Listed building stonework restoration. Great Burgh House, Epsom, Surrey

We were contacted by the owners and management team of Great Burgh House and asked to look into some issues with the building’s stonework. They’d noticed that parapet wall stones and a courtyard wall were showing signs of degradation.

The house was constructed in 1912/1913 in a Neo-Georgian style. It is Grade II listed as a building of architectural interest and importance.

The House and its surrounding estate are now home to the Science Group, an international science, engineering and technology business. It was vital that their business could continue while our works were carried out.

Another challenge was the weather and low temperatures – our work was undertaken in winter.

We produced a fully costed photo survey so the client had the full picture, and cost, of the proposed scope of works. Due to the building’s design, access to the roof was easily accessible from an internal staircase so a fair assessment of the parapet stone wall could be made without scaffolding access.

Our survey revealed that several sections of the parapet Bath stone wall were in need of replacement along with some replacement of roof slates.

New lead work was needed to some of the gutters and copings that covered the parapet stones. There were further sections of stone in the courtyard wall that needed replacing as well as some Portland stone paving along with several hundred linear metres (L/M) of stone pointing to be raked out and redone. More than twenty of the balusters making up the balustrades to the garden’s staircases were also in need of replacement.

Once costs were agreed, we put a programme of works in place, with a start date.

Then we began templating the various stones from the estate. We could then begin to produce the necessary stonework required, at our workshop.

Bath stone for the parapet was ordered from our quarries, along with the Portland stone we’d need to cut the necessary paving replacements.

We turned the balusters on a machine with the remaining details finished by hand. This process helps increase production speed and reduce costs.

By working alongside the client we were able to remove the bigger stones and cut where necessary with the minimum disruption to the client’s business. We repaired and restored stonework in the roofline and in the courtyard and gardens.

Over the 10 weeks we were on site, all scoped works were completed and we were able to finish on time. A job well done.

We’re proud to have played a part in maintaining this magnificent building and grounds.

• Enhanced structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the historic building, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
• Enhanced safety and stability of the courtyard and garden areas with the replacement of degraded stone paving and balusters, providing a safer environment for employees and visitors.
• Assured continuous operation of the Science Group’s business activities during the renovation process, with minimal disruption.