Hall House

A private residence since around 1375, this medieval hall house has undergone many alterations. It was extended and altered in 1574 and again around 1690, when the large mullioned windows were inserted and the classical doorcase added, along with a fine newel staircase. Battlements were added in the early 19th century, and in the early 20th century many of the windows were replaced with Critall steel casements. Unfortunately many of the modern replacement windows were deteriorating, and Robin Kent Architecture & Conservation was appointed to advise. Although many of the steel windows were badly rusted, only a few required totally replacing and a full programme of repair and upgrading was carried out by the consultancy. The work also included designing matching new steel windows with leaded glazing to replace failed modern aluminium replacement windows. Traditional timber sash windows were also repaired rather than replaced, preserving the historic character and appearance of the house and keeping costs to the minimum.

The consultancy went on to oversee urgent chimney repairs and the removal of cement render to deal with dampness problems, and to advise on structural repairs, necessary as a result of the various historic alterations and undermining of the foundations when the 16th century garden was laid out. The phased programme of conservation and repair which has been carried out over a number of years has also included rebuilding the battlements, re-leading gutters and slating repairs, to ensure that the hall remains safe and weatherproof.