The timber structure of all four linked lofts was carefully inspected for approximately 1 hour. All rafters, joist ends (approx 100 off) and wall plates were looked at, together with ridge beams, timber touching stone (ie chimney heads), etc. Only one small area of rot was found on a front lower rafter, and half a dozen or so rafters and joists have had new bolt-ons during the 1980s refurb. Some of the lower sarking has also been replaced. Overall the loft timbers are remarkably solid and dry for a building of its age (130 years) and neglect, helped by the fact that the original design, materials used and construction of the roof structure was of a very high standard, and that the loft is uninsulated. Recent rumours of serious rot in the roof timbers appear to be wrong, and the actual condition is extremely encouraging.