Devon
Products Used
The sensitive refurbishment of Bakers Cottage, a Grade II listed property in the heart of Newton St Cyres, required a roofing solution that could faithfully reinstate the building’s historic character while meeting the stringent demands of listed building consent.
With the original scantal slate roof having been cement washed and deemed unsuitable for reuse, the project team faced the challenge of sourcing a natural slate that could accurately replicate the irregularity and visual texture of the original installation.
Working in close collaboration with the local planning and conservation authorities, SSQ supplied its Riverstone Ultra Natural Slate in a random width diminishing course specification (500mm, 450mm, 400mm, 350mm, 300mm). SSQ provided detailed coursing and fixing detail which was approved by the local planning and conservation teams as a true reflection of the original slate works.
The cottage was subject to conditional planning related to natural slate, size, coursing and fixing method. The Riverstone Random Diminishing Course slating was approved by the planning and historic environment team as representing the most similar slate to the original random width slating which had previously been installed and the Riverstone slate was geologically identical to the indigenous slate originally fixed to the roof.
Installation demanded a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Slates were carefully sorted and graded on the ground prior to installation, categorised into three thicknesses, thin, medium and thick, with the thicker slates reserved for the eaves, ensuring structural integrity and visual authenticity. Each slate was individually holed on site to achieve the correct gauge as installation progressed, while side laps were calculated to maintain consistent weathering performance across varying slate lengths.
True chalk lines were used to guide installation, ensuring a regular appearance, while vertical joints were controlled to a maximum of 5mm to avoid tight butt joints.
Careful coordination by main contractor R J Salter and Sons Ltd ensured smooth progression, with materials managed efficiently throughout the programme.
Completed on time and within budget, Bakers Cottage stands as a compelling example of how SSQ’s Riverstone Ultra can successfully meet the complex demands of heritage roofing. By combining technical expertise, planning compliance and material authenticity, the project delivers a durable, high-performance solution that preserves the architectural integrity of this distinctive Devon property for generations to come.
