Description: Several preliminary studies, including documentary research, fabric analysis, measured survey, dendrochronology and paint analysis informed the programme of English Heritage grant-aided repair.

Issue: Several preliminary studies, including documentary research, fabric analysis, measured survey, dendrochronology and paint analysis informed the programme of English Heritage grant-aided repair.

Strategy: During repair works an axial drain was found in the lower end of the house which established that in its first phase Cullacott had been a longhouse. Not only did this help in understanding some of the subsequent changes to the building, it also had significant implications on the known distribution of west-country longhouses. These will now be expected on lower-lying sites away from Dartmoor. This important discovery would not have been made without the watching brief.

Outcome: Cullacott is now used for holiday lets and is marketed partly on its longhouse origins and the quality of its repair. It has also received a RICS national conservation award.