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. 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 support the Trust's lease of 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 have been carried out include:

• Repointing and refurbishing bricks

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

• 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 

Photo after new floor and plastering

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

April 2022 Roof repairs were completed.  The remaining work then started on the guttering, yard and out building. 

May/June 2022 Roof works were completed and the initial stage of restoration was finished.

Summer 2024  Final landlord consent forms were signed and works agreements with Greater Anglia  agreed. Interior renovations started, floors were in and the plaster work was near completion. 

Autumn/winter 2024 Window renovation of the 1830s wooden Crittall windows was undertaken, the accessible toilet was nearly finished and work on the courtyard commenced.

Spring/Summer 2025 The windows and doors were painted, plinth renovations to the original lime mortar  completed and bollards placed car park side to protect the building. The new gate was fitted, the electrics completed and lighting installed. 

Autumn 2025 Exterior wall repointing to commence.