What we see today is the “new house”, from the Elizabethan period. When the building came under the care of the present owners it was after a period of neglect and progressive dereliction of the general works but in particular to the north elevation. The rescue of this dangerously deteriorated north wing proved to be the most challenging phase of the restoration process. This section dated as being the oldest and most certainly the most fragile required urgent attention to save it from collapse. In what appears to be an oversight on the part of the authorities, Park Farm was in 1970 overlooked as a site of historical interest, facing a future of continued dereliction. It was not until recently that it was recognised as a significant historic building and granted Grade II* listing by English Heritage.
Exploring the past
The history of Colwall has over the years been the subject of in-depth written accounts studying both the inhabitants and the events, both minor and major within the village. Park Farm has come under scrutiny within these histories, which have been useful in piecing together the living and structural past of the site.
Photo courtesy of English Heritage
Park Farm was for many years been held in trust to the church. Tenant farmers had been able to buy the leasehold from the church and subsequently run it as a farm property. This used to be a common practice in many parishes, although becoming less frequent in modern days. From records we can deduce that the adjacent church itself was subject to repair and refurbishment in 1865 and in 1880 the north arcade and chapel were added. This shows the continuing importance of the church in the life of the village. It is likely that maintenance performed on the church would be paralleled with adjoining church properties.
