A beloved arts destination near Lancaster is embarking on a fresh chapter after 50 years of serving the local community. The Wolfhouse Gallery in Silverdale, which first opened its doors in 1975, has undergone significant renovations and now features a new dog-friendly cafe alongside vacation rental cottages, marking an exciting evolution for the historic venue.
For decades, visitors from across the region flocked to the gallery to enjoy Denise's homemade treats like flapjacks and scones, sip quality coffee, and relax by the log fire while admiring unique displays of handcrafted artwork. The venue became renowned for its ever-changing exhibitions featuring talented artists, potters, jewelry makers, glassworkers, and furniture craftsmen. Cats, dogs, and silky hens roamed freely around the property, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere where visitors could combine leisurely walks with pleasurable browsing experiences.
Guests came not only to look and admire but also to find special birthday cards, hand-thrown mugs, bespoke jewelry pieces, and original paintings. Ted's picture framing workshop, located just off the graveled parking area, remains as an open, versatile space offering endless possibilities for creative endeavors. The upstairs gallery, accessed across the courtyard via narrow stone steps leading to a castellated balcony, hosted annual exhibitions, arts-based courses, musical evenings, and cooking demonstrations before later being transformed into accommodation known as The Coach House.
Over the years, countless visitors have shared fond memories of their experiences at Wolf House Gallery with the founding family, who deeply treasure and value these shared recollections. In the past two decades, several brave, creative, and enterprising individuals have taken on the gallery business, each making it their own unique space for arts, crafts, and culinary enjoyment. While the nature of the business has continuously evolved since its early 1970s beginnings, the building's exterior has always maintained its original character as a former cow barn, though without the cows.
In late 2023, Denise decided it was time to return to the drawing board once again, exercising her creative vision to launch a new project for the historic building. Following an extensive planning process, construction work began in autumn 2024, during which the gallery acquired discreet solar panels and beautiful new wooden windows. Internal plastering work has been completed, kitchen renovations are underway, and many original architectural features have been preserved. Gary and his team of experienced builders have been working on-site for the past 12 months, consistently providing invaluable assistance with heavy lifting and moving tasks.
The newly opened Wolf Cafe now operates on the Wolfhouse site on Lindeth Road in Silverdale. Rachael Spence, the creative force behind Lone Wolf Bakery, has launched this brand new dog-friendly cafe while continuing to operate the Lone Wolf Bakery as usual, serving existing customers and supplying signature baked goods to the new Silverdale location.
Denise and her family reflected on the transformation, stating: "A lot has happened to this special place over the last 50 years. We are keen to ensure it continues to thrive just like at the very start. Our very best wishes and thanks for your support." The venue now also offers accommodation options, with the Gallery Cottage available from September onwards, sleeping up to four guests in two double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen dining area with log burner, and French windows opening onto an enclosed patio seating area. The Old Cottage also accommodates up to four guests plus a small bunk bed for children. For complete details about the cottages, visitors can contact Denise at 01524 701573, Rachel at 07932 505314, or visit https://wolfhousecottages.co.uk/.
