A New Chapter for Dome House
After years of struggle and transformation, the once-idealistic architectural marvel known as Dome House is finding a new lease on life. Originally conceived as a dream home by architect Robert Gaukroger, the modernist seven-bedroom mansion has seen its fair share of challenges. However, it is now being reimagined as a unique rental property with a resident chef, offering an exclusive experience to discerning guests.
The story began in 2011 when Gaukroger poured two years and £1 million into constructing the hillside house above Bowness-in-Windermere. The project captured the attention of Kevin McCloud and the team from Channel 4's Grand Designs, who called the vision "awe-inspiring." But financial difficulties soon took their toll. The family was forced to sell possessions to survive, and eventually, they had to move into a mobile home.
This was when Yvonne Malley, a retired businesswoman from Rossendale, Lancashire, stepped in. She offered a loan to help the struggling family, but her involvement grew over time. She ended up buying the property, investing an additional £900,000, and spending £25,000 on renovations such as rewiring, new drains, and replumbing. She then handed the property over to her son Philip and his wife Joyce Maguire to manage as a bed and breakfast. Despite their efforts, the business struggled, especially after the pandemic hit.
Faced with no buyers willing to pay the asking price of £2.75 million, Yvonne decided to take matters into her own hands. She introduced the property to Haley and Dave Hadfield, owners of an award-winning gluten-free café called Off the Wheaten Track in Altringham, Cheshire. They agreed to move into the ground floor rooms, with Haley taking on the role of in-house chef and Dave managing the front-of-house duties.
The transformation of Dome House has been extensive. For over a year, the building remained empty while Yvonne invested more money into repairs and improvements. She also reshaped the house to align with the new vision. “I had such negative views about Dome House, with all that has gone on there, but I am so positive about it now,” she said. “It looks absolutely fantastic, now we have had all the work done.”
Haley and Dave are equally optimistic about the future of the property. Haley, who previously worked as a BBC relocation manager, saw this as a perfect opportunity to pursue her passion for cooking. Dave described the move as an “opportunity and unique adventure” they couldn’t resist.
Dome House offers a stunning setting, perched high on a fell overlooking Windermere. The property features a ten-metre-high atrium entrance hall, leading to five luxury bedrooms, a games room, and a heated swimming pool on the first floor. The second floor includes a lounge, dining area, and an open kitchen where Haley’s rustic recipes will be created in full view. A balcony facing west runs the length of the room, with a 75-inch TV and log-burner for colder months.
Guests can expect two types of experiences: intimate couples looking for a boutique hotel or groups of up to ten people seeking a whole-house experience. The couple plans to offer celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, and even small weddings. They are also working on local partnerships to provide activities such as lakes cruises, clay pigeon shooting, golf, kayaking, trekking, foraging, and spa treatments.
Hayley is committed to sourcing ingredients locally, even starting her own herb and vegetable garden on-site. The property’s design allows for direct access to a fellside garden from the third floor, along with patios, a sauna, and seating areas. The sedum-covered geo-dome roof gives the house the feel of a ski chalet in the lakes.
With prices starting at £650 per person for two nights, all-inclusive packages cover bed, breakfast, dinner, and drinks. Dogs are welcome, except in the top-floor cooking area. Dome House may finally be fulfilling the awe-inspiring vision that Kevin McCloud once praised.
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