Devon’s rooftops tell stories as old as the hills they rise above. From centuries-old thatched longhouses on windswept moors to the soaring leadwork of Exeter Cathedral, the county’s skyline is steeped in history. Each roof is a reflection of regional identity, of materials drawn from the landscape, and of skills passed through generations. For those with an interest in heritage roofing, Devon offers much to admire.
In fact, for anyone with an eye for architectural detail, Devon is a treasure trove. Across the county, buildings wear their history proudly on their rooftops – patched, preserved, and painstakingly maintained by those dedicated to keeping the tradition alive.
The Landscape Shapes the Craft
Devon’s geology plays a vital role in its architectural story. On Dartmoor and Exmoor, the dark hues of local slate dominate — rugged, practical, and perfectly suited to the harsher upland weather. Down on the coast and in the red-earth villages of South Devon, clay tiles lend a warmth and softness to rooflines, shaped by generations of potters and roofers using nearby earth.
Materials are local for a reason: not just convenience, but suitability. And preserving a listed building often means returning to those same sources. In Devon, heritage roofing is about understanding the land a structure stands on.
A Tour of Devon’s Roofing Heritage
Some of the finest examples of historic roofing in the South West can be found right here in Devon. Below are some of our favourite buildings that carry the legacy of those who built and restored them. Each example reflects the care required to maintain the spirit of Devon’s built heritage. The roof, often overlooked, can be the focal point of a building’s authenticity.
1. Exeter Cathedral
A masterclass in medieval roof construction. The intricately detailed leadwork and slate rooflines are not only beautiful but also a testament to centuries of ongoing care and craftsmanship.
2. Powderham Castle
This Grade I listed site demonstrates the delicate balance between restoration and preservation. Its use of natural slate and handmade clay tiles echoes the original materials, keeping its silhouette historically true.
3. The House That Moved
Perhaps Exeter’s most famous medieval survivor, this timber-framed building — relocated in the 1960s — retains its character through sensitive roof restoration using traditional tiling techniques.
4. Greenway House
Agatha Christie’s beloved retreat. Here, the slate roof rests gently in the landscape, a quiet example of how good conservation work allows Devon’s heritage roofs to feel timeless, not frozen.
5. Dartmoor Longhouses
Found across the upland farms of Devon, these homes — some dating back to the 13th century — still use thatch or stone slates, showcasing local, sustainable building traditions that continue to this day.
6. RAMM (Royal Albert Memorial Museum)
Its Victorian roof structure was carefully restored during major renovations, highlighting the complexity involved in blending conservation principles with public use.
7. Killerton House
The National Trust’s work here — using period-appropriate materials and local roofing skills — reveals how large estates depend on subtle, historically aware interventions to remain true to their roots.
Why Heritage Roofing Requires Specialist Knowledge
Working on listed or historic buildings isn’t straightforward. There are legal requirements, architectural restrictions, and historical details that must be respected. The aim is always to preserve what’s already there — to repair rather than replace, to retain a roof’s form, pitch, and features. That might mean recreating hand-cut slates, restoring leadwork detail, or replacing timber trusses to their original specification.
What makes heritage roofing in Devon so distinctive is the regional knowledge it demands. Techniques that work in one village might be out of place in another. The best roofing work is invisible — seamless with the building’s age, location, and story.
Preserving Devon’s Roofscapes
Whether you’re admiring the thatched ridges of Widecombe or the neat slate symmetry of Totnes, don’t forget there’s a quiet pleasure in noticing what’s overhead. Devon’s roofscapes are a part of a living, evolving tradition. They rely on people who know how to respect them.
Choosing to maintain roofing tradition — whether through careful conservation or local materials — helps ensure that the character of Devon’s buildings remains intact for generations to come.
FAQs: Heritage Roofing Devon
What is meant by “Devon heritage roofing”?
Heritage roofing in Devon refers to the repair, restoration, or replacement of roofs on historic or listed buildings using traditional materials and methods.
Do I need permission to work on a listed building?
Yes. Listed buildings require Listed Building Consent before any roofing work can begin. You can download a PDF guide from historicengland.org for more information.
What roofing materials are used in heritage projects?
Common materials include local slate, handmade clay tiles, lead flashing, and in some cases, thatch or stone slates – all sourced to match the original roof.
Can modern insulation be added to heritage roofs?
Yes, but it must be done sensitively to avoid damaging the structure. There are breathable insulation systems designed for historic buildings.
How much does heritage roofing cost in Devon?
Costs vary depending on the building’s size, complexity, and material needs. Contact Exeter Roofing for a bespoke quote.
Let’s Preserve Devon’s Heritage – One Roof at a Time
At Exeter Roofing, we’re proud to play our part in protecting the county’s history, one tile, slate, or ridge at a time. Whether you’re maintaining a Grade I listed landmark or a beloved family cottage, trust our team to bring care, skill, and authenticity to every project.
Contact Exeter Roofing today to discuss your heritage roofing project or to request a site assessment.
All roof work undertaken
Fully qualified for heritage tiling & repair
Fully qualified in traditional roofing works
