This charming 18th-century cottage in the heart of Hawkshead had suffered decades of neglect to its original Westmorland green slate roof. Wind-driven rain was penetrating through failed pointing and cracked slates, causing damp patches across bedroom ceilings. Our team carried out a sympathetic restoration that preserved every salvageable original slate while ensuring the roof would protect this beautiful property for another century. Working within conservation-grade slate roofing standards, we delivered a result that satisfied both the homeowner and the local planning authority.
The cottage owner contacted us after noticing spreading damp patches on upstairs ceilings during autumn storms. Our inspection revealed widespread issues across the entire roof — approximately 35 cracked or slipped Westmorland green slates, deteriorated lime mortar pointing along the ridgeline, and corroded original iron fixings that had lost their grip on several courses. The lead soakers around the chimney stack had split, and the oak lath substrate beneath showed early signs of wet rot in two areas near the eaves. Because the property is Grade II listed in the Hawkshead conservation area, any repair work needed to be carried out using traditional materials and techniques approved by the Lake District National Park Authority.
We developed a comprehensive repair strategy that prioritised salvaging original materials wherever possible. Every slate was carefully removed, inspected, and graded for reuse. We sourced matching Westmorland green slate from a reclamation yard in Kendal for the replacements needed, ensuring colour and texture continuity across the roof. The corroded iron nails were replaced with copper fixings, and we re-pointed the ridge using traditional lime mortar mixed to match the original colour. The damaged oak laths were spliced with seasoned timber, and new code 5 lead soakers were hand-dressed around the chimney. The entire project was completed using scaffolding with protective measures to safeguard the cottage garden below.
The completed restoration is virtually indistinguishable from how this roof would have looked when originally constructed. The homeowner reported completely dry ceilings through the following winter — the first dry season in over five years. The conservation officer praised the quality of the lime mortar work and the care taken to preserve the original slate character. This project demonstrates our commitment to heritage slate roofing craftsmanship that respects the architectural legacy of the Lake District whilst providing modern weatherproofing performance.
The Westmorland green slate used on this project is among the finest roofing materials ever quarried in Britain. Both the salvaged originals and the reclaimed replacements share the distinctive blue-green colouring that defines Lakeland architecture. These slates are split along natural cleavage planes to varying thicknesses, typically between 6mm and 12mm, and laid in diminishing courses from eaves to ridge — a technique that gives Lakeland roofs their characteristic graduated appearance. Their exceptional density provides natural frost resistance that has kept Lake District buildings weathertight for centuries.
We used NHL 3.5 hydraulic lime mortar for all pointing and bedding work rather than modern cement. Lime mortar allows the natural movement of a traditional slate roof without cracking, and its breathable properties prevent moisture becoming trapped within the roof structure. The mix was carefully colour-matched using local sand aggregates to blend seamlessly with the remaining original pointing, maintaining the authentic character expected in the Hawkshead conservation area.
All lead flashings and soakers were fabricated from code 5 lead sheet, providing the durability needed for exposed chimney details on a building expected to last another century. Copper nails were chosen for slate fixings due to their proven longevity in the damp Lakeland climate — far outlasting the galvanised steel alternatives commonly used on modern roofs.
Whether your property needs a few replacement slates or a full heritage restoration like this Hawkshead cottage, our experienced team delivers conservation-quality slate roofing craftsmanship across the Lake District. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation inspection and detailed quote for your Hawkshead roofing project.
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