Renovations to Ingatestone Gatekeeper’s Cottage

 Since 2008, the cottage has gradually deteriorated and suffered water damage. It is to be renovated to its condition and style of the 1950s. Significant financial help has been secured from Greater Anglia via the Railway Heritage Trust for the external refurbishments, but extra funding is needed for the interior and its contents. These plans have been possible with the willingness of Greater Anglia to create a community project as part of its franchise commitments and Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council to lease the building to be run as community museum. Local builders and craftspeople have very kindly offered to help  with part of the renovations, which is much appreciated.

The works which are required to be carried out include:

• Repointing and refurbishing bricks

• Re-tiling the roof using existing tiles and making good its timber framework

• Replacing drainage

• Installing a new toilet with disabled access and baby changing facilities

• Plastering and making good internal walls

• Making good internal timber and fittings

• Internal decorating 

August 2021 With many thanks to local volunteers the undergrowth around the museum is being cleared so that renovations works can start. 

February 2022 Work has started! 12th February 2022 is a significant day as work has started on the outside of the building. Work is to the rail-side wall and re-tiling part of the roof. It is great news that work has started by Greater Anglia and a major first step in the development of our museum. 

April 2022 Roof repairs should be completed in a few days. Once the scaffolding is removed the remaining work will start on the guttering, yard and out building. 

May/June 2022 Roof works completed, initial stage of restoration complete.

Summer 2024  Final landlord consent forms have been completed and works agreements with Greater Anglia  agreed. Interior renovations start, floors are in and plaster work near completion. 

Autumn 2024 Window renovation of the 1830s wooden Crittal windows is nearly complete. Next step work on the courtyard.