Derelict farmhouse in Talbot Valley for sale
A HISTORIC Guernsey farmstead in the Talbot Valley, which has stood empty for about six years, has been put up for sale.
Les Galliennes has been in the Brouard family for about a century.
As well as the large farmhouse, which stands by Route des Talbots, there are also two barns, four acres of land and a stream.
Martel Maides director Keith Enevoldsen said it would take quite a lot of work to get the building habitable.
‘There’s been lots of interest, but it has not sold because of the amount that needs to be spent on it,’ he said.
‘It needs a full renovation. All the services need to be replaced. Everything needs doing. It’s a proper project.’
A broken drain at one corner of the house has led to severe subsidence problems and the upper levels are not stable.
The house is believed to date back to before 1787 and is on the site of a medieval settlement. However, it was substantially altered in the Victorian era. The house, the large barn by the road and the roadside wall are all listed.
Kenneth Mauger, 73, has been looking after the site. His father was the first cousin of the previous owner of the site, Tommy Brouard junior.
He can remember the site in its heyday.
‘They used to compete in the South Show and got lots of awards,’ Mr Mauger said.
‘They also used to supply flowers for the Battle of Flowers. It was beautiful.’
It is believed that Tom Brouard senior bought the house in the 1920s to run his flower business.
At its height Mr Mauger thinks there were four glasshouses in the valley.
The family grew a range of flowers, but were particularly well known for their chrysanthemums.
They had a big stall in the old market in St Peter Port and had huge floral displays there.
The family stayed in the house during the Second World War, despite the strong German presence in the valley, which is still home to war tunnels. Just up the road was a German barracks.
Mr Mauger said he believed the family likely switched to growing food during the war, but went back to growing flowers afterwards.
Tom senior and his wife Ada had one son – Tommy junior – who went into the family business.
Tommy went on to marry Betty. But about six years ago Tommy died.
Just 10 days later Betty followed, leaving the house empty.
Now it has been decided that it is best to sell it.
Mr Mauger said he would love to see it restored to its former glory.
The house is being sold by Martel Maides for £799,000.
