The Process: From Foundations to Final Assembly

• The restoration unfolded over approximately three months in 2017, a timeline that reflected the meticulous, deliberate pace required for heritage work.
  1. Site Preparation & Foundations:
  
Each feature’s location was excavated several feet deep until bedrock was reached. Aggregates were placed and compacted, followed by pouring large, reinforced concrete footers to provide a level, stable base capable of supporting the immense weight without settling.

• 2. Stone Organization & Preparation:
  The limestone pieces were carefully inventoried and laid out in front of their intended spots. Missing sections in the arches and rounded window were recreated from spare material—shaped by hand using traditional stone-cutting techniques to match the original profiles, textures, and patina.

• 3. Doorway Rebuilds:

  The doorways were the heaviest components. Using cranes and multiple heavy-duty straps, each piece (bases to capstones) was lifted into position. Lime mortar provided a level bedding surface, while the crane held elements steady during curing. Accurate measurements and steady crane operation were critical to avoid misalignment or damage.

• 4. Archway Assembly:

  The arches proved more labor-intensive. Placed by hand and temporarily braced, they required extensive steel reinforcements: strapping along the sides into the concrete wall behind, plus custom buttresses at pressure points. The lime mortar ensured a level joint but offered limited structural hold, so stability relied on the hidden steel framework.

• 5. Rounded Window Reconstruction:

  The most intricate element: pieces were aligned from the base, built upward from the center outward (to support the upper sides), and encased in a custom steel plate/strap system screwed into place. This preserved the original form while ensuring long-term upright stability.

• 6. Finishing & Safety:

  All joints were tooled and cleaned; the structures were made safe for children to play near while maintaining an authentic, buttress-free appearance. The goal was longevity—ensuring these relics stand for generations without visible modern intrusions.

• The entire process was both challenging and deeply rewarding, blending historical reverence with practical innovation.

Lasting Impact & Lessons Learned

• The restored limestone features now serve as stunning garden focal points at the Oldfield Estate, harmonizing with the renovated Maclure mansion and sprawling grounds. The project preserved irreplaceable 17th-century craftsmanship while demonstrating how heritage restoration can enhance modern living spaces.
  For Stone & Trowel (and Lennox Masonry’s foundational role), this commission was a milestone: it deepened our appreciation for ancient stonemasons, honed our skills in handling priceless materials, and built confidence for similar high-stakes heritage jobs. It also reinforced the importance of collaboration—owners, architects, lift operators, and specialists working in harmony to respect history while delivering durable results.
  The owners were thrilled with the outcome: the garden gained timeless elegance, and the estate’s heritage value was elevated. The project qualified for potential heritage incentives and showcased how thoughtful restoration can save significant costs (through careful planning and grant opportunities) while achieving superior longevity.