Wapsbourne Manor is an imposing L-shaped timber-framed and brick building constructed in 1606. The house is listed Grade II*
The building that stands today is approximately half of the original building, which was an E-shaped building which was reduced to its current size by a fire in c.1800
The building underwent a renovation in the late 1980s but unfortunately the use of inappropriate materials had led to deterioration of the frame.
The windows, which include late 17th century four-light windows on the north elevation, were heavily decayed and had suffered from water ingress and required significant repair.
Two of the prominent chimney stacks were leaning and required taking down and rebuilding.
The roof, in part of Horsham stone and in part plain clay tiles, had suffered from water ingress, damaged tiles and a failed lead valley.
The project, which lasted over 12 months, included a complete re roofing, timber frame repairs, windows repairs, replacement infill panels, insulation improvements and re plastering. Two of the chimney stacks were also re built and a complete internal refurbishment was undertaken.
The property is now heated by three discretely placed air source heat pumps and has been insulated as far as possible without altering its character using a combination of sheep wool, wood wool boards and insulating lime plasters.
The extensive cost of the works was not viable for the owners as a single dwelling and so change of use to a house of multiple occupation (HMO) was sought in order to provide a more viable income to fund the works.
This change of use had to be sensitively designed and considered to ensure that the special interest of the building was not harmed whilst meeting the regulations that an HMO require.
The project was designed and managed by Manorwood who also undertook research on the property and provided heritage advice.
The works were carried out by The Oak Blokes.
