FIVE stunning and historic Herefordshire houses and buildings are among those named on the Historic England Heritage at Risk Register.
The register lists the health of England’s most valued historic places and those most at risk of being lost as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development.
Here are all of the Herefordshire houses listed on the register for 2023, which was released on November 9.
Walsopthorne Farmhouse, Walsopthorne, Ashperton
Listed Building grade II*
Built in around 1600, this timber-framed house was built on a C-plan to give an impression of size and stature, Historic England said.
It is of two storeys built on a stone plinth with stone mullioned windows to the cellar and has a plain clay tile roof.
The east range was historically the ‘high’ end, the west range was converted to farm use in the 19th century with the addition of two brick hop kilns. The roof, rainwater goods, infill panels, doors and windows are in poor condition and there is evidence of movement in the east and west ranges.
Historic England said the privately-owned part-occupied building is currently in poor condition and in slow decay, with no solution agreed.
Listed Building grade II*
Belmont House was built in the late 18th century by James Wyatt, and was extended and remodelled by E.W. Pugin in around 1860.
It has sat empty since 2014 and is deteriorating through a longstanding lack of regular maintenance, Historic England said. Holes in the roof and broken windows allow rain entry and increased risk of rot and decay, while delamination and erosion of stonework is a problem.
A new use for the building is critical to its future and should be encouraged through the planning process, Historic England said.
The commercially-owned vacant building is described as being in poor condition and at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric, with no solution agreed.
Outbuilding east of Marstow Court (formerly listed as the Granary at Marstow), Marstow
Listed Building grade II*
The 15th century building, now in agricultural use, is reputed to have been associated with the Knights Hospitallers who held lands in Marstow.
Historic England said it is built of sandstone rubble under a Welsh slate roof with 18th and 19th century alterations. The stonework and pointing are generally in poor condition; there are slipped and missing roof slates and the windows and doors are in poor condition. A scheme for conversion was approved several years ago, but works are yet to take place.
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The privately-owned building, which is part in use, is described as being in poor condition and in slow decay, with a solution agreed but not yet implemented.
Glibes Farmhouse, Michaelchurch Escley
Listed Building grade II*
Probably dating from the 17th century with 18th century alterations, this remote farmhouse is built of thin coursed rubble stone.
Historic England said the roof was of stone tiles but has been temporarily replaced with metal sheet. The building is unoccupied and in need of comprehensive repair. A programme of urgent works, including repair of the temporary roof and rebuilding of fallen masonry, has improved its condition but the chimney stacks are deteriorating and further long term repairs are necessary.
The privately-owned building, which is vacant, is described as being in very bad condition and in slow decay, with no solution agreed.
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A further listing on the register is for an 18th-century four-bay barn with an extra bay for a cow house and a further loft bay linking to the farmhouse, which has collapsed.
Historic England said a temporary metal sheet roof protects the building, which is unused and in need of comprehensive repair. The owner has no proposals for the repair of the building, and its future is uncertain.
The privately-owned building, which is vacant, is described as being in very bad condition and at immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric, with no solution agreed.
Court Farmhouse, Preston Wynne
Listed Building grade II*
Court Farmhouse is a former hall house dating from the C14 which retains a spere truss and cruck truss, Historic England said.
This building is now used for storage with residential accommodation in the later 17th century house which was added to the south end. Essential stabilisation and roofing works have previously been undertaken but the condition of the building continues to decline.
The privately-owned part-occupied building is described as being in poor condition and in slow decay with no solution agreed.
Domestic buildings added or removed
No new houses have been added to the register in 2023 but one, New Court in Lugwardine, has been removed and is no longer deemed to be at risk.
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