Talbot Valley Barn Restoration

In the heart of Guernsey’s Talbot Valley stands a remarkable transformation — the restoration of a listed barn that had stood empty for two decades and fallen into disrepair for over fifty years. Once overgrown with trees sprouting from its walls, the structure has been carefully revived by local resident Darren, who has lived in Guernsey all his life.

With a commercial background as the owner of FME Integrated, Darren was no stranger to construction, but this was his first residential project. He explains,

“There aren’t many open plots in Guernsey, so when this opportunity came up, I decided to take it on. It was a huge challenge — the building had been derelict for decades — but I’d always wanted to design my own home.”

Before breaking ground, Darren undertook extensive research and engaged heritage consultants and historians. The building’s origins were traced back to pre-1500s, with records showing it had served as Guernsey’s first industrial centre before becoming a major horticultural hub in the early 1900s. Every feature was listed, so authenticity was paramount.

“We knew the planners would scrutinise every detail,” Darren recalls. “It was vital to preserve the building’s identity — the granite, the oak, the traditional proportions — while making it liveable for the future.”

Design & Technical Collaboration

Working with the project architect, Darren was introduced to Mumford & Wood, who provided end-to-end support — from surveying and design consultation through to manufacturing and installation.

The bespoke fenestration package included:

• 2 external doors (1 main entrance, 1 secondary)
• 17 casement windows
• 2 spring sash windows
• 24mm glazing units approved by the planning consultants
• A curved cill detail to accommodate the building’s turreted wall

Each window and door was manufactured in responsibly sourced Red Grandis and Redwood, featuring dual finishes — Squirrel Grey (RAL 7000) externally to complement the island’s rare pink granite, and Pure White (RAL 9010) internally for a timeless aesthetic. The entrance door featured an ebony-stained threshold, while the standard bulb-end satin chrome ironmongery was carefully chosen to replicate the original fittings dating back to the 1800s.

“The original windows were all handmade — different shapes, styles, and mechanisms. M&W helped us match the exact character, even down to the way they opened and the type of ironmongery used,” says Darren.

Craftsmanship, Sustainability & Delivery

M&W Guernsey’s local manufacturing ensured full quality control, using sustainable timber and traditional joinery techniques to meet conservation standards. Their team handled the surveying, installation, and finishing — a crucial factor for Darren, who wanted the project managed by experts.

“I didn’t want to manage the installation myself. I needed someone who knew heritage work inside out — and M&W absolutely delivered,” Darren notes. "If I had to describe them in three words: quality, support, and keeping promises.”

The installation team and deliveries arrived precisely on schedule, reflecting M&W’s commitment to reliability — a key priority for Darren and his architect.

“We only deal with people who keep their promises — and M&W did just that. The craftsmanship, the fit, and the finish are faultless.”

Outcome

The restored barn now stands as a sensitive and sustainable example of how modern performance can coexist with historic integrity. By combining locally sourced craftsmanship, responsibly selected materials, and meticulous heritage detailing, Mumford & Wood helped return a forgotten 15th-century structure to its former glory — ensuring its story continues for generations to come.

“This was never just about building a house,” Darren concludes. “It was about preserving Guernsey’s history — and M&W helped make that possible.”