

Essabeare Farm
These photos show the exterior works completed on this farmhouse.
The left hand side of the house dates back to the 11th century and it was extended twice in the 15th and 17th century before having a 20th century single story addition on the end.
The whole house was covered in sand and cement and was suffering from damp problems because of moisture trapped in the walls.
The interior photos show works that we have completed.
Once again, many original features had been covered up by modern materials or wooden partitions.
We particularly enjoyed uncovering the 11th century wall in the orange bedroom, which we plastered with lime mortar.
Exterior Wall Restoration Projects
We have restored several boundary walls which have been damaged by long term vegetation growth and by failed capping that has let water in, wearing away and damaging mortar courses.
The following photos show some of these walls.
Most were restored using sand and cement.
Lime rendering of cob cottage in Silverton and lime rendering of cob and block garden wall to rear of the property.
This was another property which had been rendered in sand and cement.
The render had completely failed and was several centimetres away from the face of the cob.
Render reinstated with feebly hydraulic lime.
The finish effect is our favourite scratched back finish, which looks amazing!
The garden wall was an eye sore of mixed materials.
Several coats of lime render later and a ridge tile hat addition has completely changed its appearance.
Repointing
We come across many stone buildings which have had sand and cement pointing put over the original lime mortar joints. This allows water to get trapped behind the cement which then causes the lime to become brittle and ineffective. Damp often comes through the wall to the inside of the property.
We take off the cement and rake back the lime until we find sound mortar.
The joints are then replaced with a lime and sand mix.
The photos show some very damaged stonework and a barn wall which required a good clean and fresh pointing.
Internal lime rendering and plastering
The following photos show the transformation of a sitting room which was stripped back to the cob, stone and brick because modern materials, wallpapers and paints, which had been added over recent years, had made the original lime plaster fail.
The exterior of the house had also been covered in mesh, sand and cement, which is still there. It left the walls on the inside very wet and they have taken a long time to dry out.
Hopefully the exterior will be replaced with lime too on the near future.
This was all replaced using lime putty and sand.
Interior plastering using universal one-coat plaster (gypsum)
Universal one coat is a gypsum plaster with some breathable qualities.
It can be used as a cheaper alternative to lime on walls which are not external.
Finishes achieves with it also resemble that of lime. It can produce anything from a rustic, sponged finish to a silky smooth fine finish.
It is very good at filling depth and can be used at a fraction of the cost and time that it would if lime were used.
There are many photos of different jobs showing this plaster.
Other services
We are also happy to undertake works including installation of concrete slabs, patio laying, guttering, minor roofing and remodelling of buildings.
These photos show many of the above services which were employed in changing this lean-to barn into a potting and seating area.
Part of the barn roof was removed, brick walls were reduced to a set height and made good, 2 concrete pads and patios were installed, oak posts installed, arches rendered and stonework cleaned and repointed.