Manor Farm, Bourn: A 13th Century Grade II* Listed House in Cambridgeshire
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
We had the privilege last week to value this 13th Century Grade II* listed property set in in the Cambridgeshire village of Bourn (CB23). This remarkable property is a Grade II* listed medieval hall house, believed to date back to the late 13th century — shortly after the Manor of Bourn was burned down in 1266.
Only around 5% of listed buildings in England achieve Grade II* status. That places Manor Farm among the most important historic homes in the country.
The official listing can be found via Historic England (List Entry No. 1127209).
The History of Manor Farm, Bourn
The medieval Manor of Bourn was reportedly destroyed during political unrest in 1266. Historical sources, including the Victoria County History, indicate the manor was rebuilt soon after.
Why Was the Manor of Bourn Burned down in 1266?
In 1264–1267, England was embroiled in the Second Barons’ War, a civil conflict between forces loyal to King Henry III and rebel barons led by Simon de Montfort.
After Montfort’s defeat at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, pockets of resistance continued — particularly in the east of England, including the Isle of Ely.
Bands of rebels operating from the fenlands are recorded as carrying out raids across Cambridgeshire in 1266. It was during this period, the medieval Manor of Bourn reportedly burned down.
The destruction of manorial centres was not unusual during times of civil conflict. Manors represented:
Administrative authority
Agricultural wealth
Political power
Symbols of feudal control
Burning them disrupted both economic stability and landownership control.
The surviving structure at Manor Farm is widely believed to represent the rebuilt manorial hall constructed shortly after. This context makes the building not only architecturally important, but historically significant as a survivor of England’s medieval civil war.
Key Historical Building Phases
Late 13th Century
Timber-framed aisled hall constructed
Open hall living with central hearth
Late Medieval Period
Internal subdivisions
Development of cross wings
Early 17th Century
Chimney stack insertion
Floors added to former open hall
19th Century
Brick casing in gault brick
Altered fenestration
Structural modernisation
This layering is typical of long-standing manorial farmhouses across Cambridgeshire.
Originally, this would have been a high-status medieval domestic structure and very few examples of this type survive in South Cambridgeshire.
Using the Correct Materials in Historic Properties
One of the most common issues we encounter when inspecting period properties is the use of inappropriate modern materials.
Buildings such as Manor Farm were constructed using:
Timber framing
Lime mortar
Breathable solid wall construction
Traditional clay tiles
Soft handmade bricks
These materials behave very differently from modern construction materials.
Why Using The Wrong Materials Can Cause Problems
In many historic homes, 20th-century repairs introduced:
Cement pointing
Cement render
Dense gypsum plasters
Impermeable masonry paints
While strong, these materials can trap moisture within the wall structure.
In a medieval timber-framed building with later brick encasement, this can lead to:
Timber decay
Brick spalling
Internal damp issues
Accelerated structural movement
Historic buildings are designed to breathe. Lime-based mortars allow moisture to evaporate naturally, cement does not.
Using the wrong materials does not just affect condition — it can affect long-term value.
Listed Building Consent & Conservation Standards
As a Grade II* listed property, alterations to Manor Farm would typically require Listed Building Consent through South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Works must:
Match original materials
Respect historic fabric
Avoid irreversible change
Preserve architectural character
Unauthorised alterations can create legal and resale complications.
Specialist advice before carrying out repairs is essential.
Valuing a 13th Century Property in Today’s Market
Valuing a property like Manor Farm is not comparable to valuing a modern detached house. Historic and Grade II* listed homes operate within a niche segment of the market.
Key valuation considerations include:
Scarcity & Heritage Premium
There are extremely few surviving 13th-century properties in South Cambridgeshire and rarity can support premium values.
Buyer Pool
The market is smaller and more specialist. Buyers must be comfortable with:
Conservation obligations
Maintenance responsibility
Listed building restrictions
Specialist insurance
Condition Sensitivity
Inappropriate repairs, timber decay or roof issues can significantly impact value.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Lime repointing, traditional roof repairs and conservation-grade workmanship often cost more than standard works.
Village Setting
Properties contributing strongly to historic cores — such as Alms Hill in CB23 — often attract buyers seeking character and heritage authenticity.
Why Specialist Survey's & Valuation Matter
For buildings of this age, survey and valuation are closely linked.
A medieval timber frame concealed within later brickwork can perform well for centuries — but poor repairs or incompatible materials can accelerate deterioration.
Understanding:
Structural evolution
Material compatibility
Historic interventions
allows for informed decision-making in today’s market.
Buying a Listed Property in Bourn or Cambridgeshire?
If you are considering purchasing a listed or period property, detailed professional advice is critical.
You can read more about our specialist services here:
Historic homes require historic understanding.
Manor Farm: A 750-Year-Old Survivor
Manor Farmhouse at Alms Hill stands as a rare survivor of medieval Cambridgeshire — evolving from a manorial hall to working farm and now preserved heritage asset.
Few properties in Cambridgeshire can trace their origins so clearly to the 13th century.
It is not simply a home.
It is a piece of English history.
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