Work to restore historic Manx cottage complete

Additional work was undertaken during project

One of the Isle of Man’s most significant traditional buildings has reopened to visitors following the completion of major conservation works.

Harry Kelly’s Cottage at Cregneash has undergone an extensive programme of repairs after high winds and heavy rainfall damaged its thatched roof last year.

What began as a project to replace the damaged thatch developed into a wider programme of conservation, with repairs done to the cottage’s stone walls, chimney stacks and eaves.

Its walls have also been freshly whitewashed and its roof timbers and turf replaced.

Finally, the roof was completely re-thatched in the Manx style which is unique to our Island.

John-Paul Walker, Historic Buildings Architect for Manx National Heritage, said: "Harry Kelly’s Cottage looks like a very simple building, but conserving it properly requires an enormous amount of specialist knowledge and skill, from understanding the original construction to sourcing the right materials and using traditional techniques.

"We are proud to look after the places and collections in our care, so they remain part of Island life for generations to come. We are really pleased to have completed the work and to be able to welcome people back inside the cottage."