Historic Manor House in Wiltshire

The Project Details

When it comes to maintaining the charm and integrity of a historic property, attention to detail is key. One such property in Wiltshire, a stunning manor house that had weathered centuries, was recently in desperate need of an upgrade to its guttering system. The old cast iron gutters had done their job for many years, but after decades of exposure to the elements, they had finally given way. Worse still, they were undersized for the increasing deluges seen in recent years. It was clear—this historic home needed a modern solution to safeguard its future.

The first challenge of this restoration was selecting a guttering system that would both meet the functional needs of the property while respecting its age and character. Cast iron gutters may be steeped in history, but in today’s world, their limitations in capacity and durability were no longer enough for the heavy rainfall experienced in the region. A modern solution was required—one that could handle the volume of water while fitting seamlessly into the home’s aesthetic.

After careful consideration, a 150mm half-round cast aluminium system was chosen. This material, renowned for its longevity and resistance to corrosion, was an ideal choice for both performance and appearance. The sleek, modern look of aluminium, paired with its durability, ensured that the manor’s historic exterior could remain untouched, while the functionality of the guttering was drastically improved.

One of the unique challenges posed by this project was the need for bespoke design elements that would allow the new system to blend with the existing architecture. The manor’s stone mullions presented an additional challenge, as traditional mounting methods simply wouldn’t work. To solve this, aluminium rise and fall spikes were custom manufactured to perfectly fit the stone mullions, allowing the guttering to be securely attached without damaging the delicate stonework.

Other parts of the house required a more standard approach, but still demanded precision. For areas where the gutters needed additional support, side rafter brackets were used to ensure proper alignment and stability. These custom-fitted components allowed the guttering to maintain its functional integrity while ensuring that the design of the manor house remained in harmony with its surroundings.

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