South Molton
Products Used
Refurbished Grade II Listed Farmhouse, with a SSQ Riverstone Roof, on Great Wadham Estate.
Preserving a Historic Devon Landmark
Located near South Molton, Devon, Great Wadham Farm is a Grade II Listed farmhouse at the heart of the historic 152-acre Great Wadham Estate. Dating back to the mid-17th century, the property forms part of a significant collection of heritage assets, including traditional farm buildings, woodland, and orchards. As part of a wider restoration programme, the farmhouse required a complete roof refurbishment that would protect the building’s future while preserving its historic character.
Choosing the Right Natural Slate
Selecting an appropriate roofing material was critical to the success of the project. It required a natural slate that would closely match the appearance of traditional Delabole slate, an indigenous material historically associated with heritage buildings throughout the Southwest.
Great Wadham Farmhouse Roof (Before) with Indigenous Delabole Slate
SSQ Riverstone Ultra Phyllite was selected due to its proven use on heritage and conservation projects across the UK. Its geological characteristics and visual appearance closely resemble traditional Delabole slate, making it particularly suitable for this sensitive restoration.
Skilled Slate Installation
Before roofing works could begin, the existing roof coverings containing asbestos were carefully removed and disposed of in accordance with strict environmental and safety requirements. Once the roof structure had been inspected and confirmed suitable, the installation of the new slate roof commenced.
Kilbride Roofing installed approximately 9,000 SSQ Riverstone Ultra slates using recognised best-practice slating methods. The slates were graded prior to installation and carefully set out to achieve consistent lines and a uniform appearance across the roof. This diligence ensured the completed roof complemented the farmhouse’s historic architecture while delivering modern performance standards.
Overcoming Heritage and Ecological Challenges
Bat Access Slates highlighted on Great Wadham Farm House Roof.
Like many listed building projects, Great Wadham Farm presented challenges beyond a typical roof replacement. Extensive consultation with planning and conservation officers was required to ensure the proposed materials and installation methods respected the building’s historic significance.
Ecological requirements added a further layer of complexity. Bat activity was identified so specific measures were incorporated into the roofing design. Dedicated bat access slates were designed into the overall specification by Jonathan Rhind Architects, and existing access points were retained where necessary.
A Roof Built for Future Generations
The Great Wadham Farm restoration demonstrates how premium natural slate can successfully combine authenticity, durability, and long-term performance.
Through the expertise of Kilbride Roofing Ltd, the technical support of SSQ UK Ltd, and the collaborative efforts of the wider project team, Great Wadham Farm now benefits from a heritage roofing solution that respects the past while safeguarding the future. This project stands as an excellent example of how natural slate roofing can play a vital role in the conservation of the UK’s historic buildings.
