AN ESTATE village is undergoing a renaissance as a raft of improvements have been implemented to bring in new visitors and residents.

New family homes, a farm shop and an extension to the village pub have all been introduced recently to the Crathorne Estate, between Stokesley and Yarm.

Within the last 12-months planning permission has been granted by Hambleton District Council for six new family homes, as well as seven guest rooms to be added to the Crathorne Arms and for the Grade II-listed former farm building to be converted into Kitson Farm Shop.

The wave of sustainable development, designed by Aidan Hodgkinson, follows the formation of an Estate Master Plan, which sets out the future vision for the estate.

Crathorne Estate managers have been working with Rural Solutions, who provide planning and development support and advice to landowners, on the Estate Master Plan and subsequent planning process.

James Ellis, associate director at Rural Solutions, said: “We worked closely with the estate, the local authority and the community in developing the plan. While the plan doesn’t guarantee planning permission for the schemes proposed, it provides a clear and shared contextual framework and is an important consideration in determining planning applications.”

Thomas Dugdale of Crathorne Estate, said: “It was crucial for the Crathorne Estate to evolve and support the future of the village through sustainable development that is in keeping with its setting.

“The new homes have been specifically designed to be suitable for elderly residents looking for appropriate homes in later life and for young families. We hope to attract new residents and retain our existing community within the village which in turn support the local amenities such as the post office, pub and farm shop.

“The growth of the pub will also attract new visitors and deliver economic and tourism benefits, ensuring Crathorne remains a sustainable village.”

The village is the ancestral home of the Crathorne family, dating back to Sir William de Crathorne. The village is now home to James Dugdale, 2nd Baron Crathorne, whose family acquired the estate in 1844 and built Crathorne Hall in 1906, owning it until 1977. The hall is now a country house hotel.

Today the Crathorne Estate owns The Crathorne Arms, The Kitson Farm Shop, and a portfolio of farms and properties around and relating to the village.