...A restored folly, to provide unique holiday accommodation
...Heritage-led restoration and measures employed for a sustainable and future-proofed new use
...A new viewing deck with spectacular views through the ‘battlements’ over the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons
...Local tradesmen and traditional materals and craftmanship create warm and characterful spaces to inhabit
...Continuous spindles and internal glass allow light to disseminate through the space.
“MICA worked diligently to overcome both the limitations of the physical space available in the building and the stringent planning hurdles created by the historic nature of the structure....
The result is a stunning building with innovative yet sympathetic design touches from bottom to top that has left both owner and guests alike thrilled.”
- Ben Morgan, Client
Project Data
Client The Penoyre Trust
Address The Moor Tower
Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5EZ
Contract start date 2018
Contract completion date 2021
Estimated contract value £250,000.00 est. total project cost.
Herefordshire Council BC Plough Ln, Hereford HR4 0LE
+44 (0)1432 260000
Project Description
The Moor tower, a fascinating and beautiful historic building near Hay-onWye, was originally built as a folly for the estate on which it is situated, by George Phillips Manners, Bath City Architect from 1823 to 1862.
MICA was appointed to lead the renovation and restoration of the tower, with a brief to upgrade the Grade II listed building in a fashion befitting it’s listed status and significance, and to create a habitable building for use as characteristic holiday accommodation.
The Moor tower renovation afforded an exciting opportunity to work to a unique, and locally important building ensuring its future preservation and presents on the Wye Valley landscape.
Principally the works included removal of all identified late 20th century features of no historic significance, renewal of oak flooring and staircases throughout and high level lime pointing to the existing masonry. The restored space now accommodates bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living spaces and a roof terrace with spectacular panoramic views across the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons.
View of restored Moor Tower on arrival
Setting
Moor Tower is situated between the Parish of Hardwicke, Clifford and one mile north-east of Hay-on-Wye via the B4350. In Herefordshire, close to the England and Wales Border.
The tower sits in the corner of an agricultural field surrounded by a coppice of trees, this was once landscaped parkland that has subsequently become agricultural over the past several decades & benefits from far reaching views, to the south & east.
The tower is described by Historic England as a ‘Prominent Feature in he Local Landscape’ and stands proud within the bucolic landscape.
The Moor Tower
Access to the B4348
Field Boundary, in which the tower sits
Right. Aerial photo. Location, Extent of Agricultural Field & Tower
Hay-on-Wye
Photo from Moor Tower rooftop looking South
Photo from field looking towards Moor Tower
Photo from Moor Tower rooftop looking West
Existing photo of Moor Tower in agricultural context
Existing west elevation highlighting elements of historical and heritage significance
KEY
Simple verticality, most prevalent characteristic, very high significance
Further areas of high significance
Historical Significance
The property is Grade II listed rubble stone folly, also described as a dis-used water tower, build in 1820, designed by George Phillips Manners of Bath.
Originally three storeys, with all original floors and roof lost, as well as staircase; Gothic in style, it was once part of a larger amalgam of structures, within a once landscaped park, including a now demolished Mansion House, The Moor, and a Walled Kitchen Garden.
The simple vertical form of the building is its most prevalent characteristic of Moor Tower, standing on a raised area of ground with a coppice of trees set behind. This aspect, along with details such as the unique crenellations adoring the top line and the triangular headed wooden frame under segmental stone arch form the basis of this buildings character and heritage significance.
Internally, little appears to be of original provision or of an important character. Floors and stair cases seem to be c.30-40 years old and of little importance to the overall character of the building.
1. Entrance in west wall with triangular headed wooden frame under segmental stone arch
2. Loop Holes or Lancets
3. Deep external chamfered sills as detailed by Historic England (Listing NGR: SO2422943506)
4. Stone Crenelations
5. Strong stone vertical feature within the rolling landscape with quoining to all corners
Existing photo of Moor Tower
Existing Building Condition
The collection of photographs above depict the poor exisitng condition, prior to any works. the state and age of these internal features infirmed the project and key works were established below
– New Internal fabric, including joinery and new windows to each apeture.
– All existing linings removed and replaced – Exposed areas of stone internall to be carefully brush cleaned, new line moretar pointing where necessary, and walls received a lime wash finish
– New servises installed including electircs, water heating and a sprincler system.
The proposal was developed and designed to enhance the unique and nuanced architectural and spatial qualities on the existing structure, maximising the available space, provision of natural light and improving the environmental qualities of the internal accommodation.
Research and a strong understanding of the building and its development history have ensured that fabric of significance to the heritage asset is retained.
Work was undertaken by highly skilled crafts people, using high quality, appropriate and sympathetic materials, providing a high standard of finish that respects the quality of the building
Detail of timber stair to landing with an amalgam of timber and iron balustrade
View down onto landing from first floor - rough and crumbling internal walls and some debris
Top floor has mixed interiors finishes including low quality internal panelling and fixtures, all later additions
Existing ladder access between first floor and roof level
Existing Windows, failing internal linings
Stair to ground floor
Artistic autumnal view of the Moor Tower in the landscape of Hay-on Wye, Wales
Process
Working 1:50 Model
Site visits build a thorough understanding of the site and context to inform the design and rationale behind the proposals
KEY
The Moor Tower
Ownership Boundary
Existing (Retained) Hedgerow & Fence
Area of Removed Hedgerow
Existing (Retained) Trees
Native planting
Proposed Post and Rail Boundary Treatment
Context site plan indicates constraints of setting
Team site visit
Internal conditions and wall finishes prior to work
Our design approach
From the outset MICA focussed on a heritage led approach, building successful relationships with statutory authorities, and other consultees, carrying out historic research to secure planning for the rejuvenation of the tower. The team developed designs which retain the character of the tower and preserve its presence on the surrounding landscape.
