Site Event/Activity record ECH6592 - Historic Building Investigation: Greysfield, Ferma Lane, Great Barrow, Cheshire West and Chester

An historic building assessment (level 1) was undertaken for Greysfield, a former residential home on Ferma Lane, Great Barrow, in advance of conversion into residential apartments. Greysfield was built between1875 and 1883 as a large domestic villa designed by Scottish architect WH Kelly. It is not listed, but lies within the Great Barrow Conservation Area, and is considered to be a non-designated heritage assets of local significance. The fabric of the property comprises a combination of sandstone and brick, with timber-framed upper storeys, imparting a strong and distinctive Cheshire character. The historic building investigation has enabled a basic record of Greyfields and its grounds to be compiled. This work confirmed that the interior of the building was subject to comprehensive refurbishment during its conversion to a residential care home, with the resultant loss of historic fixtures and fittings, especially on the upper floor where very few features of historic interest survive in-situ. The ground floor was similarly subject to refurbishment, although several fireplaces that appear to be original survive in place. However, these features will be retained in-situ as part of the development proposals, and the overall impact of the proposed development on the historic integrity of the building is considered to be negligible. (1)