The Alice Hawthorn: A Sustainable Transformation of Nun Monkton’s Historic Pub

Historical Context

At the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Nidd, Nun Monkton was historically an important northern trade hub. Travelers frequently stayed overnight, but over time, changes in transportation and socio-economic shifts led to the closure of local taverns. The Alice Hawthorn remains the village’s last public house, a vital social hub threatened by economic decline.

Community-Centered Design

Close consultations with Harrogate Borough Council and local residents shaped the project. One villager described the comforting feeling of seeing the pub lights on at night—a key community sentiment that informed the design. Every decision prioritized community needs, ensuring the pub’s restoration strengthened social cohesion.

Architectural Concept

Inspiration from the Norse ‘Garth’

The design draws from the Norse concept of a ‘garth’—a grassy cloister or village green extension. The new courtyard creates a sense of enclosure, promoting communal gatherings while connecting the pub to its historic surroundings.

Guest Accommodation

The twelve ensuite bedrooms are distributed across:

• Pub First Floor: Four rooms integrated within the original structure
• New Timber-Framed Buildings: Eight rooms surrounding the courtyard, including the Sheds, Field Barn, Stables, and Tack Room

Each room features hand-painted motifs (Saddle, Stirrup, Flax, Barley, Wheat, Hay), while interiors showcase timber, poplar plywood, and linocut prints by local schoolchildren.

Materiality & Construction

The design uses authentic agricultural materials, such as:

• Larch Cladding
• Galvanized Corrugated Steel Roofing
• Douglas Fir Frames

The architecture reflects the surrounding informal farmsteads, blending seamlessly with the rural environment. Structural simplicity ensures the buildings appear as naturally integrated extensions of the landscape.

Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Design

The Alice Hawthorn incorporates multiple sustainable strategies:

• Ground Source Heat Pump for heating and hot water
• High-performance insulation and airtightness exceeding Part L2A building regulations
• Natural ventilation via clerestory windows and rooflights
• Solar shading through roof overhangs
• Low-energy LED lighting and water-efficient fixtures
• Sustainable Drainage System with permeable paving and underground attenuation tanks

The project achieved an EPC ‘A’ rating while enhancing biodiversity through native planting and the re-establishment of a medieval-style orchard to supply the pub kitchen.

New Facilities & Amenities

• Sheds: Staff accommodation and two bedrooms
• Field Barn: South-facing two-story building with four guest rooms
• Tack Room: Wheelchair-accessible bedroom and outdoor kitchen shelter
• Stables: Three guest rooms with larch cladding and galvanized steel roofs

Level threshold access ensures the site is fully inclusive and accessible to all visitors.

Economic & Social Impact

The redevelopment has:

• Increased visitor footfall and dwell time
• Generated new revenue streams for the pub and restaurant
• Strengthened the local economy by encouraging spending
• Preserved the village’s social hub, reinforcing community identity