Reg.Nr. 93/UK/034

The Ancient House (‘Sparrows house’), Ipswich

The Ancient House, a listed building and scheduled Ancient monument, built from the mid 15th century to the mid 17th century is the most ornate house of its type in England. Subsidence, neglect and misguided alterations resulted in a very real risk of partial collapse of the ...
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Project details

Title:The Ancient House (‘Sparrows house’), Ipswich
Entr. year: 1993
Result:Diploma
Country: United Kingdom
Town: Ipswich, Suffolk
Category type: architectural heritage
Building type/ Project type: residential building
Former use:Dwelling house
Actual use:Commercial building
Built: 15th-17th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Ronald Geary Associates, Architects (Colchester - GB)
The Jury's citation: "For the meticulous restoration, adaptation and extension of one of the finest houses in the United Kingdom"
GPS:52°3'25.6"N 1°9'17.2"E

Description:
The Ancient House, a listed building and scheduled Ancient monument, built from the mid 15th century to the mid 17th century is the most ornate house of its type in England. Subsidence, neglect and misguided alterations resulted in a very real risk of partial collapse of the building, loss of the unique pargetting and damage to the fine oak carving. A comprehensive program of work, commissioned by the owners has secured the restoration and strengthening of the original fabric and replacement of unsympathetic additions to enhance and protect the building for future generations. The building is in commercial use as bookshop.