Restoration of The Bell – Grade II Listed Former Coaching Inn
Two week conservation led refurbishment of an eighteenth century public house on Ongar High Street.
Historical Building Restoration to a Former Coaching Inn – Project Overview
The Bell is a Grade II listed eighteenth century timber framed public house located on Ongar’s historic High Street. HarriDec Ltd carried out a full exterior refurbishment and redecoration to preserve the building’s character while protecting it from weathering. The work had to meet strict conservation standards and be completed rapidly due to road permit restrictions.
- Property: Grade II listed eighteenth century coaching inn
- Location: Ongar High Street, Essex
- Building date:c. 1700s timber frame with historic stucco façade
- Project duration: Two week restoration (double shifts due to road permit)
Working Within Ongar’s Historic High Street Bottleneck
The Bell sits at the narrowest point of the High Street, where traffic, pedestrians and listed buildings meet in a tight space. This presented major logistical challenges: scaffold placement, traffic control and working hours all required precise planning. Despite these restrictions, HarriDec executed the project professionally and without disruption to the local community.
This section introduces how the site constraints shaped the restoration approach and how HarriDec ensured both safety and efficiency throughout the works.
Working Within Ongar’s Historic High Street Bottleneck
The Bell’s location required careful coordination with Essex Highways to manage road closures, pedestrian routes and scaffold safety.
Key Measures:
- Scaffold installed partly in the road with protective barriers
- Temporary traffic lights installed to create alternating one way flow
- Strictly controlled working hours and noise management
- Advance warning notices for residents and drivers
- Constant monitoring by HarriDec’s traffic manager
- Sequenced works to maximise productivity within permit limits
Despite the constraints, all works stayed on schedule and no incidents occurred.
Scope of Work
HarriDec’s restoration included a wide range of conservation tasks essential for protecting the timber frame and historic façade.
Key Works:
- Exterior Redecoration: Full preparation and coating of render and woodwork. Render finished in Keim mineral paint, timber finished using Jotun Demidekk for durability.
- Roof Repairs: Replacement of slipped slates and repairs to lead flashings for a watertight finish.
- Lime Plaster Repairs: Careful restoration to imitation ashlar render using traditional lime techniques.
- Window Restoration: Putty glazing repairs, cracked pane replacement, and re-bedding with linseed based putty alternatives for an authentic finish.
- Timber Repairs: Splicing in new seasoned timber and strengthening original structure with epoxy consolidants.
- Guttering Upgrade: New seamless aluminium gutters installed in Victorian profile to replicate cast iron while providing modern performance.
- Access & Scaffold: Full scaffold including roadway encroachments, designed specifically for the narrow site.
Heritage Materials & Conservation Techniques
HarriDec selected materials compatible with a centuries old timber framed building.
Included:
- Keim Mineral Paint for breathable, long lasting masonry protection.
- Jotun Demidekk Ultimate Fönster for durable, flexible timber coatings.
- Lime Mortar & Plaster to maintain breathability and prevent trapped moisture.
- Traditional Glazing Repairs using Dry Seal putty for rapid curing in the tight timeframe.
- Timber Frame Conservation using scarf joints, hardwood splices and resin consolidation.
- Heritage Styled Rainwater Goods that replicate Victorian ogee cast iron appearance using modern seamless aluminium.
These methods ensured every repair blended seamlessly with the historic structure while strengthening it for the future.
Outcome & Results
In just two weeks, HarriDec delivered a transformed exterior that respects the building’s historic character while improving durability.
Key Outcomes:
- On Time Completion: All work finished within the two week window required by the permit.
- Heritage Appearance Restored: Lime render, imitation ashlar blocks and timber framing now appear crisp, authentic and historically appropriate.
- Improved Weather Protection: Breathable mineral paint, long lasting timber coatings, new gutters and roof repairs all enhance durability.
- Conservation Best Practice: Original timber and windows retained, with only minimal replacement.
Community Appreciation: The restored Bell now stands out as a local landmark, enhancing Ongar’s historic High Street.
Watch The Restoration In Action
See highlights of the restoration process, including timber repairs, lime render work, glazing restoration and mineral paint application.
Delivering Conservation Quality Under Pressure
The Bell project demonstrates HarriDec’s ability to combine heritage craftsmanship, strict conservation standards and complex traffic logistics while delivering a flawless result. The building now benefits from improved protection, reduced maintenance needs and a rejuvenated appearance that honours its long history.
Have a Historic or Listed Building That Needs Expert Care?
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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.