White House Farm, a 17th-century Grade II listed building, stands vacant amidst new housing in Lyde Green, raising concerns over its disrepair and future.
A historic farmhouse situated on the outskirts of Bristol has become a focal point amid a newly established housing development. White House Farm, a 17th-century Grade II listed building, is currently surrounded by 88 modern homes developed by Persimmon Homes in the area known as Lyde Green, which was completed in 2019.
The farmhouse, which has been vacant for the past decade, is distinguished by its unique limestone rubble construction and notable architectural features, including gable stacks and diagonal chimneys. Despite its historical significance and listed status, which protects it from demolition or substantial alterations without planning consent, the property has fallen into disrepair, with smashed and boarded-up windows evident. It is now on the market with a price tag of £500,000.
The property is currently owned by Merlin Housing Society Limited and is being offered for sale at auction. The sales listing presents White House Farm as an “excellent opportunity for renovation or development,” indicating potential for it to be transformed into either a single family home or potentially multiple dwellings, subject to the usual planning permissions.
Situated on half an acre of land, the farmhouse boasts an attractive outlook over protected green space, visible from the surrounding roads, including Clematis Road and Howsmoor Lane. However, internal access to the property is restricted and available only by appointment.
As the listing notes, the farmhouse requires substantial renovations to restore it to a livable condition. One local resident commented on its incongruity with the surrounding modern homes, expressing a desire for it to be “restored to its former glory.”
The recognition of White House Farm’s historical value highlights the challenges of integrating conservation with modern development, as the farmhouse continues to stand alone amidst the newly built estate.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1001428 – This URL could provide information on Grade II listed buildings, which is relevant to White House Farm’s status. However, specific details about White House Farm near Bristol might not be available here.
- https://www.persimmonhomes.com/developments/south-west/lyde-green – This URL provides information about Persimmon Homes developments, which is relevant to the housing development surrounding White House Farm.
- https://www.merlinhs.co.uk/ – This URL is for Merlin Housing Society Limited, the current owner of White House Farm, and could provide details about their properties and sales.
- https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/conservation-areas – This URL could offer insights into conservation efforts and planning regulations in Bristol, relevant to the protection and renovation of historic buildings like White House Farm.
- https://www.bristol.gov.uk/planning-and-building-regulations/listed-buildings – This URL provides information on listed buildings in Bristol, which is pertinent to White House Farm’s Grade II status and the challenges of integrating conservation with modern development.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative mentions a development completed in 2019, which suggests some elements might be dated. However, the current status of the farmhouse and its sale are likely recent developments.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
There is a single quote from a local resident, but no online source could be found to verify its originality. This suggests it might be an original quote.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Bristol Post, a reputable local news source known for its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the farmhouse’s condition and its listing status are plausible and consistent with typical scenarios involving historic properties.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be generally reliable, with a reputable source and plausible claims. The freshness is somewhat affected by the mention of a 2019 development, but the current situation seems recent.
