Welcome

Thank you for looking at Douglas Kent Heritage.

This website is about my experiences renovating the Old Sun Inn, Church Street, Saffron Walden – an enchanting and much-cherished Grade I-listed historic building in Essex that displays some of the best pargeting (external decorative plasterwork) in England.

On these pages you can discover more about the building and current award-winning work to it, find out when you can visit by appointment, and learn of wider issues and campaigns in the field of building conservation.

Douglas Kent

Tours and events

Come and explore this much-cherished Grade I-listed, 14th-century property. Learn about plans for its future. Discover new facts about its past. Hear an introductory talk on the building by owner Douglas Kent, the Technical and Research Director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The current renovation work provides added interest – not too unlike visiting a patient uncovered on an operating table!

Tours are available by prior appointment on the days below. Each tour lasts approximately one-and-a-half hours and includes tea, coffee, homemade cakes and biscuits. Additionally, private or group tours can be arranged by contacting info@oldsuninn.com .

The tours attract a wide range of people but appeal particularly to those with an interest in the informed and sensitive renovation of old buildings. Whether you are a local resident, tourist who plans to visit Saffron Walden or someone simply enthusiastic about our heritage, I hope very much that you will come and explore the Old Sun Inn.

Historic House Tours:

  • Saturday 3rd June at 11.00am and 2.30pm
  • Saturday 17th June at 11.00am and 2.30pm
  • Saturday 5th August at 11.00am and 2.30pm
  • Saturday 9th September at 11.00am and 2.30pm
  • Saturday 16th September at 11.00am and 2.30pm

Please book Historic House Tours via Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre (01799 524002)

Talks:

Watch this space:

  • COMING SOON

Please book this talk via:

STC