Case Study: The Resurrection of Santley Farmhouse
A Two-Year Mission to Save a Shropshire Legend from Collapse.

Nestled beautifully in the rural Shropshire hills, with views sweeping out towards the Stiperstones, Santley Farmhouse seemed like the picture of pastoral charm. But appearances can be deceiving.


When the Rowson & Jones team first took on the project, little did we know the farmhouse was in a state of gradual collapse. Decades of hidden, patchwork repairs had expertly covered up severe decay: rotten oak A-frames and interior walls silently crumbling within the structure. Most people would have run a mile.


But thanks to the sheer determination of our clients—who were committed to saving the building for themselves and generations to come—we knew this wasn't just a renovation; it was a rescue mission. After all, a farm is no farm without its farmhouse.


The Journey: Building a House Within a House


Across two intensive years, our collaborative team—including every one of our trusted associates and subcontractors—set to work. No stone was left unturned.


Our solution was radical and comprehensive: we literally built a new, super-efficient house within the old house. This allowed us to preserve the historical shell while installing a state-of-the-art infrastructure. This included:


* Structural Restoration: Meticulously addressing and replacing the decaying oak frames.
* Modernizing for the Future: A complete re-wire, new plumbing, and a high-performance heating system that will significantly outperform any modern new build in energy efficiency.
* Honoring History: Carefully sandblasting original features to restore their character, while seamlessly integrating new areas.


A Safe Haven for All Residents
Our commitment went beyond the walls. During the assessment, we worked closely with Animal Protection and Bat Conservation Officers. To ensure the local wildlife was undisturbed, we created a dedicated bat cave in the loft space, giving our furry little neighbours a safe, new home.


The Legacy We Are Proud Of
Today, Santley Farmhouse is complete. It is a job that every single tradesperson who lovingly invested their time and care into it is profoundly proud of.


The transformation was so successful that the clients now share the magical house with others through an Airbnb listing, believing everyone should enjoy its beauty and history.


[Button: See the Magical Finished Results (Link to Photos)]
[Link: View the Not-So-Shiny Photos: Our Restoration Journey]