AN historic building damaged in an 'extreme' flood event that struck Cumbria in 2009 has been given a new lease of life.

Mitchell Wyke Bay at Far Sawrey was once a place where some of Britain’s most eponymous scientists undertook international cutting-edge freshwater research.

It formed part of the Freshwater Biological Association’s (FBA) research site and was used over the years for research, storage and accommodation for visiting scientists.

It was left derelict and abandoned after the disastrous floods which battered the county eight years ago.

But now, The FBA – a charity, which was founded in the Lake District in 1929 – transformed the building into seven holiday homes, which will help to generate income so support the work of the charity.

With Lake District holiday letting company Lakelovers, the FBA has now opened the doors to Mitchell Wyke Bay once again as exclusive holiday homes.

It is hoped that the three-bedroom cottage and six single-bedroom apartments on the western shores of Windermere will attract FBA members, scientists and tourists visiting the Lake District.

Simon Pawley, the FBA’s project manager, said: “By staying here, not only do you enjoy spectacular views and ease of access to both the lake and the surrounding areas, your visit also helps to support the FBA in our mission to promote the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems and resources, underpinned by the best available science.”

The new development has flood resilience measures in place for the building and the new annexe is 350mm above the highest recorded lake level in 2009, along with sub-floor ventilation and raised electrical sockets.

Green energy will supply the heating and hot water via the FBA’s new biomass boiler system, installed in the Pearsall building in the winter of 2015.

The homes will be named after illustrious scientists and former FBA staff with each home containing a photograph and information about the scientist and their contribution to freshwater knowledge.

They include High Gilson, Winnifred Frost, T.T. Macan, Winifred Pennington, W.H. Pearsall, Rosemary Lowe-McConnell and John and Hilda Lund.

Paul Liddell, managing director of Lakelovers, said: “Holiday homes on the shores of Windermere are very few and far between and Lakelovers is delighted to be a part of this exciting opportunity to showcase quality and contemporary lakeside exclusives homes.

“The uniqueness of this select development has to be seen to be fully appreciated. It has a unique view of the lake as it is the only holiday accommodation with a north facing view along this magnificent section of the lake.