Grade 2 Listed Building Alterations

Project

Wirksworth

Moor Cottage Farm is a Grade 2 listed building which was built around 1830 and has been derelict for many years. The building was in a poor state of repair and water had entered the building resulting in severe collapsing of floors and rot in many areas.

Despite the condition of the building, the Local Authority had refused several previous attempts by other Architects to suitably design an acceptable scheme.

Architectural Building Design Services were commissioned to design suitable alteration work which would be acceptable. A meeting was undertaken with the local Conservation Officer and plans began to take place.

It was very important to try and retain as much of the original design and features as possible to preserve the originality of the building. So, a room by room schedule of works was prepared and a reputable builder was commissioned to undertake the building works.

Exterior: South-facing main front of three bays with projecting, gabled central section. Pairs of pointed windows to the left and central sections with small panes of glass, arched and with quatrefoils to most windows. Altered french windows with shutters set within a trellised verandah with slate roof to right.

Interior: Marble chimney pieces, early doors, cupboards and plasterwork. Iron hand-pump in vaulted cellar.

It was important to retain most of the original floor finishes, fireplaces, window shutters, skirting boards, doors, architraves, water pump and oven with back boiler.

With the property being in such a poor state of repair it contained a lot of rotting timber and collapsing floors and roof and the existing chimney stacks had to be re-built.

Lime plaster was used to all internal walls which would have been in-keeping with the orignal property.

All windows were iron-framed with single glazing which had to be carefully restored.