An historic building in Harlow has received a major overhaul as part of the council’s priority to fix council housing.
The Grade II listed Fountains Farmhouse in Fountain Farm, which was constructed in around 1700 and is located within the Tye Green conservation area, has undergone a number of improvements to bring it back into use and make it habitable again. The house was previously home to the warden for the Fountains Farm residential scheme, but ceased to be used for the warden in 2017 and has remained vacant since.
The existing timber sash windows, which contribute to the character and significance of the listed building, were in an urgent need of repair, with sections of the timber sills and weatherboard that were rotten; these have all been renewed. The existing render on the external walls was generally in good condition, although there were a few exceptions with minor cracking, due to structural settlement, present. This has also been rectified.
Various other works were required, and undertaken including:
- Structural repairs including underpinning to strengthen the foundations
- Damp works
- Repositioning the boiler and flue
- Replacement of sanitaryware
- An overhaul of the roof with repairs to guttering and the existing defective lead flashing
- Replacing the kitchen
- Full redecoration throughout
- Grounds maintenance including installation of new fencing
The home has now been re-let to a Harlow family from the council’s Housing Needs Register who are settling in well.
Councillor David Carter, cabinet portfolio holder for housing, said:
“I am very pleased with the results of the work carried out to this historic building, which has stood here in the Harlow area since the 18th century. It’s another example of the council delivering on its priority to fix council housing, and the works that have been carried out really have restored Fountains Farmhouse to its former glory.
“This is a beautiful home which has been let to a family on our Housing Needs Register, who get to live in one of Harlow’s historic Grade-II listed buildings.”