The Restoration Project

In 2002, the Church Council were aware that the building needed re-thatching, and realised that their funds were not adequate the meet the cost. The Head of Archaeology and Historic Buildings in the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Deborah Griffiths, visited Church House and suggested that in view of the importance of the building and the fact that It was probably the only Church House in Devon with smoke blackened thatch, we should undertake a comprehensive restoration. Public meetings were held in the autumn of 2002, and it was decided that a committee should be formed with the intention of applying to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for support. In February 2003 we heard that we might be eligible for a grant, and Richard Bellamy (Development Officer HLF) guided us through the processes needed to put in a full application. 

If you would like to see a full video series about the restoration, then please go to our YouTube: Church House Youtube Channel Full Video Playlist @ChurchHouseSouthTawton

The Committee wished to continue to conserve and maintain this rare and architecturally important building and keep it in community use. This would enable people, both locally and regionally to continue to use it. Additionally they would be helping to sustain the craft of thatching and other traditional building skills. The proximity of the building to the Listed Grade 1 Church of Saint Andrew, in the centre of the village of South Tawton, is a significant attraction for visitors to the area and the Committee wished to encourage appropriate tourism, with the support of the Dartmoor National Park. The intention was to continue and increase the use of Church House for parish and church events, for adult education and the arts and for educational events. Artists and sculptors, both national and local, were also actively seeking to use Church House as a studio and as an exhibition venue. Part of the project, which included complete re-thatching, repairs to the fabric of the building, upgrading of access arrangements and improved facilities to ensure the future viability of the building, was the provision of interpretation and educational materials and the development of a suitable marketing strategy.