Finding a suitable location for the microbrewery was a little more difficult, but proved well worth the effort and patience. At the end of 2005, after many weeks of searching for an appropriate building in every nook and cranny around where they lived, David and Liz discovered a group of traditional barns at Esthwaite Old Hall on the Graythwaite Estate near Hawkshead in the Cumbrian Lake District. They knew immediately that they had found a home for their brewery. In May 2006, following a complete renovation programme, Old Hall Brewery became a reality and moved into one of these traditionally restored barns, situated in a truly magical position on the shores of Esthwaite Water amidst breathtaking scenery.
The history of the barn complex that houses Old Hall Brewery starts in the mid 1500’s. It was then that Edwin Sandys built a cruck barn in the grounds of Esthwaite Old Hall where he was born in 1519. Edwin later rose to power and prominence, firstly as Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and later as the Archbishop of York. His marriage to Cicely Wilford produced six sons and two daughters – and so began the line that descends directly to Myles Sandys, the present owner of the Graythwaite Estate, and landlord to Cumbrian Legendary Ales.
Attached to the cruck barn, and forming a U-shape, is a 17th century barn and the Victorian dairy which now accommodates the brewery. Sadly over the years the three barns fell into disrepair until, in 2003, the Graythwaite Estate embarked upon a major restoration programme. With the support of a grant from Defra the barns were repaired and re-roofed using traditional materials and methods.
In early 2006 Cumbrian Legendary Ales took over the Victorian part of the complex and, with the help of a grant from Distinctly Cumbrian, completed the internal renovation of the building before installing a purpose built brewplant to produce their legendary real ales.
The building benefits from five large windows looking out over Esthwaite Water and Claife Heights beyond, whilst the brewhouse faces Helvellyn and the Fairfield Horseshoe in the distance – an idyllic setting in which to establish the traditional country craft of brewing.