Register for Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey
Warren Farm, Beaumont, St Peter
This report has been prepared by Jersey Heritage as part of its responsibility under a Service Level Agreement to provide reports and recommendations to the Minister for Planning and Environment on the architectural, historical and archaeological significance of buildings and sites.
The assessment and recommendation are made in accordance with the existing criteria for assessment and designation of historic buildings. The report includes the views and advice offered by the Ministerial Registration and Listing Advisory Group.
Author of report: Roger Hills BA(Hons) MA DipBldgCons (RICS) IHBC Head of Historic Buildings
Date of report: 25th September 2009
File ref: PE0119
Current status
BLI
Relevant interests of the site (see assessment form)
Historic interest
The historical interest of the house is limited to it being part of a late 19th century farm, probably built after the new Beaumont road was constructed. The building was constructed circa 1872-3 - it is not recorded on the 1871 census and the Land Registry shows the house was first sold in 1874. Subsequent census records show the occupants as farmers.
Architectural interest
The farmhouse is of modest architectural interest, constructed of painted stone rubble with simple brickwork used for dressings and chimneys, and an economically spaced slated roof. The arrangement of windows seems less then generous for a Victorian farmhouse of this period – the openings being widely spaced and the original windows of squat proportions. The style and period of window varies in different parts of the house: sash windows with slim glazing bars to the north front seemingly original; upper floor casements of a later date; and lower floor windows certainly a post-1920 insertion.
The house has an unusual layout – being built up against a steep incline – with a single-storey front (north) elevation, and a 2-storey rear (south) elevation. The original arrangement appears to have been upper floor accommodation with a doorway on the north front (with storage loft with loading door above), and ground floor storage with a large central doorway on the south front. The ground floor has since been converted to residential and the main entrance door relocated to the south with a pair of new window openings inserted.
Earlier extensions shown on a 1920 photograph have since been demolished and there is a later 20th century single-storey extension to the west.
Scenic interest / group value
The ‘cottage’ roadside elevations are of some scenic value.
Advice offered by MRLAG (and others if stated)
MRLAG discussed the property at its meeting on 14th September 2009. Members discussed the unusual layout of the original building - with accommodation on the first floor and storage above and below, and noted the unusual use of minimal fenestration and plain expanses of wall. 5 members were in favour of retaining the house as a BLI; 4 members argued that it should be removed from the register; 2 members remained unsure.
Jersey Heritage recommendation
Warren Farm should be removed from the Register.
Justification relating to criteria
The historical interest of the house is limited to it being part of a late 19th century farm. Its architectural quality is modest, and it is proposed that the house does not make a major contribution to local character and identity. As such, it would appear that Warren Farm does not merit registration.