Services

Historic Building Appraisals

We are an award-winning consultancy specialising in historic buildings and the wider heritage environment. We work with private clients, estates, institutions, and commercial organisations to deliver informed, practical solutions for complex heritage projects.

With particular expertise in traditional and vernacular architecture—especially timber-framed structures—we provide clear, reliable advice to support the conservation, adaptation, and sensitive redevelopment of historic assets.

Our approach combines rigorous research with a pragmatic understanding of planning and construction, enabling us to guide projects from early-stage assessment through to delivery. Whether preparing heritage statements, managing listed building applications, or developing repair strategies, we focus on achieving outcomes that respect significance while meeting modern needs.

Operating across Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and the wider South East, our team brings together specialist knowledge, technical precision, and a collaborative mindset. At Manorwood, we are committed to safeguarding historic buildings by ensuring they remain relevant, usable, and valued for generations to come.

FAQ

What is a Historic Building Appraisal?

A Historic Building Appraisal is a detailed assessment of a building’s architectural, historical, and heritage significance. It considers the building’s development, materials, construction methods, alterations, and wider historic context to establish what makes the building important and how its significance should inform future works.

Why might I need a Historic Building Appraisal?

A Historic Building Appraisal can provide an essential evidence base for conservation, planning, alteration, refurbishment, or redevelopment projects involving historic buildings. It can help identify significant fabric, inform design decisions, support planning applications, and ensure proposed works are appropriate to the building’s heritage value.

Can you assess listed, timber-framed and vernacular buildings?

Yes. We have particular expertise in listed buildings, traditional and vernacular architecture, and timber-framed structures. Our appraisals examine historic construction, surviving fabric, alterations, and the development of the building to establish its significance and inform appropriate repair, adaptation, restoration, or redevelopment.

Can a Historic Building Appraisal support a planning application?

Yes. A Historic Building Appraisal can provide valuable supporting evidence for planning and listed building applications. It can help inform Heritage Statements, establish the significance of a building, and demonstrate how proposed works have been developed with an understanding of its historic character and heritage value.

Where do you provide Historic Building Appraisals?

We provide Historic Building Appraisals across East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire, as well as throughout the wider South East of England such as Dorset. We work with private clients, estates, institutions, and commercial organisations on historic building and heritage projects.