The present conservation area was designated in 1984 and includes the entire 19th century boundary of the original settlement, although Brandish Street, a small community some 300 metres to the south-east is not included. A local authority housing development of some 33 homes was added in the 1930s and is situated immediately to the west of the present boundary, although has little visual association with the historic settlement. A group of houses on this estate were formerly listed grade II, being described as “a good example of a well composed and detailed piece of interwar housing continuing the tradition of the Arts and Crafts.” Regrettably, original exterior detail was replaced, which has since resulted in their delisting.
Very little other development has been added since the late 19th century, and as with other Holnicote villages, buildings are in several separate groups and arranged informally. There is a clearly defined and compact street frontage following a sometimes sharply curving alignment for some 250 metres from the junction with the A39. This includes the medieval packhorse bridge with cottage adjoining and “is one of the most important and most frequently associated features of Allerford.” (Exmoor National Park Local Plan). There is a mixture of thatched and cream rendered cottages, although natural stone is also much in evidence, with slate or pantiled roofs. Allerford is readily accessible and has several attractions that act as a special draw for tourists.
Within the conservation area are some 11 entries included in the statutory list, including several cottage pairs. (see section 7). Of these, all are grade II listed apart from the Packhorse Bridge, which is grade II*, and also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. [1]