Hill Farm Bounces back to life

Five residential properties at Hill Farm in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire have been transformed using 100,000 handmade clay roof tiles. A 50% mix of Shire Heritage and Shire Priory tiles was chosen to deliver a well mixed, traditional look for the high grade development.

There are 10 residential properties at Hill Farm in total, all-encompassing a traditional essence, with stone clad exteriors, Timber frame roughcast inside and weathered clay roof tiles that add a real warm feeling to the properties.

Specified by luxury property developer BuildRiver Ltd, it was crucial that the existing buildings – a Grade II listed farmhouse, an early 19th century coach house and three large 18th century converted brick and timber barns – were each refurbished in a manner sympathetic to their rural environment. A courtyard to the rear of the site will also boast an additional three new homes currently under construction – all of which will be crowned with Shire tiles later this year.

"After being selected from a number of makers, Keymer’s Shire range provided the prestigious looks that only come from a genuine hand made tile," explained David Cox, Director, BuildRiver. "They offer longevity, durability and the aesthetics we required – a weathered look that gives the illusion they’ve always been there. We’re delighted with the finish and look forward to seeing the outcome of the tiles on the three new properties."

Blending effortlessly with the surrounding village common, the farm occupies an enviable position with tiles that look as good today as they did 400 years ago, when they were first made.

The Shire clay roof tile range is produced to fulfil the demand for a value for money Wealden clay tile that still presents the highest quality. Infused with the company’s heritage and hand made manufacturing techniques, the cost-effective tiles are complemented by the highest standards in looks and quality.

To produce the distinguished look – recognised throughout the UK and overseas – the production of these clay tiles is 100% hand made, giving every single tile personal attention. This means each tile is individual and produced using techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Approved by BSI British Standards and accredited to EN ISO 9002, the highest official standard in quality, Keymer’s Traditional hand made clay tiles are hand tested to ensure all tiles meet with the company’s demanding level of quality.

Over time, the ridge tiles will age with natural beauty. They provide any roof with an aesthetic that only a genuine hand made clay tile offers – unrivalled by any machine made alternative.