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.
-
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
Arborfield Barn is a from the Tudor period, with a medieval-style thatched roof. It was originally used for storing food or keeping animals.
-
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.
-
Blythe Road Pavillion
Early 20th century pavilion originally designed as a storage facility, then transformed into a sports pavilion during the 1930s.
-
Caversham
Edwardian public toilets. This grand restroom structure, originally situated near a tram stop in Caversham, Berkshire, dates back to 1906.
-
Garston Forge
A working Victorian blacksmith’s forge originally from Horse Shoe Lane in Garston, Hertfordshire.
-
Gerrards Cross Hut
The Gerrards Cross Hut is a prefabricated (prefab) wooden structure that resembles a sizeable garden shed.
-
Glory Mill
First World War Storage Building is believed to have been constructed with a wooden and steel frame during WW1.
-
Haddenham Earth Cottage
This Victorian family residence is constructed from Wychert - a local material found in Buckinghamshire.
-
Harpenden Well Head
The Harpenden Well Head carries a historical legacy which is believed to date back to the 1750s.
-
Henton Chapel
Henton Mission Room, known as the 'little tin church,' is a prefabricated church crafted in 1886 from wood and clad in iron.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Iron Age Roundhouse
Explore the lives of ancient inhabitants as we bring history to life within the walls of this Iron Age dwelling
-
Leagrave Cottages
Originally an 18th-century thatched barn. The Leagrave Cottages have evolved throughout time and offer a unique glimpse into past times
-
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
A traditional Chilterns Barn. Very little ‘concrete’ information (pardon the pun!) is known about the history of this enigmatic building.
-
Thame Vicarage
The Vicarage room is an example of a Victorian wooden-framed, pre-fabricated structure procured by the local vicar, Reverend F. Cohen.
-
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.
-
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”