Conservation works to a sixteenth century house in south Oxfordshire

Major conservation to a historic timber-framed house.

The house, listed at Grade II, lies close to the River Thames in south Oxfordshire, and has a fascinating history and fabric. From the street, it presents a traditional façade of oak framed elements, with large dormer windows lighting the upper rooms. Enter the house, and a world of red-brick chimneys, close-grained historic softwoods and ceramic pamment floors greets you. A Georgian wing to the rear is generously lit by large leaded windows facing on to the well-tended garden.

Manifest were commissioned to survey the building, and to prepare designs and specifications for its conservation and overhaul, sensitively carried out to retain the spirit of the past. Works involved the conservative repair of timbers, brickwork and plasters, together with careful re-roofing works and installation of breathable insulation, which work in complement with the historic fabric. Chimneys have been repointed, new gutters and drains installed, and some very limited internal re-arrangements carried out to ensure that the building remains loved and lived-in for the 21st century.