Bringing the Hut Back into use
Perched on Hain Walk in St Ives, the Grade II listed Huer’s Hut is one of only two surviving huer’s huts in the UK. Also known as the Baulking House, it is a rare reminder of the fishing industry that helped shape the town.
Since the last huers left in 1922, the building has been without a consistent use for almost a century. Now it needs some care to protect it for the future. This is what we’re doing about it, and how you can be part of it.
Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund secured, to better understand the Huer’s Hut, its condition, heritage and significance.
Reviewing options for how the building can be brought back into use sustainably with a small specialist team.
Consultation with the community, visitors and stakeholders before further funding is applied for.
The condition of the building
The Huer’s Hut is now in poor condition. After a long period without a regular use, and a number of well-meaning repairs using modern, non-breathable materials, the building is beginning to suffer.
The front wall has been rebuilt at some point and is now failing, with props supporting it from inside. At the rear, raised ground levels are holding water against the historic earth mortar wall, while later cement repairs have trapped moisture within the building rather than allowing it to escape. Openings have been blocked and reopened over the years, the chimney has been lost, and there is no permanent access to the first floor.
The good news is that we now understand much more about what is happening and what needs to be done. The recommended conservation work would focus on undoing some of those later changes, removing non-breathable materials and allowing the historic building to work as it was originally intended.
The propped front wall
Failed cement pointing
The interior as found
Future Options
Option plan
Option 1 · not taken forward
Repair and stabilise
Every option includes the same essential repair. They differ in how far they take the building toward regular use.
Option plan
Option 2 · preferred
Repair, adapt and open
Full conservation repair plus the artist and crafter's residence, with the ground floor open to the public for the first time.
Option plan
Option 3 · not taken forward
Extension and refurbishment
As Option 2, with a modest infill of the southern shelter for exhibition and interpretation. Confirmed by the Steering Group in June 2026.
Programme
2025–2026
Exploring the condition of the Huer’s Hut, its heritage and options for its future.
Winter 2026–27
Seeking the funding needed to take the project forward.
Anticipated 2027, Subject to funding
Developing the proposals in more detail and preparing for the conservation work.
Subject to funding
Once the plans are ready, conservation work can begin to protect the Huer’s Hut and bring it back into use.
