Fir Trees

“Firtrees” is a Grade II Listed timber framed cottage which is believed to have been built in the seventeenth century. The original property – largely unaltered was a two storey rectangular building with a central fireplace/chimney stack and staircase alongside and one room either side.

 

There is a later single storey extension to the western side with the main hipped roof taken down over it as a “catslide”. It is believed that a basement cellar under the southern room was constructed at the same time.

 

The original property is timber framed with infill studs and weather-boarding externally whilst the later extension has brick external walls.

 

Whilst DAC Architects’ involvement in the site dates back to the Spring of 1988, it was not until later Summer of 2006 that work started to produce scheme proposals to alter/repair the existing cottage and to provide a single storey rear extension. Consent for this work was granted early in 2008 but then further changes to t

he scheme were made through consultation with both the Client and Planning/Conservation Officers culminating in a further Detailed Planning/Listed Building Consent in the Autumn of 2010.

 

Work commenced on the project by Wakes Construction Ltd at the beginning of 2011 and is due for completion in December 2011.

 

Apart from the detailed and lengthy discussions with the Conservation Officer, the repair/refurbishment work included the infilling of the existing basement, the provision of foundations, extensive repairs to the timber frame, re-cladding of the external facades, provision of windows, a new roof and generally bringing the property up to current standards for habitable occupation.