Grade II Listed 17th century farmhouse revived in the Wensum Valley
Set within Norfolk’s pastoral landscape where the river Wensum winds through ancient meadows, Ashtree Farm House is full of character and rich in memories. Our sympathetic renovation unites traditional craftsmanship with sensitive 21st century innovation.
Julie Dacre has called Ashtree Farm House home for over four decades, but as retirement beckoned and grandchildren began to visit she envisioned a thoughtful transformation that would honour the property’s storied past while inviting modern family living. Working alongside Hudson Architects, we tackled the challenges of this historic property: a disjointed L-shaped layout, dark heavily varnished interior and a collapsing Victorian conservatory.
Complex problems solved with care.
The transformation relied on removing several internal walls to improve flow while Julie remained living on-site. Temporary props supported the floors above while steel beams were carefully installed. Mostly hidden within floor voids or disguised as original oak elements, we also added one new sleek cylindrical steel column as an architectural feature at the heart of the open-plan kitchen.
Centuries of character carefully revealed.
Restoring the original oak beams called for particular sensitivity. Our specialist team used ice blasting to strip back centuries of dark varnish - a gentler alternative to sandblasting that created less mess and revealed the natural beauty of the beams without damaging the characterful textured timber.
This attention to detail extended to other natural materials too, such as authentically handled lime plaster work, bespoke internal joinery and reclaimed York stone that seamlessly transitions from inside to out.
A stunning modern addition for the home.
The architectural centrepiece of the project is a dramatic contemporary replacement for the deteriorating Victorian conservatory. This unusual construction challenged our expertise in structural glazing. Inspired by the agricultural surroundings, it features a seamless glass and steel internal structure with a timber exoskeleton that ‘floats’ around the outside.
"We'd worked with Grocott & Murfit on a number of challenging projects and were pleased to collaborate with them once again. The design required both delicate detailing and construction confidence, which we knew they would deliver.” LEWIS WILLIAMS, ARCHITECT
"We've taken a farmhouse that had lost its way over the centuries and given it a new lease of life. This project really demonstrates our dual capabilities. We're not just specialists in one area. We bring knowledge in both heritage restoration and modern construction." DANIEL GROCOTT, DIRECTOR
“I was impressed by how well-organised the construction was. Each tradesperson was highly skilled and the Site Foreman was outstanding. The renovation has made me even more thankful for all my blessings. It's not just a more beautiful home, it's a place that lifts my spirits every day.” JULIE DACRE, CLIENT
The transformation of Ashtree Farm House demonstrates how heritage buildings can embrace contemporary living without losing their essential character. A home that enhances every aspect of daily life.
