These photographs document the current state of Old Manor Farm, Cottisford, an eight-century-old property that has suffered severe water damage, structural failure, and years of deterioration. The scale of what is required is considerable. So is what stands to be lost.
The ground-floor entrance and rear access corridors show stripped plasterwork, exposed stonework, and deteriorating joinery throughout. Historic arched doorways, a defining feature of the building's medieval character, remain structurally intact but are surrounded by surfaces requiring full restoration.
The kitchen was the room most severely affected by the water ingress event. Failed upper-floor plumbing caused flooding that stripped the room entirely: flooring, plasterwork, fitted cabinetry, and ceiling all requiring complete replacement. The photograph on the right shows the room as it stood before the damage occurred.
The original Victorian pantry, with its traditional stone shelving and flagged floor, shows significant water staining, broken tiling, and crumbling plaster. The room retains its historic character and original fittings, but requires careful restoration work to arrest ongoing deterioration.
The ground-floor cloakroom has been opened up to expose pipework for emergency isolation following the water damage event. OSB boarding provides temporary structural protection while a permanent solution is designed. Full reinstatement of plasterwork, fixtures, and finishes will be required.
The parlour, one of the principal ground-floor reception rooms, shows ceiling deterioration and plaster failure consistent with the broader structural issues above. Original joinery, shelving, and a handsome fireplace surround remain in place, providing a strong basis for restoration.
The principal reception room has been cleared and sealed, furniture consolidated and windows temporarily boarded while water penetration issues above are resolved. The room itself retains its proportions and character; it awaits restoration rather than reconstruction.
The first upper-floor bathroom shows exposed plumbing following emergency pipe work required after the water damage event. Fittings have been partially removed and the floor opened up to access the failed pipework at the source of the wider damage.
The second upper-floor bathroom has suffered the most severe structural damage on the property. The ceiling partially collapsed, exposing the historic lath-and-plaster construction and the floor joists above. Emergency stabilisation has been undertaken, but full structural repair, including joist replacement and ceiling reinstatement, is required. Views from the attic above confirm the extent of the failure.
Left: Bathroom II requiring total structural repair. Right: Joist condition at ceiling level.
Viewed from the attic space above, the structural failure seen from both angles.
The secondary attic staircase has suffered significant structural failure, with debris accumulation and partial ceiling collapse rendering the space unsafe for regular access. The staircase requires full structural assessment and reinstatement before the attic level can be safely used.
The barn building, historically used as ancillary farm accommodation, contains bathroom facilities in significant disrepair. The ground-floor bathroom requires a fully supported floor structure, while the first-floor bathroom shows defective flooring, open pipe chases, and areas of exposed brickwork requiring replastering.
The barn's mechanical services, including the central heating boiler plant, are inoperative and will require full replacement or significant overhaul. The laundry space has no functioning water supply and contains a backlog of stored items requiring clearance before restoration work can begin.
The restoration of Old Manor Farm is a generational task, but it begins with individual acts of generosity. Every pound donated goes directly toward the fabric of this extraordinary building and the mission it was established to serve.