The beauty of the slightly dilapidated and often over-looked small period outbuilding

Restoring forgotten buildings gently, or leaving them alone for their inherent charm could prove more cost effective in the end, writes Kya de Longchamps.

When a farmhouses or cottage becomes detached from its acreage, the complex of buildings that once served the house and farm is imperiled.

The cart-house, a privy, a place for wood, peat and feed, a B&B for a pig or two, stalls for the horses and cows — these shelters are often stripped of their relevance and eventually their roofs.