Building Condition Survey, The Breach House, Eastwood

Evans & James were commissioned to undertake a building condition survey of the Breach House in Eastwood, Nottingham. Whilst the end terraced, two storey property may look unassuming to passers-by, the house is Grade II listed and is associated with D.H. Lawrence as his family home from 1887 to 1891. His book ‘Sons and Lovers’ is based on his childhood memories of living at the property.

What is the history of the Breach House?

The Breach House was constructed by the Barber Walker Company between 1870-1890 for their employees who moved to Eastwood to work in the coal mines. The property passed into the ownership of Eastwood Urban District Council in 1947 and saw little modernisation until the property was sold in the 1960s.

The Breach House was purchased by Professor Ken Roberts who wished to present the ground floor as a museum to reflect the period of 1887-1891 when the Lawrence family live there.

An electrical fault caused a fire in the late 1960s which saw much damage to the property including the total loss of the open fronted lean-to structure at the back of the house which covered the copper.

The first and second floors were converted to a basic flat in the late 1970s for use as a holiday let and study space for the D H L Society Archive.

Scope of Service

Evans & James Heritage Consultants were asked to undertake a full building condition survey of the building and site. This included a full written report with supporting images and recommendations for priority of repairs and next steps.

This report was supported by a cost estimate for undertaking all identified remedial works and associated professional and planning fees.

The report and cost estimates will be used by the Trustees to budget plan for undertaking vital repair and conservation works to the building. In the meantime, Evans & James have been appointed to lead on obtaining quotations and managing further investigations and recording of the property.

You can find out more about The Breach House here

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