THE next chapter in the history of a south Cumbrian country house has been written, with a refurbishment and the opening of a café.

The 16th century Swarthmoor Hall, near Ulverston, has undergone a transformation in recent months, and the completion of the extensive work came with the unveiling of the brand-new Barn Café last week.

Local designers, suppliers and tradesmen were called upon to renovate the interiors of all the accommodation rooms, the communal kitchen, sitting room and the old barn in the grounds of the Hall.

Award-winning Ulverston company The Shop Floor Project carried out the work, and established Lake District coffee house Jumping Jenny combine with new artisan Fat Flour Bakery to run the new café.

Jane Pearson, manager at Swarthmoor Hall, said: "We wanted to do something to make it less of a hidden gem and more of a destination for visitors.

"There are so many people who live locally who have never been or don't know we are here, so by launching the new café, hopefully a few more will know about Swarthmoor Hall.

"The building has a long history, and we've moved into the next chapter with this renovation and the café. It's all been done in line with the Quaker values of simplicity, and the work that we've done with local companies is part of what is special about it as they're all amazing in their own fields."

The central aim for the work was to produce a timeless scheme in keeping with the historic atmosphere of the Hall, using natural materials and handmade products as far as possible that reflect the nature of the Hall’s 16th and 17th century artefacts and in keeping with Swarthmoor’s Quaker philosophy of creating quiet and contemplative spaces.

While accommodation is something the Hall has provided since the days of George Fox, founder of the Quakers, the site has never had a public café until now.

"Jumping Jenny has moved here after being at Brantwood, in Coniston, for about 25 years before they took the café in-house," said Ms Pearson.

"They've kept the brand because people know it, and we're now their main outlet."

The Barn Café is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 4.30pm.