A homeowner whose vision for an architectural masterpiece has become a disaster, witnessed by countless television audiences, now hopes this will be their third attempt at making the modernist house profitable.

Entrepreneur Yvonne Malley has revived Dome House as a rental property featuring an on-site chef, 14 years after the architecturally stunning home fascinated Kevin McCloud and his crew.
Channel 4
‘s Grand Designs.

It began as an initiative led by architect and homeowner Robert Gaukroger, who aimed to create a contemporary, seven-bedroom residence that would serve as his dream family home.

He spent two years and £1 million building the distinctive hillside development near Bowness-in-Windermere in 2011, and Kevin described his idea as “awe-inspiring.”

However, once the money was gone, the couple with two young kids was observed by countless people as they sold their belongings just to get through each day.

The possibility of losing all their possessions turned into an undeniable truth when they went three months without paying their mortgage. In the end, they had no choice but to relocate to a trailer.

It was then that the cavalry arrived in the shape of Yvonne Malley, a former businesswoman from Rossendale, Lancashire, who came to the aid.

“It broke my heart to witness the family’s difficulties, particularly the kids, and since I had some money that wasn’t earning anything, I provided a loan,” said Yvonne.

But later, I kept investing more and more funds into the project, and, despite how it may sound, I found myself owed £650,000.

She ultimately purchased the property, paid an additional £900,000, and invested another £25,000 in rewiring, installing new drainage systems, and updating the plumbing.

She subsequently placed her son Philip along with his wife Joyce Maguire in charge of operating it as a guesthouse.

Although they made every effort, it failed to function effectively as a business and collapsed due to the pandemic. Joyce’s well-being declined, and the pair ultimately traveled to France to begin anew.

After Yvonne listed Dome House for sale, she reconsidered when nobody was prepared to meet her asking price of £2,750,000.

“I had to lower the price or leave it as is and create value from it. I went with the second option,” she states.

She met Haley and Dave Hadfield, owners of an acclaimed gluten-free cafe and deli in Altrincham, Cheshire, named Off the Wheaten Track.

They decided to relocate to the ground-floor apartments inside Dome House, which were initially built as a vacation rental, with Haley assuming the position of resident cook and Dave handling responsibilities at the reception area.

The structure has been vacant for over a year, as Yvonne continued investing money into renovations and upgrades, transforming the home according to the updated plan.

“I held very unfavorable opinions about Dome House due to everything that has happened there, but I’m now extremely optimistic about it,” she states.

It appears truly amazing; now that all the work has been completed, it offers breathtaking views over Windermere.

This time, I’m personally managing the business as the owner and plan to take a greater role in ensuring its success.

Haley, who is 54 years old and hails from Irlam, along with David, 52, from Denton in Manchester, share the same positive outlook.

Haley, who served as the BBC’s relocation officer when the organization moved to Salford, later followed her lifelong passion for culinary arts, she said: “Yvonne believed Dave and I would be an ideal match for her plan.”

It appeared that the delicatessen was reaching a natural conclusion when we came across Yvonne via a common acquaintance.

She presented us with an option to relocate to the Lake District and manage a high-end, private residence.

Dave said: “This was an opportunity and a unique experience we couldn’t pass up.”

The property definitely offers notable features, situated atop a hill facing Windermere, providing a balcony view of England’s biggest lake along with the surrounding hills.

An impressive 10-meter-tall atrium entryway leads to a staircase connecting to five luxurious bedrooms, a game room, and an indoor heated swimming pool located on the upper level.

The upper level features the living room, eating space, and an open kitchen where Hayley’s traditional dishes will be prepared for all to see.

The western-facing balcony extends across the entire room. If the lighting becomes insufficient for viewing, there is a 75-inch television along with a wood-burning stove for use during cooler seasons.

It lies just a short walk away from the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, featuring all its popular sights, while nearby is the Dales Way, a scenic trail stretching 81 miles to Ilkley in West Yorkshire.

It is likely that visitors would prefer to remain closer.

The target audience is anticipated to consist of two categories: first, couples seeking a luxury hotel with comprehensive services; second, families or small groups of up to ten individuals desiring an entire home stay.

“We anticipate close-knit gatherings of family members or friends for events such as birthdays, anniversaries, renewing marriage commitments, or modest wedding ceremonies,” says Dave.

“If individuals who have extra money desire a full vacation where all tasks are handled for them, allowing them to rejuvenate and unwind, we’ll ensure this becomes achievable,” he further states.

The pair are also establishing regional connections to offer various outings and pursuits ranging from lake cruises and clay pigeon shooting to golf, canoeing, hiking, foraging, or skincare therapies.

“It’s a never-ending list,” says Dave. “Whatever the client desires,” he adds.

Additionally, Hayley prefers to obtain most of the components used in her culinary creations from local suppliers.

She has also begun cultivating her own herbs and vegetables right here.

Due to the house being constructed into a slope, the top level offers immediate entry to a hillside garden. Additionally, outdoor spaces include terraces, a sauna, and lounging areas.

Featuring a rooftop covered with sedum that crowns the structure, it evokes the ambiance and charm of a mountain lodge near a lake.

The Dome House might have ultimately discovered the impressive part that Kevin McCloud had envisioned many years prior.

Every price includes accommodation for two people over two nights at £650 per person, with meals and beverages covered. Pets are permitted, though they cannot be in the upper-floor kitchen zone.

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