Renovation of a historic Kent Isle barn in Canterbury / Town Carpentry Ltd

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The restoration of Wychurst’s Kentish barn combines traditional craftsmanship with practical conservation. Work focuses on preserving its timber structure and historic character, alongside lime plastering and limewash paints to protect, finish and enhance the building using traditional materials. As part of Wychurst’s wider reconstruction project, the barn demonstrates how historic building techniques can be maintained through hands-on craftsmanship.

We recently had the pleasure of restoring this beautiful Kent barn, tucked away in the woodland surrounding Canterbury.

After years of wear, the building required extensive attention to bring it back to its rightful condition. Following the installation of comprehensive working access, we undertook the renewal of lime-plastered panels across all four elevations, using breathable, traditional materials sympathetic to the historic fabric of the building.

Our attention then turned to the roof. The original oak shakes along the ridgeline had become badly worn and were allowing water into the roof structure. New hand-cleft oak shingles were carefully installed, together with lead detailing to the ridge, providing a temporary weatherproofing solution while we await funding to undertake a full overhaul of the roof.

Once the lime plastering was complete, we moved on to the interior painting. Given the traditional materials used throughout the building, it was important that the finishes remained equally breathable and natural. A limewash mixed with natural pigments was applied to create the striking yellow finish, while the oak frame was treated with a linseed-based finish and natural pigment to achieve the rich, deep red colour.

These finishes not only complement the character of the barn but also allow the historic materials to breathe, helping to protect the building for years to come.

This project is a great example of how traditional materials, extensive product knowledge and professional installation can work together to preserve and enhance a historic building, while respecting the materials and methods that make it so special.

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What our customers say

We take great pride in the quality of our work and the relationships we build with our customers. Read what our clients have to say about their experience working with Town Carpentry Ltd.

The Town Carpentry team are highly skilled in the building trade, with strengths in period properties, oak frames, and traditional construction techniques. Matt and his team offer constructive ideas, supported by their extensive experience in crafting beautiful spaces. A pleasure to work with.

I write this review unsolicited and because I think this company deserves full credit for a highly professional service. Throughout the whole building programme, I found Rob Town extremely competent in the execution of the works and forthcoming with advice and suggestions. Moreover, his team on site were hard working and always approachable and friendly.

Beautiful traditional timber framing. The guys at Town Carpentry are proper professionals with a deep knowledge of their material and generational expertise. They have a deep love for the history of their trade, and it shows through in the work they do.

We think Town Carpentry are a great company and cannot praise them enough. They are involved in the very long project of all aspects renovating our 300 year old Grade II listed 10 room home. They have discussed , listened and carried out work to a very high standard. Especially keeping work to match the design and age of the house. Rob and Matt have a fantastic team of experienced guys and apprentices.

Town Carpentry made an exceptional contribution to our project. From the outset they showed careful and precise planning, coupled with intelligent questioning of our designs, resulting in helpful modifications. Their high standard of craftsmanship and smooth, efficient construction was a pleasure to witness and was coupled with a positive attitude and friendly good humour. I would not hesitate to work with them again.

Amazing carpentry business. My job was low level for Rob who is a master carpenter. I was in awe of some of the work he’d previously done but I was theilled with my kitchen work surfaces and it does show that no job is too small even though I believe Town Carpentry are even designing and making Shepherds Huts! Totally brilliant service and lively people to deal with. Highly recommended.

Having had the privilege to see the work of Town Carpentry and its expert crafters first hand in both residential and historic project contexts I can wholeheartedly recommend their excellent work for any carpentry projects you may be considering. The skill and dedication of the workers is exemplified in the design choices, working methods and aesthetically pleasing results.

We are very pleased with the work that Town Carpentry did for us. Matt and his team were very professional and informative. They liased with us throughout the entire process, which was very helpful. We were very impressed with the level of craftsmanship and the finish that they achieved. We will definitely be using them again for our next project!

Town Carpentry combine a rare skillset with a depth of knowledge and experience that is second to none. We have always valued their friendly approach and their understanding of our scheduling and budget requirements. You will not find better than Town Carpentry!

We engaged Town Carpentry to replace our conservatory with something bespoke. Service was excellent from start to finish working with our specific requirements and within our budget. The end result exceeded our expectations and we are extremely happy. I would not hesitate to recommend them.

Town Carpentry were incredibly knowledgeable and talented in constructing our authentic Anglo-Saxon timber buildings and our much requested foot bridge. It was an amazing experience to see people working with old English oak.

We recently instructed Town Carpentry. The whole process was seamless and smooth from start to finish. The team were incredibly professional throughout and the final product was exceptional and of the highest quality. I would recommend Town Carpentry to anyone.

Wychurst Hall, Canterbury