Cubblington Cottage
[Timber Frame Restoration, Herefordshire.]
Grade II listed cottage restoration in Cublington, repairing a decaying historic timber frame with new air-dried oak, lime-rendered panels and bespoke heritage-style windows.
Our involvement in the Cublington restoration project began when the principal contractors invited us to assess and repair a Grade II listed timber-framed building uncovered during an extensive renovation project. Hidden beneath later alterations was a historic oak frame that had suffered significant decay over time, requiring specialist restoration and careful structural repair to preserve the character and integrity of the building.
Working closely with the contractors and project architect, we carried out a programme of traditional timber frame repairs, reinstatement works, and bespoke joinery to help return the cottage to a structurally sound and historically sympathetic condition.
At some point in the building’s history, the original timber frame and brick nogging panels had been covered with cement render. Although likely intended as a protective measure, the impermeable cement trapped moisture within the walls over time, preventing the building from breathing naturally and causing extensive rot within the oak frame.
As sections of the render were removed during the wider renovation works, the extent of the deterioration became clear. Both elevations of the building were found to be in poor structural condition, with decayed sole plates, damaged framing members, and failing infill panels requiring significant intervention.
Following a detailed survey and structural assessment, we worked alongside the architect managing the project to develop a carefully considered schedule of repairs that would preserve as much historic fabric as possible while ensuring the long-term stability of the building.
The west elevation, which was in the worst condition, was tackled first. After carefully propping and stabilising the structure, we methodically dismantled the affected wall ensuring the building remained secure throughout the process.
Wherever possible, original timbers were carefully labelled, removed, and transported back to our workshop for repair and conservation. Salvageable historic oak members were then reinstated and integrated with new air-dried oak sections, allowing the repaired frame to retain as much of its original character and material as possible while restoring structural integrity.
Once the timber frame repairs were complete, the elevation was rebuilt using traditional breathable construction methods, including lime-rendered infill panels and leaded pentice detailing appropriate to the age and character of the cottage.
When the west elevation was complete we applied the same careful process to the opposite side of the building.
As part of the restoration works, we also designed and crafted a series of bespoke heritage-style plant-on windows for the property. These were carefully detailed to complement the historic character of the cottage while improving functionality and weather performance.
The windows were individually made to suit the proportions and irregularities of the historic structure, ensuring they integrated naturally within the restored elevations.
The completed restoration successfully preserved and revived a significant historic timber-framed building that had been hidden and deteriorating beneath inappropriate modern materials for many years. By combining traditional repair techniques, breathable materials, and carefully considered craftsmanship, the project restored both the structural integrity and architectural character of the cottage.
The repaired oak frame, lime-rendered panels, and bespoke heritage joinery now allow the building to function as intended once again — naturally breathable, structurally sound, and full of historic character. Following completion of our restoration works, the principal contractors continued with the wider renovation project to bring the property to its final completed form.
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If you would like to see more inspiration, here are a selection of other oak frame projects we've crafted.
case studies.
