I was in the village of Bolton Percy yesterday, about six miles to the south of York. It is a quiet little backwater and in parts, is one of those places where it seems not a lot has changed for centuries.This gate house, glimpsed through the trees in the church yard, is believed to date from around 1467. It is now falling into disrepair, and is on English Heritage's buildings at risk register. Plans are underway, however, to conserve it by converting it into a holiday home to let. Much as I instantly dislike this idea, it does seem like the only way forward, as the money generated would pay for its upkeep.
Currently, the gate house is semi-derelict and one imagines it to be full of the ghosts of the past. Personally, I prefer it that way.
5 comments:
une maison fantôme, avec ces histoires et ces esprits. J'aime beaucoup.
ghost house, with these stories and spirits. i love much.
not been to Bolton Percy for ever so long a time - my Renault's big end went somewhere near there and it took the RAC two hours to find us!
Ghostly, I hope so. Derek Acora would love this place.He is mad but funny.
I'm not sure I'd like to stay in a graveyard, even after it is revamped!
The autumn leaves haven't gone far!
Sometimes these new uses for old buildings are the only way that they can be sustained. We have so many historic buildings, they can't all be paid maintained from the public purse. I would rather see a building used for a new purpose, as long as the appearance and features are retained than see it crumbling with neglect.
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