Restoring the Foresters Arms – Heritage Led Facade Revival
A conservation focused restoration of a Grade II listed public house in High Ongar, Essex.
Restoring the Foresters Arms: A Heritage Led Facade Revival in High Ongar
The Foresters Arms is a Grade II listed public house in the centre of High Ongar. HarriDec Ltd carried out a full conservation led exterior restoration in 2025, working alongside the client and local conservation officer to revive the building using traditional, breathable and reversible methods. This was not a basic decorating job but the careful repair of a historic landmark.
- Property: Grade II listed eighteenth century public house
- Location: High Ongar, Essex
- Building date:c. 1700s timber frame with historic alterations
- Project duration: Exterior restoration completed in 2025
A Building Ready to Breathe Again
The building had been coated in plastic based masonry paint, trapping moisture and causing deterioration. We removed these non breathable coatings using infrared heat, steam and gentle hand tools to expose the historic masonry and timber beneath. Lime based fillers were used to repair cracks and voids, maintaining full vapour permeability and allowing the building to dry naturally.
Keim Mineral Paint Finish
After stabilisation, the facade was repainted in Keim Soldalit mineral silicate paint. This breathable, durable coating chemically bonds to masonry and provides long lasting weather resistance without trapping moisture. It creates a natural matte finish that is entirely suited to a listed building and will not peel or blister.
Sash Window Repairs and Lime Repointing
The sash windows were fully restored rather than replaced. Key works included replacing broken panes with restoration glass, using traditional linseed oil putty, re cording sashes with waxed cotton cord and repairing decayed timber using splicing and resin consolidants. This approach followed the principle of minimum intervention and preserved the building’s historic character.
Lower brickwork had suffered mortar loss from trapped moisture. Failed joints were carefully raked out and repointed with matching lime mortar. Wider gaps between masonry and timber were repaired using oakum caulking and haired lime for flexibility and breathability. No cement was used anywhere.
Structural Repairs, Leadwork and Architectural Details
We dismantled and rebuilt the upper chimney courses using salvaged bricks, resetting the original chimney pot in lime mortar. Coping stones were repaired through crack stitching, dowelling and lime bedding to retain their historic character.
Failed lead flashings were lifted, re dressed and welded, with one degraded section replaced using code 5 lead. Above, the dentil cornice was repaired with lime mortars without rebuilding or replacing original fabric.
The entrance arch, an important focal feature, had several damaged bricks. These were removed, repaired and reinstated, with two bricks now being handmade by traditional brickmakers to match the originals.
Public Response
The owners shared the restoration process with their followers in an Instagram reel, which generated excellent feedback from locals who praised the respectful, authentic restoration. Many commented that the Foresters Arms looks revived, not modernised — exactly the intention.
Watch The Restoration In Action
See highlights of the restoration including mineral paint finishing, sash window repair, lime repointing and detailed architectural conservation.
Final Thoughts
This project reflects HarriDec’s values: using the right materials, the right techniques and a conservation mindset to restore Essex’s historic buildings. Every decision focused on longevity, authenticity and respect for the original fabric.
If you have a listed or period property requiring sensitive repairs — sash windows, lime plastering, heritage paint removal or conservation advice — we’d love to help.
Get in Touch
If you’re ready to enhance the look of your home or business interior with a fresh décor update, contact us today.
Simply fill out our online contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your requirements. At HarriDec, we are committed to helping you achieve an interior space that is both beautiful and perfectly tailored to your needs – on time, on budget, and with first-class workmanship every time.