This property, which had been identified as "at risk" by English Heritage, has been carefully rebuilt and renovated. Initially the cottage had to be supported by a complicated internal scaffolding arrangement to ensure that the structure did not collapse whilst the best method of saving the cottage was decided by English Heritage.

The final solution required that the delicate timber frame structure be repaired in situ. The internal scaffolding was used to support the entire structure, whilst the brick infill panels were removed and rotten oak beams were replaced. A new foundation trench was dug and filled with concrete to eventually support everything above it.

Wherever possible the original timbers were saved, with new oak beams built in to the existing structure where necessary. A sub-contractor, Ward and Co, were used to complete the structural timber work.

Once the new timbers were in place a new plinth was built with reclaimed soft red bricks to support the lower beams. This allowed the internal scaffold to be removed, and the roof rebuilt and covered in hand made clay tiles.

English Heritage required that the new infill panels be filled using the traditional method of oak lathes and rendered with lime/hair plaster, although modern detailing was incorporated to ensure that the panels remain flexible and waterproof. The panels are backed with Cellotex to ensure that the house is well insulated.

DGS Construction and English Heritage have been very fortunate to have an understanding and responsible client, Isis Builders, to finance this elaborate and costly reconstruction project.