Dating from circa 1740 and a Protected building, Brockhurst has provided a much needed rental income for The Trust for the past 13 years. The tenancy break enabled much needed repairs to be implemented, primarily halting moisture ingress and tackling the subsequent degradation. It also meant the opportunity to bring the building up to modern standards to improve its rental desirability. Works included a re-wire, re-plumbing, major ceiling and plaster replacement as well as considered repairs to the historic timber roof and floor structures.
These everyday type of repairs were complimented by the need to pay close care and attention to the architectural detailing such as the leadwork, flasgtones, doors, windows and shutters, as well as personally striping 200 years of paint from the historic ironmongery! Brockhurst stands out because of these aspects – it really is a period gem!
A flat roofed, Georgian-style orangery replaced a C20 conservatory on the south elevation and other than a few minor alterations to modern studwork the plan form was retained. When original ‘hit & miss’ timber panelling was discovered in the hall and an old door opening found it was decided to seek planning permission for an alteration to improve the layout and reveal the original doorway to the dining room. Since the building was already a ‘mix’ of architectural styles it was felt that the contrast of the more decorative Victorian elements and the now exposed Early Georgian doorway and panelling are a justifiable conflict!