The Red Barn

The iconic Red Barn on Went Hill near Birling Gap looks wonderful again in the winter sun following remedial work by our team.

Colbran & Wingrove were appointed by the National Trust to work on this single storey flint building above the Seven Sisters.  With constant exposure to the elements, the timber doors and windows and cast iron guttering had deteriorated and required replacement.

Our team removed all the existing gutters, brackets and downpipes. We subsequently supplied and fitted new factory-finished black half-round cast iron gutters, brackets and downpipes, installing these to their original falls as closely as possible.

Following removal of all the existing timber doors and shutter linings, we supplied and installed new hardwood doors and linings, and new ironmongery. We completed the project with re-decoration with primer and topcoats of external timber paint matched as closely as possible to its distinctive red colour.

Birling Gap History

We were interested to learn that the building was originally one of three cottages built by Mary Anne Gilbert of Birling Manor for farm labourers in the 1800s. However, it was in ruins by 1874.  

In 1982 The National Trust purchased the land at Birling Gap, including the Red Barn, and continues to work to manage and protect this important coastal site.

You can read more about Birling Gap on the National Trust’s website here.

Colbran & Wingrove have also carried out further work for the National Trust in Birling Gap at Frog Firle bridge in the Cuckmere Valley and Farrer Hall in East Dean.

If you are planning work on a protected or heritage building and would be interested in discussing your work or obtaining a quote, you can get in touch with us at: office@colbranwingrove.co.uk

January 2026