A Kirkpatrick Durham social and cultural hub is in line for a £45,000 expansion.
In normal times, The Bothy is busy with weekly coffee mornings and craft group afternoons.
The venue also hosts regular ceilidhs with musicians, storytellers and singers coming from far and near.
But the former farm labourer’s dwelling is often cramped because it doubles up as an equipment store.
Now Kirkpatrick Durham Recreation Association want to create more space by doing up an adjacent roofless cottage.
Convener David Wishart said: “We want to do a total refurbishment.
“It will be re-roofed in slate and the external walls finished in stone to match the bothy itself.
“Once it’s finished we will be able to store all tables, chairs, the lawnmower and other equipment in there.
“That means we will have more space and it will be easier for our volunteers.”
The group acquired the cottage, which latterly was being used a garage, several years ago.
Its corrugated tin roof blew off in a recent winter storm.
Mr Wishart expressed confidence that all the money required for the refurbishment would be secured.
He said: “We already have £25,000 from the Blackcraig Windfarm community benefit fund.
“There are applications in with other bodies for the remainder in the form of different grants.
“If they all come through we will reach our total.
“All being well we hope to hear by late spring.”
The association bought The Bothy at the millennium for social gatherings and functions.
The hub has become an important focal point for village life and regularly features as a venue on the annual Spring Fling arts and crafts circuit.
