A prestigious project to restore Les Cotils Farm in St Helier, Jersey continues to make good progress.
The project has been designed to return the farm house to its former glory, providing high quality domestic accommodation for a large family. Once complete the house will boast five double bedrooms, three bathrooms, two reception rooms, a kitchen and utility room.
The property is located approximately one mile north of the town of St Helier and overlooks an apple tree orchard to the south and agricultural land to the north. The building forms part of a listed traditional farm complex and is listed under the Jersey system as a Building of Local Interest (UK Grade 3 equivalent).
The property was bequeathed to The National Trust for Jersey in 2003, by Mr D.P. Le Brun. It is believed that the original house was built in the early 18th Century. During the 19th Century it suffered a serious fire which caused substantial damage. Following the fire, the property underwent a major rebuild and extension.
The current project is being undertaken by the house’s owner, The National Trust for Jersey, a local registered charity. The National Trust for Jersey is acting as the main contractor, working alongside architectural consultants for the scheme, Architectural Technology Services C.I.
Hartigan Consultant Engineers is the structural consultant for the works, whilst Emanee Engineering Services Ltd is responsible for the project’s mechanical and electrical installations.
Due to the extensive nature of the internal and external works it was necessary for the tenant to vacate the property in 2012. Work began in earnest on the Les Cotils Farm restoration in 2013 and it is currently scheduled to be completed in early 2015. Work is progressing in accordance with a phased programme and has been dependent upon the availability of the National Trust’s labour force.
Internal works include, structural stiffening of the house’s timber floors; the restoration of lime plaster lathe ceilings; the introduction of new hot and cold water services; and the installation of new damp proof courses. New insulated drylining wall surfaces are also being installed, as are new purpose built kitchen units. Additional internal works include lime re-pointing to the granite walls; the provision of low energy lighting; and the installation of sheep’s wool loft insulation.
External works at Les Cotils Farm include the removal of cement pointing to dressed granite walls; re-pointing in lime mortar; the fabrication and fixing of new timber guttering; and the installation of a twin air-to-water heat pump system, supplying heating and hot water services. The house’s existing uPVC windows are being replaced with purpose made, single glazed traditional design timber windows; and a new grey water recycling system will provide water for toilet flushing and clothes washing. To complete the external works, the building’s roof is being repaired and a new underground foul and surface drainage system is being installed.
To round out the project, the property’s domestic garden – located to the south of the house – is being redesigned and extended and the driveway and car parking area is being resurfaced with a mix of local pink granite chippings and granite cobble stone finishes.
Commenting on the project, Robert Le Mottée of the National Trust for Jersey said:
“The project is extremely important to the National Trust for Jersey and for the local community, as it will ensure that this excellent example of a traditional Jersey farmhouse/smallholding is saved for prosperity and it will form an important part of The National Trust for Jersey’s portfolio of historic properties.
“This sensitive restoration, completed utilizing environmentally friendly products and energy efficient equipment, respects the integrity of this historic farm complex. Restored in this manner, Les Cotils Farm will generate sufficient income to ensure that it can be appropriately maintained in the future.”
For more information about The National Trust for Jersey, please visit: www.nationaltrust.je.
