Exquisite plasterwork repair

Greenbank, Chester - exquisite plaster repair in the Dining Room!

Rudyard near Leek - new Conservation Area - appraisal underway July 2015

A potential reservoir-based conservation area - is it a first?

Greenbank Hall Chester - progress

The scaffolding has come down (July 2015) and the restoration is taking shape under Owen Ellis Architects instruction.  Thanks to Neil for these latest images. Very exciting to see the building rise like a phoenix. If ever there was a case for proper restoration, this is it.  Sash windows have replaced steel ones inserted whilst used as a college - yes, they are single-glazed, restored in conjunction with the original sash boxes found during the refurbishment. Lead-roll flat roofs have replaced felt.   Exemplary and bold restoration by the developer.

Secondary service 'wing' with roof of the early 20th century, restored in lead and natural slate.  For a view of the former appearance in felt see below!!

Barns but not barns

I seem to have had a wave of visiting and recording farm complexes lately.  Challenging to photograph, but I seem to be getting the hang of it, thanks to various tips from Mark Ludbrook and Andy Marshall.  Has anyone else discovered any 'bank barns' in upland Staffordshire or upland Cheshire?

Cheshire - brick courtyard farm combined hay barn and livestock building of the 1820s
Feb. 2015. Original floors removed

Staffordshire - stone combination multi-level 'bank barn' of the early C18, with cow-house at the lower level
March 2015 - later brick piers have replaced timber principal posts