The Wakes

Planning for the future of a much-loved historic site

The Wakes, once home to pioneering naturalist Gilbert White, is a Grade I listed house set in a nationally important garden. Today, it’s a museum that celebrates his legacy, but like many small cultural sites, it faces the challenge of staying financially and socially sustainable.

Working alongside Emil Eve Architects, we helped the trustees to explore how the estate could evolve, supporting its educational mission and securing its long-term future without compromising its historic character.

Through a detailed site study and options appraisal, we identified ways the grounds could be used more effectively. Of primary importance was adding gentle, income-generating uses that would also strengthen community and educational links.

Our masterplan proposed small timber camping cabins tucked into a copse, and a new classroom that embraced sustainable design, complete with a green roof, rainwater harvesting and integrated bird hides to reflect White’s ecological ethos.

The proposals aim to bring new energy, new audiences and new income to the site while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of the place. Crucially, they give the trustees a clear and sensitive way forward.