Set deep in a wooded Cotswold valley, this historic 15th-century house has been extensively and sensitively renovated by its owners. But protecting the property, its residents and contents against fire and theft – while meeting listed building restrictions and respecting a high-end decorative finish – demanded a careful balance.

The property’s remote location created additional complexity. Its secluded position increases its vulnerability and means it is less easily served by main services than a typical residential property. A public right-of-way and two bridleways pass through the grounds near the main house, providing year-round public access and increasing the risk of trespass. The site includes multiple outbuildings, and because the owners are away for much of the year, day-to-day responsibility falls to the estate team.

Tailored interior fire and security measures for listed buildings

Wireless fire and security systems are the natural choice for listed buildings because they remove the need for drilling and chasing through delicate and historic features. Secure wireless connections between sensors and the control panels avoid messy works, reduce costs and lead times, without compromising performance. They also help future-proof a property – should the owners wish to carry out future renovations, they can easily add new sensors and detectors to an existing wireless system.

A signal strength survey was essential before installation. Those robust Cotswold stone walls may have proven their worth, standing strong for more than half a millennium, but they weaken wireless signals. This would affect the performance of any technology that relies on them. As a result, the new systems required signal expansion units to ensure a robust and secure radio network.

We duly installed a Hyfire Grade A LD2 fire detection system and Grade 2 wireless Texecom security alarm. Both connect to an app on the estate manager’s phone, and, should there be cause for concern, they can respond immediately and limit potential risk.

Unobtrusive interior fire and security technology

After an extensive, high-end renovation throughout, the owners insisted that their fire and security technology should be as unobtrusive as possible. We appointed an artist to camouflage the smoke and heat detectors and movement sensors. The artist hand-finished each device to blend into the surroundings, an elegant solution that satisfied both the homeowner’s strict aesthetic requirements and applicable safety standards.

We also arranged for the security keypads to be customised by commissioning a specialist electrical accessories manufacturer to match the keypad finish to the interior light switches and sockets, creating a more refined appearance. We protected the doors and windows with unobtrusive micro detectors, preserving the property’s authentic character.

A refined approach to exterior security measures

The property’s exterior benefits from a similarly respectful, yet thorough approach to security.

Given the rise in rural crime and the steady footfall along the bridleways and public rights of way, CCTV coverage was non-negotiable. We arranged for the CCTV cameras to be RAL colour-matched to the property’s stone walls for a low-profile appearance. The estate manager monitors the system remotely via an app, providing a simple way to review the property’s security at any time.

The entrance to the main property is protected by an automated gate fitted with a camera and analytics, adding a further layer of control, again managed by the estate manager. A GSM intercom enables communication with guests and delivery personnel without extensive cabling.

Protecting a listed building against fire, theft and intrusion doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty for performance. As this heritage Cotswold property demonstrates, sensitively applied modern technology can all but disappear into the fabric of the building, leaving its character intact.
If it’s time to upgrade the fire and security protection for your listed or heritage building, get in touch. We’ve been protecting homes and businesses of all sizes since 1989, and our team of fire and security experts is only too happy to help.

***

A version of this article was first published in the Listed Heritage Magazine.