Atkinson Architects are currently undertaking renovation and extension works at Beggar’s Hatch Farmstead, a remarkable historic property set beside the banks of the River Tavy within Dartmoor National Park.
This wonderful Grade II listed farmhouse and its collection of barns date back to 1686, forming an important example of Devon’s rural architectural heritage. The project focuses on sensitive conservation, adaptive reuse, and carefully designed extensions that respect the historic character of the site while supporting its long-term sustainability.
Beggar’s Hatch carries a rich local folklore – a granite-framed opening in the courtyard of the main farmhouse, known as the “Beggar’s Hatch”, historically allowed local people to plead for sustenance. For generations, milk, eggs, meat, fruit, and cheeses produced on the farm were distributed through the hatch to those facing hardship, embedding the building deeply within the social history of the surrounding community.
Our Winter 2026 site surveys have also highlighted the increasing environmental challenges facing heritage buildings located along the River Tavy. Rising water tables and riverbank erosion, with the river flowing only a few metres from the house, present significant conservation considerations. Protecting listed buildings from flooding and long-term erosion has therefore become a principal focus for us, informing both structural interventions and landscape strategies.
Through careful heritage-led design and environmental resilience planning, Atkinson Architects aim to preserve the historic significance of Beggar’s Hatch while ensuring its future for generations to come.
