Developers breathe
new life into derelict farmhouse...
Emersons Green, South Gloucestershire, August 2005:

A dilapidated 17th century farmhouse and farm buildings have been brought back to life at Emersons Green to the north of Bristol.

Hallen Farmhouse today

Hallen Farmhouse, which was originally constructed around 1680, had fallen into a terrible state of disrepair and while it had been listed as a Grade II building by English Heritage in the early 1980s, many had feared there was no way back for the substantial farmhouse.

However, a consortium of landowners, headed by South Gloucestershire-based Heron Land Developments had other ideas and now the farmhouse, cider barn and old stables are enjoying a fresh lease of life as stylish country homes.

“All the buildings were is a really sad state of repair,” confirmed Heron Land Developments Director Stephen Bailey.

Inside the renovated farmhouse

“But we were determined that these magnificent buildings should be returned to use and so we set about ensuring they were carefully and tastefully renovated.”

In consultation with local history and archaeological groups, the buildings have now been transformed into three stylish residential homes with elegant exteriors that reflect their heritage and stylish modern interiors that ensure they are highly desirable family homes.

The farmhouse itself boasts approximately 3,380 square feet of living space spread over three floors, making the most of many original features, including flagstone floors, an inglenook fireplace and oak beams. There are six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a substantial garden.

The start of work on th derelict farm buildings.

Meanwhile, the Old Stables building has been transformed into a delightful 1,700 square foot two bedroomed, two bathroom family home with a spacious open plan living area and high open beam ceilings on the first floor. The third building, known as the Cider Barn, has also been extensively renovated and refurbished and now provides a superb two bedroom, two bathroom home. Like its neighbours, the Cider Barn retains many of its original features, including exposed ceiling beams.

Such is the quality of the renovations that all three homes were sold almost immediately.

Issued August 2005