Nunwick Barn, Ripon, Yorkshire

Shortlisted for our new Best Loved Award in the private category, the achievement to rescue and repair this Grade II listed barn on a limited budget is remarkable.

Our Best Loved Award celebrates regular care and maintenance to old buildings, a key aspect of the SPAB Approach. Our shortlisted projects demonstrate the value of maintenance for buildings of all dates and types, and for the people who occupy, use and love them. Vote for your favourite. 

The project to repair this dilapidated barn was driven as much by the imperative of keeping animals and people safe in a working farmyard, as the desire to save this piece of 16th-century agricultural heritage.

The repaired interior. Credit: UK Restoration Services

The work undertaken to retain as much of the original timber structure is impressive, as is the immense skill and care by the carpenters, roofers and builders – notably evident in the difficult work splicing new oak in with the existing frame and rafters. Pulling the 16th-century roof structure back to align with the rebuilt south wall is an achievement.  Pulling this off for the budget is remarkable.

While a lack of previous maintenance contributed to the barn’s serious deterioration, this might not be uncommon in a rural context. The judges felt that evidence of community outreach and engagement would have strengthened this submission.

Before repairs. Credit: UK Restoration Services

While the extent of rubble wall rebuilding is probably more than the SPAB would favour, the wall is beautifully rebuilt and now, part of the ongoing story of this important building. The limecrete foundations, hot mixed lime mortars, marking quoins for repositioning in the original spot, and like-for-like clay pantiles made for the job are noteworthy.

Given the extensive work undertaken to save this ancient barn, retain as much of its historic timber structure as possible, the structural gymnastics necessary to align the timber frame with the newly-built south wall and use of appropriate mortar mixes, there is much to commend this project.  

Including this farm building on our shortlist helps broaden the range of buildings in this category, highlights their value and importance, and spotlights what is possible when their careful repair sustains their ongoing original use. 

Contactors: UK Restoration Services