New listed structure

A former bastle at the Low Park farmstead, in Alston is now incorporated in the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Historic England recommended the structure for inclusion.

View the List entry and map on the National Heritage List for England (entry number 1487468).

This former bastle, converted to a linear farmstead in the C18, is listed at Grade II for the following principal reasons.

Architectural interest

• a good example of an early-C17 bastle, which sits firmly within the period when there is a presumption in favour of listing.
• bastles are a nationally significant vernacular building type that contribute to regional distinctiveness, and this example retains its original plan form and significant original fabric.
• it illustrates the key characteristics of a bastle, including byre and first-floor chamfered door openings, the remains of blocked mullioned windows, a fire window, remains of a smoke hood, and timber floor and roof structure.
• C18 modifications are easily readable within the historic fabric, including a new first-floor entrance and window openings, and a second fireplace illustrating its evolution over time.
• a good example of a bastle variant that confirms knowledge of the wider geographical range of the building type, and our increased understanding of its form and evolution

Read about designation and the listing process on Historic England's website.