Birdhouse, Badger Dingle

Client     Vivat Trust

Date       1981

The Birdhouse is an eighteenth-century folly, originally designed by James Wyatt as an architectural ornament, buried deep in the landscape of Badger Dingle. In a remote location, the building had been out of use for quite some time and had fallen into a state of significant disrepair.

Arrol & Snell carried out an extensive archaeological investigation into the ruin in order to establish an accurate understanding of the folly’s original construction. Following which a challenging schedule of works was undertaken that reinstated the building – including new stonework, lead roofing and railings on the exterior, as well as a sensitive and imaginatively designed interior fit out that suited the age of the building. Now, the Birdhouse is rented out for short-term holiday lets for the Vivat Trust, enabling its long-term and sustainable future.