Tuscan Foundry collaborated with Michael Whittaker to restore the Gatekeeper’s Lodge in Fordingbridge, a Grade I listed property within the New Forest. The scope focused on supplying and installing traditional cast-iron rainwater goods that preserve the lodge’s character while improving long-term performance.
Overview
The project centred on reinstating authentic profiles and details to match the original system. Our team delivered a conservation-led package that aligned with listing requirements and the aesthetic of the estate buildings.
The Challenge
Existing gutters and downpipes were heavily corroded, with sections missing and decorative features lost over time. As a Grade I structure, every element required a like-for-like profile and finish, supported by careful surveying and compliance with heritage guidance.
Our Solution
- Manufacture and supply of Half Round Gutter
- Installation of traditional Round Cast Iron Downpipes.
- Provision of a decorative Regent Ornamental Hopper Head for visual continuity.
- On-site survey, pattern-making, casting, priming and finishing to heritage standards.
Explore related products: cast iron gutters, downpipes, and ornamental hopper heads.
The Outcome
The new rainwater system restores the lodge’s original appearance and enhances weather protection. The client noted that the new fittings “blend perfectly with the existing structure,” reflecting Tuscan Foundry’s attention to detail and heritage craftsmanship.
“The castings are precise, robust, and visually seamless — exactly what this Grade I building required.”
