“We had a few nightmares,” says Pache, who estimates that he spent between £130,000 and £140,000 on transforming the building into a three-bedroom property, where he and his wife now live. “We had to dig down to create enough room height in the cottage and we hit the water table — it was like an indoor swimming pool. And the chimney had only three sides to it — you could move it backwards and forwards.” Soon, though, they started to realise they had got their hands on “a little bit of special history”.

“We are custodians of our heritage,” Pache adds. “We’ve got an ancient building that has stood the test of time. It’s good for another 400 years now. Because it’s been rebuilt and we know how to take care of it, there’s no reason for it ever to fall into disrepair again.” Which is exactly what Save Britain’s Heritage is hoping will happen to this year’s offerings.

- The latest Buildings at Risk catalogue from Save Britain’s Heritage costs £17.50, inc p&p; call 020 7253 3500 or visit savebritainsheritage.org to download an order form

Come to their rescue: from former rectories to rundown farmhouses

Carmarthenshire: Set in 100 acres, Golden Grove is a Grade II*-listed early-19th-century mansion near Llandeilo. Although many original features survive, including neogothic entrance doors, an impressive oak staircase, wood panelling, coloured marble fireplaces and ornate ceilings, the house has become dilapidated — as have the staff wing, the mock-Tudor stable block and the gatehouse, which are included in the sale. Formerly an agricultural college, the property has sat empty since 2003. Planning consent was granted in 2004 to change the building to residential use or convert it into a hotel or conference centre, but nothing has happened since, and the owner is now selling up. The mansion costs £800,000; for £1.5m, you also get the land, with outbuildings, a deer park, tearooms and an arboretum.

John Francis; 01267 233111, johnfrancis.co.uk

Essex: High House is a run-down, timber-framed 17th-century farmhouse in an acre in Rettendon. Planning permission has been granted to extend the house and convert the outbuildings that are included in the sale to office use.

It is for sale for £700,000. Dedman Gray; 01702 311111, dedman.net

Gloucestershire: Brookside, in the village of Leonard Stanley, has been threatened with demolition, but gained a Grade II listing in 2007. It is crumbling badly and has been damaged by fire and flooding. Partially open to the elements, it is seriously at risk, and a new owner is “desperately needed”, according to the register. It is for sale for £300,000.

Charles Duncan Estate Agents; 01453 760044, charlesduncanestateagents.co.uk

Cambridgeshire: Grade II*-listed Juniper House is a former rectory in Stretham, 10 miles north of Cambridge. It has been vacant for two years, but structurally isn’t in bad nick. It has 10 bedrooms, seven receptions and a good-sized garden, and is on sale for £850,000, including a coach house.

Redmayne, Arnold and Harris; 01223 323130, rah.co.uk

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