This early 19th-century cottage and forge occupy a prominent position in a small North York Moors village. They are Grade II listed. The forge was restored in 2008 and left unused, while the cottage was sensitively restored and extended in 2018 to provide living accommodation. 

My involvement in this project began when the owners received negative feedback about their Listed Building Application to convert the forge to residential use so that it former part of the cottage. I undertook a site survey and historic building analysis before producing details drawings and specifications for the works, which involved insulating the roof and walls, lifting and re-laying the stone floor to allow insulating below, adding glazing, and restoring shutters and the door.

I liaised extensively with manufacturers, a local lime plaster specialist and the planning department, to arrive at a suitable solution for making the building habitable while protecting its heritage significance from harm. The proposal was unanimously approved at the committee meeting and the project has now proceeded to development of the building regulations application and discharge of conditions (which includes producing a Level 2 Building Record).

Forge and adjoining cottage
Early 19th century forge, North York Moors