About

Inspired by the Landmark Trust, Heritage England and The National Trust, Wisson Hill is a significant historic building now offered for holiday lets. This Tudor period, or ‘early modern’ farmhouse has been restored in line with the principles of these great conservation organisations: as much original structure has been retained as possible, minimal alterations, and repairs done using traditional materials and techniques. The resulting building is rich with period features but much more than that: real historical detail for you to see. Used continually as a home for centuries – even during restoration – it is comfortable and takes advantage of modern technology.

Some background

In 2006 it was just about a family looking for a home in the right sort of area with enough space for small boys to kick a ball around. When the structural survey came back mentioning an attic space ‘of great antiquity’ the adventure began.

The oak timbers of main structure have been dated, using dendrochronology or tree ring dating, to the winter of 1529/1530, so at the time of Henry VIII’s wooing of Ann Boleyn and the start of the English Reformation. Uncovering parts of the house that have been untouched since the house was first built can certainly cause goosebumps.

Most of the house is built from elm, which was common and cheaper than oak at the time, but the main trusses are oak, which has allowed tree-ring dating (not possible with faster-growing elm). Experts agree that both remaining sections were probably built – as separate but adjacent structures – soon after the timber was felled, as ‘green’ oak is easier to work.

Where is the house?

Wisson Hill is the name of a Tudor farmhouse in the hamlet of Barton (postcode B50 4NP), which is part of the parish of Bidford-on-Avon. Barton is in Warwickshire, England, but about a quarter of a mile from the Worcestershire county boundary, and not much further to Gloucestershire: a modest bike ride takes in three counties.

Barton lies on the river Avon, in a triangle between Roman Alcester (6 miles), fruit and asparagus growing Evesham (8 miles) and Stratford-upon-Avon (7 miles).

We are just north of the Cotswolds, with Chipping Campden about 15 minutes away by car. In the other direction, junction 15 of the M40 (Warwick) is about 20 minutes away.

Our environment

The environment has been important all the way through this project, and continues to be, including (more detail to follow):

• Using (and reusing) materials to minimise environmental impact
• Introducing renewable energy to a Grade II listed building
• Respecting and welcoming nature, inside and outside

A personal story

There is no hiding the fact that I pop up everywhere, from handing over the key to guests, to maintenance videos, so I perhaps should show my face. I moved to Wisson Hill in 2006, with my young family. At that time, we were looking for a home within reach of school, with space for boys to play football in the garden. My fire of historic interest was kindled by a phrase in the structural survey: ‘the attic is of great antiquity’.

At that time, the attic was only place where you could really appreciate the age of the house. We knew that there was some rot in the timber frame by the kitchen and expected a small repair. Luckily we took the precaution of relocating the kitchen to the wash house, as repairs to that part of the house were dramatic, as you can see from the ‘before and after’ photos.

So it was in 2008, with the house in chaos, that Nick Molyneux of English Heritage (now Historic England) visited to check on a listed building consent (LBC) application to reinstate ogee carving for the cross-passage entrance on the frontage. ‘Somebody actually lives here?’ he asked. It was inevitable that I would be drawn into LBC applications, finding the right specialist contractors, understanding right from wrong regarding building materials, and the joy of uncovering parts of the house that had been out of sight for centuries.

Some of the structural ‘surprises’ discovered have required a strong nerve. I have managed to take some lairy revelations in my stride, through a combination of reminding myself that – despite all of the astonishing assaults on the timber frame structure – the house has continued to stand for hundreds of years, and by working with experienced builders. Richard and Jeremy Castle have become friends through many years of sharing the highs and lows of this restoration project.

Archeo-DIY

For a lover of historic buildings, the process of doing a job yourself, and being rewarded with archeological finds, is priceless. With few practical skills, my jobs include clearing the attic and laying wool insulation, taking down gypsum plasterboard, paint-stripping or chipping paint blobs off floorboards and flag stones. But careful observation is rewarded and these finds are shared in the blogs.

Historical research and finding real people

Although I commissioned an experienced professional to carry out research into the owners of Wisson Hill, I have done my time searching online and in the archives of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Warwick County Record Office. Memorable research moments include:

• Finding Thomas Bushell’s detailed and personal will online, not to mention the Shakespeare and Gunpowder Plot connections
• The emotional rollercoaster of putting together the story of ‘lunatic’ Henry Hurst
• The sheer joy of reading the names and ages of horses, cows and sheep in a 1796 inventory, as well as the name, task and wage of people working in the fields
• The sadness of Hannah Tippett not appearing in the 1851? census (dead, I presumed), then the relief in finding her alive and well in the next census. Had she been visiting relatives on Census night?
• Chatting to Bill Beard about his memories of living at Wisson Hill aged about 10, before the second World War

Questions frequently asked about Wisson Hill