Arvon Writer's Retreat
Lumb Bank began is a late 18th / early 19th century mill-owner’s manor house set in 20 acres of steep woodland near Hepstonstall. The property had a barn and other buildings which were originally had a number of uses including a Bake House and a Coach House. In 1952 Lumb Bank became a riding stable and was renamed to 'The White Horse Fur and Pony Ranch'. Subsequently a mink farm business was also established at Lumb Bank.
The poet Ted Hughes bought Lumb Bank in May 1969 and spent £20,000 on the conversion of the barn and renovations to the house. Ted Hughes only lived in house for a couple of years before leaving for Devon and leasing the property, between 1975-89 to the Arvon Writers Foundation. In 1989 he sold the property to Arvon for £220,000.
Lumb Bank has recently undergone a major renovation scheme including the creation of a dedicated Writing Barn and social hub to deliver community outreach work, installing sustainable energy systems, upgrading the accommodation for residential writer’s courses including access ramps, a lift, and improving accessibility to the bedrooms.
Ted Hughes’ original library remains within the building (see pictures)
