SAUGHALL MASSIE

Saughall Massie Village Convservation Area was designed in January 1974. The boundary incorporates the village core and parts of the surrounding field system. It grew up as an isolated rural village and is one of four ancient townships in the parish of Bidston. Today it contains a small, agricultural settlement as well as some of the surrounding fields which continue to provide an appropriate rural setting for the village. The original settlement is of mediaeval origin, however, most of the historic buildings which remain today date from the early to mid-seventeenth century, with four surviving houses dating from this period.

There are two working farms still operating from the village and while some buildings have been converted to other uses, the primarily agricultural character of the area has been retained. This is reinforced by the setting of the area, the character, scale, and form of the buildings themselves, and other characteristic features such as stone walls, mature hedgerows and narrow roads and lanes. Overall the area still retains the character of a small rural village that has grown up over a number of centuries.

Stone boundary walls within the conservation area are a key part of its visual character. Most walls are constructed of local buff sandstone. These low walls are used around both agricultural and domestic properties. There are some variations in construction and design, but all are of roughly coursed sandstone, with some simple form of capping.

The following buildings or structures have a higher status either historically, socially or architecturally or are of particular importance as being landmarks:

Ivy Cottage, thatched 17th century house, Grade II listed – the only thatched cottage remaining in North Wirral

Poplar Farmhouse, brick built, early 18th century, Grade II listed

Diamond Farmhouse and barns, built of brick on stone foundations, Grade II listed

The Elms (17th century house, now rendered. Grade II listed)

Saughall Massie Bridge (early 19th century, stone bridge. Grade II listed)

The Saughall public house, rebuilt early 20th century of Italianate design.

Prospect Farmhouse and shippons (barns). Not listed but considered of considerable importance as buildings have existed on the site since the 1600’s as shown in the Kingston Survey. To view a map of the Conservation Area click here.