KODA architects have recently carried out a Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire on a 18th Century Dovecot. Located in rural Herefordshire, the Dovecote is the centre of village life on the banks of the river Arrow. 

Built as a source of food during the winter months, dovecots around the country house pigeons and doves in specially designed roosts. Today the dovecot isn't used to house birds but a community shop and small village museum. KODA architects conservation architect, Fred Hamer, carried out the quinquennial inspection which is an inspection on the historic fabric. The survey is used as a baseline in establishing the condition of the building before a rigorous maintenance plan for the building can be devised.

Fred Hamer said "Carrying out a Quinquennial Inspection in Herefordshire Dovecots are a rare opportunity, as not many are still around. This one however is of a particular fine quality and condition and at KODA architects we relish working with older buildings"

Project Information

Client: Private
Built: Mid 17th Century
Listed: Grade II  & Conservation Area
Budget: Confidential
Location: Herefordshire
Status: Complete

The building was converted into a community shop on the ground floor as well as a village museum to the first floor. Staffed by volunteers, all shop profits are channeled  into community projects in the village including planting and maintenance as well as repairs to maintain the 18th Century dovecote. The next steps are to engage with the client to promote a positive and proactive approach to maintenance and the ongoing conservation of this fine 18th Century building.

Dating form the 13th Century, Dovecotes are becoming increasingly rare in the Herefordshire countryside with the majority of them being in private ownership. KODA architects are proud to play a little part in the ongoing maintenance of the building, preserving it as a cherished community asset but for future generations also.

Watch our Instagram for updates of this project as it progresses through the onsite stages.