You may have heard the term ‘listed building’, but what does this actually mean and how does it affect owners in England?
If a building is listed, this means it is registered on the The National Heritage List for England (NHLE). This is the only official, up to date register of all nationally protected historic buildings and sites in England, compiled by Historic England. The list includes listed buildings, scheduled monuments (like Stonehenge), protected wrecks (sunken ships), registered parks & gardens, and battlefields.
The NHLE aims to recognise and celebrate buildings of special architectural and historic significance, and protect them for future generations due to planning regulations. The older a building is, and the fewer the surviving examples of its kind, the more likely it is to be listed.
According to Historic England, “The general principles are that all buildings built before 1700 which survive in anything like their original condition are likely to be listed, as are most buildings built between 1700 and 1850. Particularly careful selection is required for buildings from the period after 1945. Buildings less than 30 years old are not normally considered to be of special architectural or historic interest because they have yet to stand the test of time.”
Listed buildings are put under one of three categories of significance:
Grade I – for buildings of the highest significance. This category accounts for around 2.5% of the list, and includes Buckingham Palace & Warwick Castle.
Grade II* – for buildings of particularly important buildings of special interest. Grade II* buildings make up about 5.8% of the total list. An example includes the London Coliseum.
Grade II – for buildings of special interest that warrant preservation efforts. This is the most common Grade, with around 92% of listed buildings in England falling under this category. Prominent examples include the BT Tower and Alexandra Palace.
So if you’re thinking about buying a home that’s listed, what does this mean for you?
Historic England says, “Listing is not a preservation order, preventing change. It does not freeze a building in time, it simply means that listed building consent must be applied for in order to make any changes to that building which might affect its special interest.
Listed buildings are to be enjoyed and used, like any other building. Listed buildings can be altered, extended and sometimes even demolished within government planning guidance. The local authority uses listed building consent to make decisions that balance the site’s historic significance against other issues, such as its function, condition or viability.”
You can find a selection of our current listed properties for sale below.
The Cottage, Arnesby, Leicestershire
Grade II
For sale with Jennie Andrews
The Cottage is a quintessential Grade ll listed thatched cottage, situated on the green in the sought after village of Arnesby. Known to date back to pre 1580, it is believed this beautiful cruck framed dwelling was sympathetically extended in the 60’s, whilst the thatched roof was replaced with Norfolk reed circa 2014. The property has been well maintained throughout and the established grounds extend to approximately .33 ac.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Peper Harow Park, Godalming, Surrey
Grade I
For sale with Iwan Hall
Nestled within the historic Peper Harow Park, Apartment 2 of Peper Harow House presents a rare opportunity to reside in a Grade 1 listed residence steeped in history and charm.
Originally designed in 1765 by the renowned Sir William Chambers, architect to King George III, this exceptional property was commissioned by George Brodrick, 3rd Viscount Midleton. Although initially incomplete, the mansion was finished by the Viscount’s son in 1777 and remained in the Midleton family for almost two centuries until 1947.
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 6
Rose Cottage, Wymeswold, Leicestershire
Grade II
For sale with Ian Ratcliffe
Dating back to approximately 1590 this chocolate box cottage has been significantly upgraded over the last few years to bring this delightful home back up to the standard it deserves. As you drive down Brook Street you will see Rose Cottage sitting proud at the end of the lane and you will struggle to resist cracking a smile as the quintessential English home catches your eye. Boasting views over the stunning countryside and three generously sized reception rooms, why wouldn’t you want to come take a closer look?
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
High Street, Syston, Leicestershire
Grade II
For sale with Mark Taylor
An exceptionally well presented Grade II Listed detached thatched cottage dating back to the 16th century. This delightful property retains an abundance of charm and character whilst offering modern day comforts. The property benefits from a generous size garage providing parking for two cars.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
If you’re interested in listed properties, check out our latest development site, The Talbot & Granary: Two new homes in Welford, Northamptonshire.
