Future projects include a fully stocked pantry for guests, opportunities for wild swimming in our on-site pond, introducing woodland pigs, and exploring off-grid power solutions.
Stay tuned for what’s to come!