Our Historical Buildings

Chiltern Open Air Museum stands as a testament to its commitment to heritage preservation, having successfully re-erected 37 rescued buildings to date. This remarkable feat spans an impressive 2,000 years of Chiltern architecture, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. From ancient structures to more recent additions, each building tells a unique story, contributing to the Museum's rich tapestry of history.

Many of the buildings that are now here at COAM were set to be demolished because of changing regulations and demands on the land. The Chiltern Hills have a long and rich history, but like many places across the country, the demand for more housing and new facilities is high.

COAM preserves buildings of historical significance and reconstructs them in appropriate landscapes on the large 45-acre Museum site. This dedication to rescuing and showcasing architectural gems underscores the Museum's role as a living, immersive experience of the Chilterns' diverse and enduring past.

See our collection of Historical Buildings below.

  • historic building Amersham Prefab at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Amersham Prefab

    There was a housing shortage after the Second World War, and prefabricated temporary bungalows, known as Little Palaces were one solution.

  • Arborfield Barn at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Arborfield Barn

    Arborfield Barn is a from the Tudor period, with a medieval-style thatched roof. It was originally used for storing food or keeping animals.

  • historic building Astleham cottage at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Astleham Cottage

    A Timber-framed Hall House. Astleham Manor Cottage is not open for public viewing but is used for staff and volunteer offices and facilities.

  • historic building Blythe Rd Pavillion at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Blythe Road Pavillion

    Early 20th century pavilion originally designed as a storage facility, then transformed into a sports pavilion during the 1930s.

  • historic building Caversham at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Caversham

    Edwardian public toilets. This grand restroom structure, originally situated near a tram stop in Caversham, Berkshire, dates back to 1906.

  • historic building Garston Forge at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Garston Forge

    A working Victorian blacksmith’s forge originally from Horse Shoe Lane in Garston, Hertfordshire.

  • historic building Gerrards Cross Hut at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Gerrards Cross Hut

    The Gerrards Cross Hut is a prefabricated (prefab) wooden structure that resembles a sizeable garden shed.

  • heritage buildings Glory Mill at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Glory Mill

    First World War Storage Building is believed to have been constructed with a wooden and steel frame during WW1.

  • historic building Haddenham Cottage at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Haddenham Earth Cottage

    This Victorian family residence is constructed from Wychert - a local material found in Buckinghamshire.

  • historic building Harpenden Well Head at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Harpenden Well Head

    The Harpenden Well Head carries a historical legacy which is believed to date back to the 1750s.

  • historic building Henton Chapel at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Henton Chapel

    Henton Mission Room, known as the 'little tin church,' is a prefabricated church crafted in 1886 from wood and clad in iron.

  • historic building High wycombe Futniture factory  at Chiltern open Air Museum

    High Wycombe Furniture Factory

    This furniture factory, owned by James Elliott and Son, stands as a testament to the rich industrial history of High Wycombe.

  • Historical building Toll House at Chiltern Museum

    High Wycombe Toll House

    The toll house was originally built in 1826 for the Collector of Tolls on the London to Oxford road at High Wycombe.

  • historic building Iron Age Roundhouse at Chiltern open Air Museum

    Iron Age Roundhouse

    Explore the lives of ancient inhabitants as we bring history to life within the walls of this Iron Age dwelling

  • Leavgrave cottages at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Leagrave Cottages

    Originally an 18th-century thatched barn. The Leagrave Cottages have evolved throughout time and offer a unique glimpse into past times

  • Inside Northolt Barn at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Northolt Barn

    The Grade II listed Northolt Barn, dated 1595, once faced endangerment after being set alight by vandals at its original location on a farm in Northolt, Middlesex.

  • Skippings barn at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Skippings Barn

    A traditional Chilterns Barn. Very little ‘concrete’ information (pardon the pun!) is known about the history of this enigmatic building.

  • Thame Vicarage Room at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    Thame Vicarage

    The Vicarage room is an example of a Victorian wooden-framed, pre-fabricated structure procured by the local vicar, Reverend F. Cohen.

  • Nissen Bow Hut at COAM

    WW1 Nissen Hut

    WW1 Nissen Bow Huts were originally designed by Major Peter Norman Nissen during World War 1. They had lots of uses such as military use, storage and make shift hospitals.

  • Historic Building Nissan Hut at Chiltern Open Air Museum

    WW11 Sewell Nissan Hut

    Nissen huts were originally designed during the First World War. They were known for their affordability & quick assembly.

Future Historic Builds

Currently, 15 buildings await re-erection at the Museum, patiently seeking funding for their revival. Among these treasures are medieval timber-framed dwellings and the legendary Maple Cross Studios, once owned by Jack Jackson (the 'Father of DJs'). This iconic recording studio hosted legendary artists such as Motorhead, Elton John, Dr Feelgood, Ian Dury, and many more.  

As an independent charity, our Museum relies on the generosity of individuals like you. Our buildings need continually looking after and all funds raised are invested back into the Museum. Your contribution, whether big or small, ensures the continuous enjoyment of this unique space for everyone. If you're a UK taxpayer, please choose to Gift Aid at the checkout, this will amplify your admission, membership or donation by an additional 25% and will give us us a vital bit of additional income at no extra cost to you.

Thank you for being a vital part of our mission to maintain the Museum's special place in history and community.

What Our Visitors Say

  • “A beautiful museum that tells the story of the Chilterns through lovely buildings”

  • “Beautiful place, especially for history lovers.”

  • “…it feels like a full size model village”