Calvert Trust, Exmoor A large courtyard of listed farm buildings built as a “model” farm in approximately 1860 by the Fortescue family to be near the new Lynton and Barnstaple railway. Converted into living and bedroom accommodation for 60 people including 4 self-catering flats with administrative offices, instructors and equipment areas and drying room, all with full disabled access in 1996 at £1.75 million and planning and listed building consent obtained for further developments from 2003. The Anneka Rice Challenge (1994) converted a cattle barn to a boathouse adjacent to Wistlandpound Reservoir.A new build swimming and hydrotherapy pool with spa bath, steam room and changing rooms were linked to converted farm buildings. Externally it had to reflect materials and forms of the original farm buildings while being energy efficient and internally be accessible to people with most forms of disability. The aim was a fun and attractive environment with minimum maintenance in the hot, high humidity, hostile conditions.2009The Visitor’s Centre provides the public access to Wistlandpound Reservoir and the walks around its edge and includes lavatories, tea facilities and associated parking for visitors as well as an opportunity for schools and other groups to base their activities on the countryside and history in the area. Forming part of a joint scheme with Southwest Water, the Forestry Commission and the Calvert Trust Exmoor, the project reflects an interpretation of the history of the Wistlandpound farm buildings in the social and agricultural climate that generated them, and flora and fauna of the countryside of the foothills of Exmoor National Park The project receives Heritage Lottery funding and contributions from the other bodies. The project involved the conversion of a linhay (open fronted animal shelter) with round stone columns. The single open space was maintained with its succession of trussed rafters and enclosed with a glass wall behind the stone pillars. Kitchens and lavatories were incorporated in a small return on the west end. The building is heated by a wood pellet stove which is exposed within the main space and runs hot water and under floor heating.
