This is an ancient farmstead in the heart of North Devon. A truly fascinating project, on every level. Pure conservation but also practical rebuild into a family home. The skills and knowledge base for a scheme like this is not to be taken lightly, cob repair, archeology and extensive use of lime.
Lime putty and hydraulic lime, no cement on this job ANYWHERE!
Timber repair and conservation and traditional vernacular craft skills will rebuild Upcott Barton.
The history of the place is also fascinating, Gytha, King Harold’s mother owned the manor of Hertiton (now Hartland) after the Norman conquest Henry l sub divided the area and Upcott was now owned by William Fitzgerald. The area was owned by five generations of de Hortons, then by marriage it passed to the Thornes in 1500′s it attracted a tax of £10, which was the highest in the parish, so a landed estate of some value.
Post medieval, the Thornes were still in residence right up until the civil war (1642), again this was the prime ‘real estate’ in the area attracting the highest tax burden.
This site is alive with history!
The split tree is an Ash. The locals call it ‘Split tree’ !
barn conversion
Barns have been converted into different uses since the beginning of time. One Season cattle or stock may have been ‘wintered’ in it, the next it’s full of grain and hay. Barns offer protection from the elements in a very functional way, if ‘form follows function’; barns are the embodiment of that edict. When converting a barn think function! This idea of purity or directness is the essence of a good conversion.
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