Gayton Hall

Gayton Hall, erected in the early nineteenth century for the then Member of Parliament for Hereford, originally stood as a stately country residence, nestled within beautifully landscaped gardens and featuring a walled garden. The principal facade showcased three bays accented by a Doric porch, while the side facade extended over five bays, including blank arches on the ground floor and a veranda topped with a parapet. By the late 19th century, the property had transitioned into part of the Ashburton Estate before being sold, circa 1890, with approximately 23 acres of its original expanse to Vice-Admiral Marshall. The Marshalls resided there until 1955, after which the estate changed hands briefly to Mr. Rennie. During Mr. Rennie's ownership, significant portions of the house were demolished, and many of its interior features were removed. The structure that stands today dates back to 1957, incorporating elements of the historic core, some original walling, and surface finishes. Recent owners have undertaken the removal of mid-20th-century repairs that used incompatible materials. Notably, the walled garden, completed in 1837, has remained intact through these transformations.

The project’s recent focus involved securing planning permission to dismantle an incongruous garage extension and construct in its place a ground-floor bedroom and bathroom. The design aimed to echo the Georgian style of the original facade, including matching sash windows and a sympathetic roof design, ensuring the extension harmonized with the existing structure while distinctly marking it as a contemporary addition. This extension received approval in the summer of 2021.

Despite the building's undesignated status (not listed) due to significant alterations from its original form, and the unregistered state of the historic landscape and walled garden, our approach to the restoration and modification of Gayton Hall was meticulous and respectful of its historical context. We apply the same level of care to all historic properties, regardless of their listing status, ensuring that each intervention acknowledges and preserves the site's heritage.