A ONCE well-known name in Lake District and north Lancashire property is back in business.

The latest project by Robert Hughes Ltd takes the company's reputation for converting disused buildings into luxury homes to a new level, turning a former silage barn and lean-to cow shed into five houses.

Spring Howe is an Arts and Crafts-inspired development of five new homes by Skelsmergh Hall, near Kendal, priced at offers around £375,000.

The show home will be shown to corporate clients next Thursday and Friday (November 15 and 16), with sales opening on the Saturday.

The return of Robert Hughes Ltd sees son Roger Hughes at the helm. The site of Spring Howe was inherited by Robert Hughes from his former company New Brunswick Properties, following the development of the nearby 15-home Kiln Croft 20 years ago.

Spring Howe features first-floor living spaces and ground-floor bedrooms to maximise the natural light and surrounding countryside views.

The barn conversion consists of a four-bedroom home at the north end and a row of three-bedroom homes along the west face. A detached four-bedroom property is set at the south end, and each has private parking and outside decking.

Chunky larch planks sourced from Grizedale Forest, near Coniston, add a striking effect to the facade.

Roger said he is so pleased with the development he has decided to move in with his wife and two children to the home at the hay barn's north end.

The relaunched company aims to specialise in the redevelopment of brownfield sites in and around South Lakeland.

www.springhowe.co.uk