Barr Build are dedicated to the sympathetic conservation, restoration and enhancement of listed historic buildings, great and small.
Heritage Restoration
Service Overview
Service
Overview
With extensive experience in prestigious historic buildings restoration, working under the guidance of specialist conservation consultants and some of our countries most eminent historic architects, traditional craftmanship is paired with excellence of standards and processes.
Projects approved by Historic England and the Oxford Preservation Trust, include works for Oxford University Colleges, National Trust, Chequers Trust, Stonor Park, Eton College and countless other listed private and commercial residences.
Clyde House
LondonThe reconfiguration and extension of an architecturally notable 1820s Chiswick residence.
The Chapel
West OxfordshireThe conversion of an 18th-century Cotswold stone chapel to form a luxurious, three-bedroomed residential dwelling.
Oxfordshire Farmhouse
West OxfordshireOxfordshire Farmhouse required extensive internal and external restoration works to the front section of the property, as well as refurbishment throughout.
Northend Farmhouse
BuckinghamshireExtensive restoration and enhancement works to a Grade II-listed village residence, carried out over four separate work phases.
Mill House
West OxfordshireThe top-to-toe renovation of a Georgian Cotswolds townhouse, including a traditional stone garden room extension.
Roell House
West BerkshireThe heritage-approved restoration and extension of a Grade II-listed country residence.
The Old Vicarage
OxfordshireThe renovation and extension of an 18thC Old Vicarage, to the stunning creative scheme of Samantha Todhunter Design, as featured in House and Garden magazine.
The Old Fox
West OxfordshireThe extension, restoration, and remodelling of a listed 17th-century public house to create a comfortable, sustainable family home.
Maresfield Barn
South OxfordshireThe restoration and repurposing of two 17th-century curtilage listed barns, to create a separate annexed leisure suite. Heritage-compliant extension and alteration works were carried out to facilitate flow and access, as well as structural works to ensure long-term stability and energy efficiency.
Maresfield House
OxfordshireThe renovation and remodelling of a 17th-century country residence, where the restoration of original architectural features balanced perfectly with elegant modern finishes throughout.
Blatchford House
BerkshireAn extension and refurbishment of a 16th/17th century timber framed residence and addition of thatched brick built pool house.
Sawrey House
West OxfordshireThe renovation and reconfiguration of a Cotswold stone property, breathing new life into a wonderfully situated, three-story residence.
Ferry Cottage
North OxfordThe works to Ferry Cottage included the demolition of a 1970s extension, extensive restoration to the original cottage and the new build of a contemporary glazed extension, designed to maximise living space and to reveal the previously covered rear face of this historically significant property.
Admirals House
CotswoldsThe sympathetic renovation of an historically significant Georgian Cotswold stone townhouse. Works included careful internal remodelling and the restoration of original features throughout.
Cotswold Farmhouse
GloucestershireThe renovation and extension of a heritage listed Cotswolds farmhouse, exhibiting stunning design-led features and traditional craftsmanship throughout.
Ferry Cottage Annex
OxfordshireThe repurposing of a charming Oxfordshire stone outbuilding to create a substantial multi-purpose annex.
Lashlake House
OxfordshireThe complete renovation and extension of this Grade II* listed building.
Rhodes House Trust
OxfordshireAn internal and external heritage matched refurbishment project for this prestigious Oxford University building.
The Green
BuckinghamshireWe provided the specification, fit and finish for the extension and renovation of this period cottage.
Thatcham Hall
BerkshireThe complete renovation of this 18th Century listed manor house, over three distinct work phases.
Strawberry House
LondonThe sympathetic restoration and alteration of a heritage West London property.
Lower Beech Farm
OxfordshireThe sympathetic extension of this Grade II listed thatched cottage, creating a bright, spacious country kitchen.
Kings Row
OxfordshireA single-storey stone-clad extension, designed and built to compliment the Grade II listed residence against which it sits.
Jesus College
OxfordshireBarr Build were privileged to act as principal contractor for the renovation of Jesus College’s dining hall.
Moor Lane
North OxfordshireThe renovation and extension of a listed cottage, bringing improved functionality and flow to the property, for enhanced family living.
Heritage Restoration Projects
Each unique heritage project is approached with deference to the building and in close collaboration with our clients and specialist project partners. Extensive training and experience enable a knowledgeable, collaborative response to each challenge.
Listed residential properties, whose fabric has been rendered unstable over time or through adaptation or intervention, often without the appropriate care and consents, is safe in the hands of the experienced Barr Build team. Alterations, extensions, or demolitions that affect the building's character, both internally and externally, are approached with the greatest care.
This structured approach allows us to protect historic fabric, respond appropriately to unforeseen conditions, and deliver work which is authentic, durable and respectful of the building’s age and significance.
Heritage Restoration Services
Listed building restoration and repair
Conservation of traditional materials and historic fabric
Structural remediation and stabilisation
Heritage roofing, masonry and external works
“I often feel the term “craftsmen” is somewhat bereft of its true value in the modern era. However, to my mind, the (Barr Build) team really do justice to the great tradition of craftsmanship in demonstrating what can be achieved with skill, expertise and great ability. Superb!”
A Conservation-Led Philosophy
Our heritage work is guided by a simple principle: intervene only where it adds long-term value to the building. We prioritise repair over replacement, use appropriate materials and methods, and avoid unnecessary alteration. The aim is not to modernise historic buildings beyond recognition, but to ensure they remain robust, functional and enjoyable for generations to come.
This conservation-led mindset informs every decision, from structural solutions to the smallest finishing detail.
Service Areas
Location, location, location
At Barr Build, we are perfectly positioned to carry out projects from West London to the Cotswolds and everywhere in between. Although much of our work is in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, projects further afield are made possible through the assignment of a locally based, dedicated Barr Build team.
Oxfordshire
Oxford, Thame, Henley-on-Thames, Wallingford, Abingdon, Witney, Bicester
The Cotswolds
Burford, Chipping Norton, Woodstock, Charlbury, and surrounding areas
Buckinghamshire
Marlow, Beaconsfield, Princes Risborough, Haddenham.
Neighbouring Counties
Berkshire, Hertfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
Open and Transparent
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work on listed buildings and conservation properties?
Yes. We regularly undertake restoration works on listed buildings and properties within conservation areas. Our approach aligns with conservation best practice, and we are experienced in managing works sensitively while coordinating approvals, surveys and specialist input where required.
How do you balance restoration with modern living requirements?
We focus on discreet, carefully planned improvements that enhance comfort without compromising historic fabric. This may include upgrading services, improving thermal performance or addressing ventilation; always using methods suited to traditional construction rather than imposing modern solutions that could cause long-term harm.
What happens if unexpected issues are uncovered during works?
Discovery is expected on heritage projects. We manage this through clear communication, providing considered options that balance conservation principles, cost and long-term performance. Decisions are made collaboratively, with transparency and calm control.
Do you replace original materials if they are damaged?
Wherever possible, we prioritise repair. Replacement is only recommended when materials are beyond practical repair, and then we use like-for-like materials and traditional techniques to maintain authenticity.
Can you provide ongoing care after restoration is complete?
Yes. Many heritage properties benefit from planned inspections and preventative maintenance. Our aftercare and maintenance service can help protect the building and address minor issues before they escalate.
Do you have a similar project in mind?
If you are considering a contemporary replacement dwelling, low-carbon new build or architect-designed home in the Chilterns or surrounding counties, we would be delighted to talk.
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