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A recent restoration project involved carefully removing unstable brickwork from this beautiful old stone wall and repointing it with traditional lime mortar.
This 14-metre stretch of wall in Ludlow had been repaired several times over the years using cement and brick, which were unsuitable for the original construction. We were tasked with restoring it using the correct traditional materials and techniques.
All of the brick repairs were carefully removed, the damaged sections were rebuilt using locally sourced reclaimed stone, and the entire wall was repointed with breathable lime mortar. The result is a repair that not only looks in keeping with the original wall but will also help preserve it for many years to come.
It's always rewarding to give historic masonry the care and craftsmanship it deserves.
It's been a very busy couple of months repairing some beautiful old timber-framed properties.
We've been installing new sole plates and breathable infill panels, helping to preserve these historic buildings while ensuring they continue to perform as they should.
We also completed a smaller maintenance project, re-limewashing the panels to keep the property looking its best and performing exactly as intended. Regular maintenance is key to protecting traditional buildings and ensuring they stand the test of time.
It's always a privilege to work on these incredible heritage properties and play a part in their conservation.
Spent last week in Alma Vii, Romania, working on the conservation of a fortified church with significant architectural and cultural heritage.
It’s been a varied and rewarding few weeks for us, working across a range of traditional building repairs and improvements.
We started with sash window restoration on a property where the original single-glazed windows were cold and drafty. By carefully retaining the existing frames, we rebated them to accommodate slimline double glazing, improving thermal performance while preserving the character. We also installed new weights, along with staff and parting beads fitted with integrated draft seals.
Next, we carried out repairs on a beautiful timber-framed property. This involved splicing in new sections of seasoned, locally sourced oak to restore structural integrity while staying true to the building’s heritage. We also removed inappropriate brick and cement infill panels and replaced them with breathable lime-rendered infill, allowing the structure to perform as it should.
Finally, after the recent storms, we helped a client with essential roofing repairs, along with clearing out gutters and valleys to ensure proper drainage and prevent further issues.
A great mix of traditional skills and practical problem-solving—exactly the kind of work we enjoy.
Our next date has been released!!!
Come and get creative on the 21st of March in our cosy pottery workshop in Eyton, near Leominster. Spend a relaxing and inspiring 1.5 hours working on our pottery wheels to create your own clay masterpiece, guided every step of the way.
You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at modelling a charming little hobbit house to take home as a unique keepsake.
Your creations will be professionally fired, and you’ll be able to collect your finished masterpiece once it’s ready.
Cost: £45 per person
Refreshments provided.
Spaces are limited, so booking is essential.
Dan Richards Carpentry and Construction can help if you're looking to upgrade or repair your property this year — we’ve got it covered.
We specialise in listed and older properties, offering expert craftsmanship in:
●Timber frame repairs
●Kitchen installations
●Sash window overhauls
●General carpentry and restoration work
Whether it’s preserving period features or carrying out high-quality upgrades, we take pride in delivering reliable, professional results.
Drop us a message to arrange a free quotation or visit our website at www.cjrheritage.com to find out more.
Dan Richards Carpentry
CJR Heritage Services Herefordshire | Building Consultancy
www.cjrheritage.com
CJR Heritage Services CJR Heritage Services provide a comprehensive building consultancy and restoration capability. The partnership draws upon 50 years experience in historic building conservation, ...
We’ve been hiding from all this rain and getting stuck into our winter indoor jobs 🌧️
Recently we insulated another room using TLX Silver – the fourth room we’ve done for this client, who’s absolutely thrilled with how well it keeps the warmth in.
Right now we’re in the workshop restoring 12 sash windows, ready to install them next week. Busy times, even with the weather doing its thing!
Now’s the perfect time to get in touch and have a chat about the project you’re hoping to get done this year.
Heritage Crafts
Working on old buildings has been part of our day-to-day lives for as long as we can remember. It’s work we simply turn up and do—because it’s in our blood. We are always pushing our personal development within the industry, and our passion for heritage crafts has been in our family for generations.
Around 30 years ago, my father Colin built a bee-hive brick kiln at Acton Scott Heritage Farm. As children, he involved us in every stage of the project, and we were always keen to take part. We fired the kiln many times—each firing took five days and four nights to slowly bring it up to 900°C and then hold it there for 12 hours to ensure a successful firing.
Building that first kiln opened the door to incredible opportunities. Since then, we’ve worked across Europe and even travelled to China, where Colin helped restore a tower on the Great Wall. In Transylvania, we worked alongside local communities to set up brick and tile kilns supporting the restoration of their remarkable historic buildings.
Today, we continue to share our skills through TV programmes, training courses, and work with heritage organisations. Our crafts include:
Charcoal earth clamps
Brick and tile making
Lime kiln firing
Iron smelting
Lime plastering and pointing
Heritage blacksmithing
And much more
Our latest project in Herefordshire is now coming to an end. This property required extensive sole plate repairs, which we carried out with care and attention to traditional methods.
To access the damaged areas, we first removed the cement infill panels, then spliced the sole plate using locally sourced kiln-dried oak. Once the structural work was complete, we installed breathable infill panels finished with a two-coat lime render, ensuring the building can breathe and perform as intended.
As part of the restoration, all dormer windows were fitted with new oak fascias, completing the project with a high-quality, durable finish that complements the character of the property.