External alterations were kept to a minimum, and internal spatial arrangements, stair and floor locations were carefully investigated and tested to deliver the optimum useable space in a very restricted footprint.
Adopting a carefully planned minimal intervention approach ensures that the building’s original fabric will be retained, avoiding deterioration of the historic fabric. Repair methodology was developed based upon conservation excellence and the team used traditional materials for all contemporary interventions.
“Working with MICA was a privilege and a pleasure from start to finish. Stuart and Jonathan both immediately grasped the importance of transforming an extremely challenging and austere building into an attractive and welcoming environment for demanding holiday makers. They worked diligently to overcome both the limitations of the physical space available in the building and the stringent planning hurdles created by the historic nature of the structure.
Their technical design skills were in evidence as they managed to squeeze an extra floor into the building, allowing the accommodation of 4 guests, that was an essential customer requirement.
They also managed to negotiate permission to open up a window despite initial opposition from the planning department which transformed the main bedroom and allowed light to flow through the building.
- Ben Morgan, Client
Sensitive conservation of the Grade II Listed Tower walls
“What lies within is an architectural feat”
- Sandi Toksvig
Images above. Screen shots from Channel 4’s Extraordinary Escapes with Sandi Toksvig and Roisin Conarty
New timber door fitted within the restored stone walls
“They
have produced wonderfully imaginative interiors, creating inventive responses to the buildings shape and demands, and making the most of the location and its incredible 360-degree views of the local area.”
- Wye Valley Holiday Cottages
Creating a comfortable living space within the historic tower walls
The new living environment sits sensitively within the confines of the external rubble stone walls and provides significant modernisation and comfortable spaces with views out to the surrounding countryside and the Black Mountains beyond.
Rich local oak from the old estate was used to build the new stair and internal floors, which compliments and make a positive contribution to the existing building fabric.
The scheme improves access though all floors, and maximises the space available.
The works improve the environmental qualities of the spaces by increasing the amount of natural light interior spaces receive, and new windows and double glazing with low U values and new insulation improve thermal efficiency and living comfort.
Our work principally focussed on the internal layout and condition whilst also including external restoration works and replacement window frames and glazing. The appearance of the historic tower remains, and its presence on the landscape unchanged.
Third floor kitchen space
Fourth floor living space
First floor bunk beds
A rich and tactile journey up the tower
Locally sourced and aged Oak was used throughout the renovation of Moor Tower for bespoke crafted windows and doors, floor joists and boards, stairs and balustrades providing a warm and characterful feel to the compact internal spaces.
“The Moor Tower is a very clever conversion, beautifully executed.”
- Holiday guest’s
comment
Continuous timber spindles and internal glass allow light to disseminate through the space.
Stair installation
Alternate stair treads used to save space within the restricted building footprint
A moor terrace and skylight views over Hay Bluff and the Black Mountains
The tower ‘battlements’ where a parapet is high enough to provide shelter, and staggering views.
A skylight trap-door offers roof access and natural light flooding down into the internal spaces
Above. Roof plan of tower terrace
Drawings
Ground Floor Mezzanine
First Floor Bedroom
Third Floor Living Room
Second Floor Kitchen | Dining
Client Testimonial
“Working with MICA was a privilege and a pleasure from start to finish. Stuart and Jonathan both immediately grasped the importance of transforming an extremely challenging and austere building into an attractive and welcoming environment for demanding holiday makers. They worked diligently to overcome both the limitations of the physical space available in the building and the stringent planning hurdles created by the historic nature of the structure. Their technical design skills were in evidence as they managed to squeeze an extra floor into the building, allowing the accommodation of 4 guests, that was an essential customer requirement. They also managed to negotiate permission to open up a window despite initial opposition from the planning department which transformed the main bedroom and allowed light to flow through the building.
They communicated fluently with the owner and builders whenever unforeseen technical challenges arose during the build and were wonderfully unperturbed and adaptable when building control’s interpretation of the fire regulations necessitated a reshuffle of the rooms in the Tower. The result is a stunning building with innovative yet sympathetic design touches from bottom to top that has left both owner and guests alike thrilled.”
- Ben Morgan, Client
Quotes from the guests
"We really appreciate the design and execution of the building."
"This place is fantastic and very stylish!"
"What an incredible space! Thank you so much for sharing this beautifully renovated and magical place with us all."
"We loved our stay here. The Tower is magical and everything works well despite the challenges of converting a tall this structure!"
"Fell in love with the Moor Tower on the website and even more so when we got here. What a magical place, we have never stayed anywhere quite like it before. What an amazing renovation!"
Glowing, cozy Moor Tower: welcoming holiday accommodation within the restored stone walls
