Register for Buildings and Sites of Architectural, Archaeological and Historical Importance in Jersey
Haut du Mont, La Rue de la Hauteur, St. Helier.
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 principles of selection for registration as set out in the interim policies for the conservation of historic buildings (1998). 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: 23 July 2008
File ref: HE9228
Current status
Not registered (first registered in 1992; removed from the Register in October 1995 – there are no records indicating why this decision was taken).
Relevant interests of the site
Historic interest
Early-mid 19th century farmhouse that has been home to the Mourant family since the early 1800s.
Architectural interest
The former farmhouse is of a typical Jersey pattern, being 5-bay, 2-storey with a smaller dower wing. The main south front of the house is of squared rubble granite with dressed quoins and surrounds to window and door openings, and an embossed 1867 marriage stone above the main door. All of the windows are later replacements and there are modern multi-pane glazed doors throughout. The roof is pitched with slate and has a decorative pair of rendered stacks with cornice band.
The dower has a rendered façade in imitation ashlar and other walls of painted rubble granite. The gable of the dower faces the roadside and its rear corner is cut back and curved to allow for easier cart access into the yard. There is an incised datestone on the front façade 18PCMP¬AJRM97, and a 1773 marriage above the back door which sits proud of the wall and appears to have been re-sited from elsewhere. The dower has a matching chimneystack to the main house.
The farmhouse substantially retains its historic external form although it has lost its original window and door fittings, and a window opening has been enlarged into an extra doorway on the front façade. There are also small modern extensions to the front and rear and the gardens around the house have been landscaped with modern domestic features.
Scenic interest / group value
The dower adds character to the roadside although the main body of the farmhouse is mostly hidden from view.
Advice offered by MRLAG (and others if stated)
MRLAG considered the interest of the building at its meeting on 7 July 2008. Taking into consideration the age of the building and the surviving external form and character, all members were satisfied that Haut du Mont has sufficient interest to be registered as a BLI.
Jersey Heritage recommendation
Haut du Mont should be registered as a BLI.
Justification relating to criteria
The registration of Haut du Mont as a BLI is in accordance with the published policy guidance as follows:
· The farmhouse retains its external historic form and detail, and so makes a significant and positive contribution to the architectural and historical character and appearance of Jersey;
· The building is significant for its architectural design, craftsmanship, composition and use of materials as an early-mid 19th century farmhouse;
The farmhouse illustrates aspects of Jersey’s social, economic and cultural history;
The dower wing of the farmhouse makes a positive scenic contribution to La Rue de la Hauteur.
Attachments
Assessment form and photographs, July 2008
Plan