Cotswold Stone Gate Column Reconstruction

KSW Developments are probably best known for our new builds and extensions, but we also love the challenge that comes with working on a heritage project such as this! Our skilled tradesmen are experienced in working on all sorts of projects and were excited by the opportunity to take on the careful and detail oriented task of conservation work.

In keeping with the aesthetic of the existing columns, 14ft Ashlar Cotswold stone gate columns were designed. The aim was to restore the grandeur of the gates without losing the charm or history of the location. The gates sit at the foot of a long driveway alongside the split gatehouses. With the Gatehouses on either side, the selection of stone was important. We wanted to ensure that the columns would age in line with the existing structures and not look out of place.

Ashlar is the finest stone masonry unit and provides a very uniform, neat and elegant finish - in the golden sand Cotswold Stone chosen, this style is perfect for this project!

In October 2020, the existing columns were demolished. It is unclear how long they had stood guard, but their state of degradation meant they didnt put up a fight. Once the rubble was cleared, we began digging out the existing footings and replacing them with fresh footings. We also installed two new steel stanchions to provide a solid core for the new columns. I must admit I have seen some thick base plates for I beams before but these remain the biggest I have come across - 50cm thick and 500cm2! Even with just the steels in place, it was clear that these columns were going to be impressive!

Not long after demolition, we took delivery of the decorative stone balls and column pieces. Once we had progressed with the construction to the midpoint, it was time to look at the gates themselves. The old gates were re-fabricated and new hinges were made, they were welded to the core steels which caused some slight delays as this process was more involved than anticipated but that is the nature of conservation work, it has its own schedules!

Shortly after, we were able to complete the column builds and were ready to top the pillars with the gorgeous decorative stone spheres.

We couldn't be more pleased with the end result of this project, the gate columns are absolutely stunning and look even more impressive than we imagined. The project was completed in early December 2020 and the warmth of the cotswold stone was like a beacon against the grey skies! It is not often that we get to work on this kind of restoration project but when we do we rise to the occasion in KSW Developments style!