Holly Trees Kensworth

Holly Trees January 2013

Holly Trees was listed by the former Department of Environment in September 1980 as Grade II, of special interest. It dates from the 17th century and timber-framing is visible on the sides of the building at first floor level where it is infilled with whitewashed brick, otherwise it is all whitewashed brick beneath an old clay tiled roof. The property comprises two storeys.

The Rating and Valuation Act 1925 specified that every building and piece of land in the country was to be assessed to determine its rateable value. Kensworth, like most of the county, was largely assessed in 1927 and the valuer visiting Holly Trees [DV1/C110/83] found it was owned by shopkeeper Joseph Andrews and occupied by S. Hall who paid rent of 3/6 per annum.

Accommodation comprised a reception room and a kitchen with four bedrooms above. The valuer was not impressed, commenting: “Very bad. Falling down” and, in case he forgot, another comment reading: “House in very poor condition”. Outside stood a weather-boarded and corrugated iron barn and earth closet.