Revamp for 'largest thatched manor house'

A 17th Century thatched manor house in Lincolnshire, believed to be the largest of its type in England, is to undergo a revamp.

East Lindsey District Council has been granted listed building consent enabling alterations to be carried out to the roof, internal walls and insulation of the existing coach house at Alford Manor House, which is now a visitor attraction staffed by volunteers.

Under the plans, the roof tiles at the workshop will be changed using reclaimed handmade clay roof tiles.

The roof of the coach house – now used as a function room – will also be refurbished to bring it back to its original aesthetic.

This includes the re-instillation of a hip roof, where all sides slope downward toward the exterior walls, and a new gutter to ensure appropriate drainage.

An enclosure for mechanical plant equipment to the north of the function room has also been proposed.

Built in 1611, the house, which is managed by Alford and District Civic Trust Limited, sits within the town's conservation area.

The council applied to its own planning department for permission to carry out the work.

In the report, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council states: "The changes to the roof tiles to the workshop and open store aim to bring the appearance of these structures in line with other buildings in the estate and reinforce the historic character of the estate.

"Reclaimed William Blyth clay pantiles [tiles] are used on a multitude of buildings within Alford, especially in the area around the site.

"Terracotta pan roof tiles were approved in the original application which mimicked roof tiles in the area, however the use of reclaimed William Blyth clay pantiles will be more in line with the appearance of the local area."

The report goes on to state that the changes are likely to have a "positive impact on the development, therefore enhancing the significance of the Manor House itself and Conservation area".

Alford Manor House and The Museum of Rural Life are open to the public from mid February to mid December, with events throughout the year.

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