Eeek - look what's left!!

Despite trying very hard to save the whole building - three walls had to come down. The breaking down of the cracked and bulging chimney breast gable wall revealed a wall composed of dry clay and rubble sandwiched between poor outer stonework. The make up of the other walls was similar and these walls had been severely cracked and distorted by a resident ash tree. The external stonework of the old farmstead was inferior to that of the outbuildings as it was originally plastered.

 So considering all these aspects, the decision was taken to demolish the three walls and retain the good wall to the road.

The new construction will be composed of inner blockwork, insulated cavity and exterior stonework re-using the existing stone in a style to match the outbuildings.

The remaining wall does not need under pinning as originally expected.

New foundation to be poured on Monday. Watch this space!

Flagstones from the eaves and from the floor retained for re-use in the farmstead

Examples of new stonework (top few courses) matching the old