New chapter for Georgian house as cafe approved

A Georgian museum building will be restored after plans were approved by the local council.

Baysgarth House, in Barton-upon-Humber, dates from about 1731 and has housed a museum since the 1980s.

The first phase of the restoration plan includes the creation of a cafe in a stable block and an ice cream outlet in a store building.

The Grade II-listed house, which is owned by North Lincolnshire Council, has been closed to the public since 2019.

Under the plans, repairs will be carried out to the south frontage of the house and neighbouring lodge buildings, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

Later phases of work are likely to focus on the museum itself.

When reopened, it will tell the story of the Nelthorpe family, the ancestral owners, as well as Barton's role in the development of the bicycle.

Baysgarth House, which has extensive grounds, has been in public ownership since 1930.

Last year, the council declared it a community asset and earmarked £450,000 for the restoration project. A further £400,000 has been pledged from government funding pots.

The revamp is being led by The Ropewalk arts centre, which is based in the town and is managing the house on a 15-year lease.

A team from The Ropewalk will run the cafe, which will have about 26 covers as well as outdoor seating in a courtyard.

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